Enjoy more freedom and flexibility.
Put a premium on healthy living, go outside and rediscover the breath of nature in yourself. Whichever way you take, our eBike systems support you on your journey. Shimano offers a wide range of e-bike systems, so you can easily find one that fits your driving style perfectly. Any Shimano system from the city and trekking, cargo or MTB line will meet all your requirements.
Stable, strong and easy to maintain.
Say goodbye to reduced drivetrain wear.
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Do you cycle daily, short trips in the city or long recreational tours and do you want to do little maintenance yourself? Then a hub gear is something for you. Do you cycle long distances or regularly on hilly terrain and do you not mind some maintenance? Then you could opt for a derailleur.
Proven match
The natural choice
Perfect harmony
What is a hub gear?
A hub gear is a gear system that is completely integrated into the hub of the rear wheel. Because this gear mechanism is integrated into the hub, the system is relatively low-maintenance. The system is enclosed in the hub housing and works dust- and moisture-free. This is especially ideal for city bikes and is also the major advantage over a derailleur gear. ​
Shimano hub gears have been the standard on city bikes for years and we also see them a lot on electric bikes. From school bikes to sporty touring bikes, we see hub gears everywhere.
Shimano hub gears explained.
Shimano hub gears are strong and durable and have particularly good shifting performance for mid-motor e-bikes. The Shimano hub gear has an efficient and large shifting range due to the heavier transmission. It requires little to no maintenance due to the closed hub. Most Shimano hub gears can be used and are available for e-bikes with both a belt drive and in combination with a regular chain drive.
How long does a hub gear last?
A hub can last for 15,000 kilometers, if properly maintained. With careful use, the lifespan can be even longer. It is often the case that a hub lasts longer than other parts of the bike. So make sure to have regular maintenance to maximize the lifespan.
Shimano Nexus and Alfine hub gears.
Which Shimano hub gears are available for e-bikes. ​
Shimano Nexus 3-speed
The Nexus 3-speed hub is the simplest hub gear and has 3 gears. This gear hub is often used on transport, city and school bikes. ​
Shimano Nexus 5-speed
The Nexus 5-speed hub is specially developed for e-bikes. Due to its robust construction, the hub is more resistant to the pulling force of mid-motor e-bikes, which means that the gears do not need to be replaced or maintained as quickly. ​
Shimano Nexus 7-speed
The Nexus 7-speed hub offers a larger shifting range for a smoother transition from one gear to the other. Because the gears are well matched, shifting from a lower to a higher gear or vice versa feels very natural.
Under the hood.
The NEXUS speed system guarantees a combination of design, quality and functionality. Thanks to the latest technical innovations, including Shimano's unique shifting assistance system, light shifting is now a reality. This system ensures a smooth and reliable riding experience, regardless of the conditions. Discover the advantages of the NEXUS speed and experience the difference yourself.
Shimano Nexus 8-speed
The Nexus 8 gear hub is the bigger brother and more luxurious version of the Nexus 7 and offers a larger gear range, less resistance, better shifting performance and is more durable. Less resistance is created inside the hub, which makes the hub easier to pedal and causes less wear on the gears. ​
Shimano Alfine 8-speed
The Alfine hub gear is identical to the Nexus 8 in terms of gear range, but the internals of the Alfine are different from those of the Nexus 8. The Alfine has 4 planetary gears instead of 3. This provides more stability and promotes durability because the load is distributed over 4 planetary gears. The Alfine shifts very easily and accurately. ​
In addition to the traditional chain, the Shimano hub gears can also be combined with a belt drive.