Classic & Vintage - Question about the Three speed 'sound'

I haven't ridden a 3-speed hub in decades... but I set up a winter bike with a Shimano 3-speed hub in the rear (to reduce the road grime on the drive train issue). So far so good.

Question... is there naturally a sorta tickety-tick sound in 1st and 3rds gears? SEems like 2nd is the fixed gear. It's not like it slows down, but I'm wondering if those outside gears are a little noisier?

Thanks!

MArk

Sturmey-Archers do tick in 1st and 3rd. I'd expect your Shimano is supposed to as well.

My AW clicks in 2nd & 3rd but not 1st. It has been oiled. I remember the one I had when I was young made this sound, but cannot remember which gears for that one.

The shimanos will be quiet in second gear, since that is the direct gear. I remember my S&A though clicked in second and 3rd instead.

Yep, Shimano 3 speed hubs are noisy in 1st and 3rd.

Yep, Shimano 3 speed hubs are noisy in 1st and 3rd.

I wouldn't call it noisy, it's just a function of the internal design. As the planetary gearset turns, the pawls click against the hub shell when in certain gears. When they are quiet, it is because the pawls are not rotating. If the clicking seems loud, you may need some oil added.

much obliged for all the assistance. I rekoned as much, the sounds were normal. I'll get some oil in there as we are in the middle of some Good winter muck now!

Be careful not to over lubricate. They are supposed to make some noise if they don't its over lubed it should be a nice low noise click not real loud