GoodShipRuffles

I've had my Brompton for six weeks or so. I've just noticed that there's quite a lot of play on the bearings of the Sturmey Archer hub gear. Is this normal or should I take it back? I'm sure it was ok when I bought the thing

I've not ridden a bike with a hub gear since I was a child. I thought they lasted for ever?

Rob.

mrhedges

something was probably not adjusted right. before you ride it more have it looked at.

garage sale GT

It's imperative that the bearings be correctly adjusted. I would definitely take it to someone who knows how. They are far more likely to pit when loose.

It doesn't have to wear out in order to be loose. It just has to be misadjusted or tinkered with.

GoodShipRuffles

Thanks MrHedges,

Are they cartridge bearings or the usual cone-spanner-that-chops-your-fingers-off affair? In my experience the latter don't become loose unless the bearing has failed. Simply because the nuts on the axle hold it all tight.

Thing is I've already had the bike replaced once when the suspension collapsed after the first week. The shop will think I'm the customer from hell! Still it is a £700 bike...

GoodShipRuffles

It's not been touched by me. Never even had the wheel off. But it did go in to On Your Bike for it's one month check-up. I wonder if they tried to adjust it?

I thought Hub Gears outlasted their owners?

mrhedges

i would guess its not an issue of wear and tear, hub gears do last a long time when properly adjusted. Take it back to the shop and tell them its loose and have them look at it. mechanics are people they make mistakes thats why i wrench my own bike then i only have myself to blame.

i'm not sure if its cartridge or not, i have only had loose ball some not sure the difference in that regard. A google or BF search on the type of hub may answer that question

GoodShipRuffles

Looks like it's cones: https://www.sturmey-archer.com/userfi..._Speed_Hub.pdf

Back to the shop then.

LWaB

The cones of a SA 3sp hub should have a small amount of movement but less than yours has.

Dan Burkhart 

Yes, that is excessive play. It is a cup and cone, bearing adjustment is done on the non drive side.

GoodShipRuffles

Thanks Dan,

Dropped the bike off at "On Your Bike" this morning. They're tightening it up now.

It does seem to have become loose very suddenly. Could something have failed internally?

I don't want to strip it down myself. It's a new bike and should really be sorted out by the shop.

Rob.

tcs

Is this a standard Sturmey 3-speed or the BWR hub?

Can't imagine it makes any difference, just wondering.

tcs

Dan Burkhart 

Possible but unlikely. More likely the locknut was not properly torqued in the first place or someone messed with it.

mike

This is not unusual at all for a new hub/bearings. The dirty little secret is that most bearings have to be adjusted after they are run in.

Just tighten the bearing cones ever so slightly - maybe 1/8 turn or so. Don't over-do it.

The fact that you noticed is a good sign that you are aware of your machine.

EM42

same issue with the brompton headset after break in period headset cones need to be tightened

the front hub is opposite though they are set too tight and have to loosen the cones a tiny bit to my liking.

i have 4 bromptons all have the same symptoms. too tight front wheel cones, loose headset

but never the rear hubs maybe because i have the "better quality"[in my opinion] Sachs Torpedo hubs ;-) lol

tcs

I'm a big fan of some of SRAMs hubs, but just try to find spare parts for them in the USA.

BTW, SRAM is executing a plan to end German manufacture of IGHs and some SRAM IGHs are now built in Taiwan by a "strategic supplier":

https://www.bicycleretailer.com/news/...tail/3865.html

tcs