3-Speed Hub Info

[kingplinker]

Hey I need help. I wanted to build a bike around a 3-Speed Shifter I got. I have never messed with a 3-Speed hub, and have a few (dumb) questions:

1.) Can I take any 3-speed hub and make it work on a 26", or 27" rim? If so what brand is best?

2.) Do they make 3-speed hubs/rims for large tires like 2.75 or whatever?

3.) If I was to get a 3-speed hub, could I theoretically lace it up on any rim I wanted?

Thanks. Also, if anyone has a 3-speed hub, or one on a larger rim I'm interested.

 

[user 135]

1. any three speed will lace to any rim as long as the holes are the same- ex. 36 hole rim for a 36 hole hub.
2. Should matter on tire size. you can change the gearing by varying the cog on the rear or the sprocket on the front.
3. see question #1.

If you have a 3speed without a coaster brake , you need a frame that has mounts for brakes. Old single speed cruiser frames will not generally work with a freewheel 3spd.

 

[kingplinker]

OK great, thanks for the info. If I find one already together (rim/hub) then cool. If not and I have to buy one to lace it, I want it to be a decent one. Are all the Sturmeys good (all I see on ebay), or does it really matter? Thanks man, T.

 

[12bcruzin]

I have a 3spd drum brake S/A hub on my 40DX and I have had no problems with it and it is 27 years old. I don't hammer it but I have put a lot of miles on it and it hasn't skipped a beat...yet...knock on wood.

 

[kingplinker]

wow that sounds like a very cool hub - disc brakes? I saw somone building a bike in RRBO2 with brake drums - -were those made foe whizzers and stuff, or were they for regular, non motor bikes to? I love the way they look.

I found a couple old 3-Speed hubs shortly after i posted this topic - posted pics in the Fresh Find Section. Thank man, T>

 

[TJK]

Shimano has an internal geared hub that takes a disk.
expensive.. comparatively.