Adjusting an internally geared hub made easy
Your internally geared hub is no longer shifting clean? It feels like the gears aren't setting properly? Then you should re-adjust your internally geared hub. In this workshop how-to we want to show you how to adjust your SHIMANO "Alfine" or "Nexus” internally geared hub.
Why do I have to adjust my internally geared hub?
Internally geared hubs are very low-maintenance drivetrains for bicycles. However, low maintenance does not mean maintenance-free and internally geared hubs must also be adjusted when needed. However, this is not due to the internally geared hub, but rather the cable. This stretches with time, because it is tightened and loosened with every shift. Other parts of the drivetrain, such as end caps, can also deform a little over time under this load. The result is shoddy shifting.
In order to counteract these wear symptoms, the shifter cable must be adjusted from time to time. We'll show you how to do this in no time.
Find the gear to adjust the internally geared hub
Each SHIMANO internally geared hub has a special gear that it can be adjusted in. Most of the time, this gear is marked with a border, arrows or stripes on the shift lever. So switch to the marked gear. If the gear is not marked, we have a list here.
Drivetrain model |
Adjustment gear |
Alfine 8-speed | 4 |
Alfine 11-speed | 6 |
Nexus 3-speed | 2 |
Nexus 5- speed (also inter 5e) | 3 |
Nexus 7- or 8-speed | 4 |
Check the tension
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Locate the internally geared hub inspection window
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Check the marks.Both marks must match.
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Now turn the shift lever slightly and see which mark is moving.Now you know the reference point and know which marker you are moving by changing the tension.
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If the mark on the moving part is before the reference point, you must increase the tension.
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If the mark on the moving part is behind the reference point, you must reduce the tension.
Adjust the tension
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The tension is adjusted by means of the shifter or lever on the handlebar.
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Now shift into the gear that is used to adjust the internally geared hub.In the SHIMANO Nexus 8-speed shown, it is the fourthgear.
- If you turn the barrel adjuster in the direction of travel, you increase the tension, the mark moves forward.
- If you turn the adjuster back, you reduce the tension, so the mark moves backwards.
- The correct tension is achieved when the mark matches up with the reference point.
Checking the adjustment
- To check the adjustment, shift up and down a gear from the adjustment gear.
- Shift down and up again from the adjustment gear.
- The marks in the adjustment gear should now still match.
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If this is not the case, you have toadjust again.
Test ride
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Now your SHIMANO "Nexus" or "Alfine" internally geared hub should be properly adjusted and shifting clean.
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On a test ride, you should shift through all gears, from gear one to the highest gear.
We hope you have been able to solve your problem with our guide.If you continue to have trouble shifting, your local bike dealer will be happy to help.
Adjustment gear not marked
If the gear for adjusting the hub is not marked, simply identify the make and model of the hub and ask the manufacturer.
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Adjusting a chain drivetrain
You don't have an internally geared hub, but a chain drivetrain? We’ll show you how to adjust it here.