Do you think this hub gear would survive motorising?

[Intrepid Wheelwoman]

Questions about the likely survival of hub gears under motorising are a favourite topic so when I found these pictures of a vintage 3 speed Peterson hub I couldn't help wondering if it was up to it or not.

 

[fasteddy]

I would think with gears like that it would if the bearings were up to it. They probably need to run in an oil or grease bath though to stay lubricated properly.

Steve.

 

[maniac57]

Too beautiful to risk! But it would be very cool!
Decisions, decisions!

 

[silverbear]

That's neat. Never seen anything quite like that before. Not knowing, but guessing that being gentle with the shifting and easy on the throttle would help their longevity. What vintage would that be?
SB

 

[2door]

I agree with Silverbear. Treated with respect and gentleness I'll bet those old gears would take the stress just fine. Ease off when shifting and keep them well lubricated and they're probably superior to anything made today. My guess would be they're forged, not cast, and therfore very strong items.

Tom

 

[Intrepid Wheelwoman]

That's neat. Never seen anything quite like that before. Not knowing, but guessing that being gentle with the shifting and easy on the throttle would help their longevity. What vintage would that be?
SB

They're seriously old SB, like pre First World War. They certainly knew how to build things back then

 

[Intrepid Wheelwoman]

A hub gear from the 1900's, - The 'Hillclimber'. Said to be the first American bicycle with a geared hub.

 

[Intrepid Wheelwoman]

Found more pictures of the Peterson hub. Made from 1903-1914.

 

[KCvale]

Wow...

That lopsided out of balance hub looks like it would be a vibration nightmare at pedal speeds so no matter how sturdy and cool looking it may be probably a poor choice for anything over about 5 MPH.

 

[2door]

I think KC makes a good point. I didn't realize at first that the gears rotated around the hub but that much weight spinning at engine speeds might be a real issue. Even as close to the center as it is, that much unbalanced weight will be felt. Just our opinion.

Tom

 

[KCvale]

I think KC makes a good point. I didn't realize at first that the gears rotated around the hub but that much weight spinning at engine speeds might be a real issue. Even as close to the center as it is, that much unbalanced weight will be felt. Just our opinion.

Tom

Internal shifting hubs have made a lot of progress since WWI as well, I really like the new stuff for shifter building, at least as reliable as a derailleur but you can use fat single speed chain ;-}