Is the shifter moving? if not it sounds like the hub isn't set up correctly or the dogs in the planet cage are worn out. I'm sure it could be a few other things but I don't have my Sutherland's Manual with me. If the shifter isn't moving make sure the hub is adjusted correctly. Put the cable in the most relaxed position with the shifter pointing up. Next move the shifer between than position and the next shift. With the shifter between the two gears the hub should freewheel while pedaling forward. If not adjust the tension with the barrel adjuster connected to the indicator chain until it does. If this doesn't work I'd take it to a shop that knows the hubs and has the spare parts.
Good luck, Brandon"monkeyman"Ives
"Nobody can do everything, but if everybody did something everything would get done." Gil Scott-Heron
On Thu, 29 Mar 2001, Steve Freides wrote:
> I have a delightful bike, a Hercules 3-speed that weighs what any two of my
> other bikes together do. I've been riding it around town and have found
> that it seems to shift out of first gear all by itself far too often.
>
> I tried tightening the one screw on the trigger but that didn't seem to
> help. Anything else I can do? Are replacement shifters available? Is this
> a shifter issue and not related to the hub (I can't see how it would be
> related to the hub.)
>
> TIA.
>
> --
> Steve Freides