Is there a specific gear that you're supposed to leave Sturmey Archer hubs in when theyre not being

[Chris S]

I stored my Sturmey Archer 3-speed in my garage over winter. I deliberately left it in top gear so there would be no tension on the springs in the hub.

Yesterday I couldn't select bottom gear. I had to drip 3-In-1 down the toggle hole (it's a 1996 model with no lubrication hole) and use a pair of pliers to free everything up. It's now OK.

Is there a specific gear that you're supposed to leave Sturmey Archer hubs in when theyre not being used?

 

[MacB]

Not that I'm aware of and I would probably have done the same as you or removed the toggle chain altogether.

 

[tyred]

I never heard of one. I had a bike that hadn't moved in thirty years and the hub worked fine.

 

[Davidc]

I haven't either. Can't get up to tyred's numbers, but years ago we put a spare wheel on my wife's bike, after it had spent over 10 years in the loft, and it just worked.

 

[byegad]

3in1 tends to solidify with age. Try using a thin motor oil instead.

 

[Chris S]

I haven't either. Can't get up to tyred's numbers, but years ago we put a spare wheel on my wife's bike, after it had spent over 10 years in the loft, and it just worked.

Sounds like my 'sealed for life' hub isn't as durable as the old type - the life is obviously a lot shorter!

I'll drop in some motor oil to try and keep it going.

 

[tyred]

My guess is that the grease which is packed inside your "for life" has actually gone hard with a combination of old age and lack of use. The correct course of action is really to dismantle the hub, wash it out and re-grease it. Or drill the shell and fit an oiler.

 

[Bornagaincyclist]

Years ago we used to leave the bike in 3rd gear to stop un-neccessary cable strech. Use to fill them up with car engine oil till it came out of the sides too.
We woz only kidz mind!

Regards Gordon

 

[bobg]

Forgive me if I've said this again, but SAE 30 is recommended for the "normal" lubrication Sturmey Archer hubs. 3 in 1 is too thin allows the pawls to rattle and engine oil is too thick and clogs them

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

my bwr (brompton sa hub) 'lost' 3rd gear during winter, the oil i used just got a higher viscosity (thickened) due to the cold. now we're into double figures every-thing's working again, will have to strip it and use some thiner (& much less) oil.