Sachs Torpedo 3-speed 515/415

The first of the really good F&S Torpedo Dreigang/3-gang hubs were called the model 515 (with coaster brake) and the 415 (without brake), produced from 1961 to 1975.

Torpedo 3-speed hub model 515 profile photo

Torpedo 3gang model 515 (coaster brake)

An early (1963) example with the cursive font Torpedo logo engraving:

Torpedo 3-speed hub model 515 hub and shifter
Torpedo 3-speed hub model 515 disassembled
Later revision exploded-view diagram:

Torpedo 3-speed hub model 515 exploded-view diagram
Freespoke deeplink for calculating spoke lengths for the 515 (replace example ERD of 600mm with your rim's measurement).

Torpedo 3-speed hub model 515 diagram with measurements
A worn brass brake cylinder in early model 515s can be replaced with a steel version (and corresponding friction spring) from the later Dreigang model H3111:

Torpedo 3-speed hub model H3111 steel brake cylinder and friction spring
As was typical for 3-speed mechanical designs of that era, the 515/415 hubs have a neutral gear between second and third gear (as also shown by the arrow on the gear shifter face plate). Note that the coaster brake function on the 515 will also disconnect in the neutral spot, so make sure to always have the shift cable correctly adjusted for correct engagement of gears and the brake system. The later model H3111 has a different mechanical design without a neutral point in the shift sequence.

Torpedo 3gang model 415 (no brake)

The 415 version of the hub uses a narrower hub shell and not all components are compatible.

Torpedo 3-speed hub model 415 without brake 1
Torpedo 3-speed hub model 415 without brake 2
Torpedo 3-speed hub model 415 exploded-view diagram
Freespoke deeplink for calculating spoke lengths for the 415 (replace example ERD of 600mm with your rim's measurement).

The all-metal construction red trigger shifter for the model 515/415 is also compatible with the later model H3111/T3 hubs, and shifters for those hubs can also be used with the 515/415.

Torpedo 3-speed hub model 515 415 gear shifter
Page last updated 2026-01-11 21:44. Some rights reserved (CC by 3.0)