3 speed hub noise

[subforry]

Hi all,

I just got a beach cruiser with a Shimano 3 speed hub.  In low gear it makes no noise.  In direct and high it makes a tick-tick-tick sound like a free wheel.  This is when I am pedaling.  I thought geared hubs were quiet when pedaling, am I wrong?  Does it need some adjustment?

Thanks

[dpstrauss]

Hi all,

I just got a beach cruiser with a Shimano 3 speed hub.  In low gear it makes no noise.  In direct and high it makes a tick-tick-tick sound like a free wheel.  This is when I am pedaling.  I thought geared hubs were quiet when pedaling, am I wrong?  Does it need some adjustment?

Thanks

Not that I'm an expert, but, yes, I would go for the adjustment.  I don't know if the 3-speed is the same setup as the 8-speed, but if it is, where the cable connects to the hub, that little thingy (i know, way too technical) that can slide along the cable when loosened can be moved ever so slightly and that can make all the difference in the world.  There should also be a barrel adjuster at the shifter that might help, but I'm guessing you have already attended to that if there is one.  Also, the Shimano documentation available on line is pretty damn good.  Lots of PDFs etc.  I may be there Wednesday doing penance for my missed shift last Thursday.  If you're there with the cruiser, I'm happy to help.

ds

[Steve Mattson]

They tick, they sound like crickets, they make noise.  The shimano 3 spds have a window and an alignment setting, I think, in 2nd gear which is the 1:1 ratio.  You might even be able to find a youtube tutorial on how to adjust them.  They will always make a steady tick tick noise when in 3rd gear though.  Sorry you were misled about the silence of 3 speeds.  I bike my new Sturmey Archer 3 speed's sound--it's like several crickets, quieter than the Shimano, but chirping away.

[subforry]

Thanks guys.  I will bring it in Wednesday to true the wheels and get some professional advice on adjusting it.  I was hoping to only hear the waves crashing during my 10pm ride.  Oh well, next time I will take the fixie.

[subforry]

Steve,

It wasn't quite clear from your post, will the Shimano chirp in 2nd (direct) and 3rd or just 3rd?

The hub is adjusted correctly according to the window and markers on the bell crank.

Thanks

[Steve Mattson]

From what I can gleen from the bike forums.  Clicking is normal in both 2nd and 3rd gears.  It should sound something like it is coasting when pedaling.