Dahon foldup with Sturmey Archer hub gears crunching and slipping.

[JJJ James]

Dahon Curve SL. 16 inch wheels with 5-speed Sturmey Archer hub gears.
Problem with crunching gears. If I slacken linkage to get 5th, then first gear crunches. If I tighten to get first gear smooth, change from 4th to 5th crunchy and very hesitant. Sometimes it crunches and slips between gears (second and third I think). Some days it doesn't! Cable has been renewed. Two bike shops in Greece have tried to help, but I desperately want it sorted once and for all, even if it needs completely new wheel. In desperation I have brought wheel back to UK (Surrey). Any thoughts?

 

[Chris S]

Is it an X-RD5 hub? They've have had nothing but problems since they came out (Google "x-rd5 problems"). It's probably too late to ask for a replacement under warranty. However there's a Sturmey Archer group on Facebook where you may be able to get advice.

 

[bonzobanana]

Convert to a 3 speed hub either sturmey archer or Nexus, those hubs are much more reliable and much simpler mechanically. Yes the gear range isn't as good but its just a far stronger more dependable product. Same as the Nexus 7 which has poor reliability and a high failure rate.

 

[JJJ James]

Is it an X-RD5 hub? They've have had nothing but problems since they came out (Google "x-rd5 problems"). It's probably too late to ask for a replacement under warranty. However there's a Sturmey Archer group on Facebook where you may be able to get advice.

Thanks for these helpful replies. I have checked and it is an SRF5.

 

[Chris S]

I did a Google search and it's just how the SRF5 is:

... the 1-2 and 4-5 shifts require a certain technique, especially when the hub is new.

The 1-2 shift (both ways) will only definitely go in if you pedal forwards (keeping up with the pedals, but with no appreciable force) for one or two turns of the pedals. The shift has a shift spring to help it in, which means you can move the lever but the shift isn't complete until stuff happens inside the hub. It takes practice and new hubs can be a little baulky. However you will feel/hear the shift go in and eventually it gets to be pretty slick.

The same applies to the 4-5 shift (the same parts move inside the hub), but the torque is less and the shift speed is greater because everything is turning faster inside the hub.

Changing the lube might help:
https://forum.cyclinguk.org/viewtopic.php?t=85275

If you do change the hub and there aren't any long steep hills on your regular runs then I can recommend the SRF3. I've run one for over a 1,000 miles without any problems.