Review of Shimano SG-8C31 Coaster Hub Kit Nexus (Silver, 36H 8 Speed Coaster

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Having burnt out a few coaster brake hubs in the past 20 years with extended use, I am generally happy with this hub. It has performed well, in comparison to the problematic (Shimano) 3-speed coaster brake hub that it replaced.

The 8-speed's coaster brake works well and doesn't squeal on steep descents. The reason I am not giving it 5 stars is that 4th gear is usually worthless. When shifting down to it on slight ascents, I can feel an appropriate gear ratio kicking in, but that benefit is pretty much wiped out by the internal friction that also seems to kick in with that gear. Occasionally, similar friction accompanies 3rd gear the same gear that gave me problems with a Nexus 7 pedaling to Alaska years ago.

These experiences tell me that this part of the gear range needs some attention at Shimano. I have adapted my riding to skip past these gears, or only use them in special circumstances like parking lots. A happy exception came on a camping trek up the rugged Big Sur Coast. Although the bike was heavily loaded down, strangely all gears worked fine.

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I upgraded my nexus 3 speed townie to an 8 speed. At first it seemed like it wasn't that much different. Maybe a little lower. Maybe a little higher. The one thing I did notice first thing was how much quieter it is than the nexus 3. I'm sure now (5 months of riding it) I'll never go back to a 3 speed.

Like the other reviewers noticed: 4th gear kind of grinds.

Sometimes I shift to a gear and can feel it grinding. Even if I stop pedaling and start back up. Maybe I don't have the trick yet. Its not perfect. But its pretty good.

The first month it really grinded every time I shifted to first gear. Now that its broke in it usually shifts to first with no problems.

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My wife likes it but complains that free running is short lived even on flats. That's why I marked with four stars.

Honest reviews on Shimano SG-8C31 Coaster Hub Kit Nexus (Silver, 36H 8 Speed Coaster

The 8 speed hub with Shimano SL-S500 Alfine Rapid Fire Shifter turned my (previously) 3 speed Electra Ghost Rider into a real hill climber!

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I've been wanting to setup my old Kona Humuhumunukunukuāpuaa with this 8 speed internal hub for over a year now. I finally purchased it and had it laced up on an Alex Rims X-202 earlier this week. Today I installed it with the Shimano ST-8S20A Nexus Shifter/Brake Lever. What a great combination. It was easy to mount and adjust and I am very happy with the setup. Fast shifting, no grinding, and lower gear ratio compared to my old 7 speed internal hub. I love it! I'm planning to do some cruising up and down Front Street in Lahaina and this will make my ride really effortless. I live in Central Maui and I do come across some slight grades so this setup will make my rides much more fun.