Is Internal Gear Shifting More Effort-Saving Than External Gear Shifting?
4 Answers
Internal gear shifting is more effort-saving than external gear shifting. Locations of Internal and External Gear Shifting: External gear shifting refers to the gear shifter being installed externally on the bicycle as a separate component. In contrast, internal gear shifting is a concealed component hidden within the rear hub. External gear shifting is directly exposed to the outside, making direct contact with the external environment. Internal gear shifting, however, is hidden inside and does not directly contact the external environment. Applications of Internal and External Gear Shifting: Due to its larger design space, external gear shifting offers a wider range of gear shifts and is commonly used in mountain bikes. However, since it is exposed to external elements such as rain, mud, and oil, it requires regular cleaning and maintenance. Internal gear shifting, on the other hand, does not require regular maintenance. However, due to its limited design space, the range of gear shifts is more restricted, making it primarily suitable for lightweight urban bicycles.
When it comes to shifting methods, I've experienced them all during my years of commuting. Internal gear hubs conceal the shifting mechanism inside the hub, with good sealing that basically keeps out dust and water, resulting in naturally less friction when riding. Especially on rainy days or in sandy areas, it's noticeably easier to pedal than with external gears. However, it has one drawback: the gear range is relatively small, and you might feel it's less flexible than external gears when climbing particularly steep slopes. Choosing an internal gear hub for daily commuting is indeed more effortless, but professional riders might prefer the precision of external gears. There's no absolute good or bad between these two; it really depends on your actual usage scenario. By the way, high-end internal gear hubs now offer up to 11 speeds, showing how the technology is maturing.
I have been using a touring bike for a long time and really appreciate the low-maintenance feature of internal gear hubs. The gear mechanism is entirely sealed inside the hub, so the lubricating grease doesn’t dry out or get worn by sand and gravel like the chain of an external derailleur. Especially when riding in the city, encountering sprinkler trucks or rainy days, the internal gear hub requires no extra care—you can still ride smoothly. With an external derailleur, the chain’s friction noticeably increases when wet, and your legs can feel sore after just ten minutes of riding. Of course, internal gear hubs also have their drawbacks, such as insufficient gear range for extreme hill climbing. Overall, from an effort-saving perspective, unless you’re into professional racing or long-distance touring, an internal gear hub is more than sufficient.
I previously helped a friend choose a bike and test-rode two types of shifting systems. The internal gear hub is truly effortless to ride, with an exceptionally smooth pedaling feel, especially when starting—there's no chain skipping. Its gearbox is like a mechanical watch sealed inside a thermos, operating more steadily without external interference. However, if you particularly enjoy the precise control of shifting, the external derailleur system offers a more mechanical and engaging shifting experience. Internal gears are like an automatic transmission—hassle-free, while external gears are like a manual transmission—more fun. For daily commuting, I recommend an internal gear hub.
