info on internal hubs and shifters
- Thread starter kidgambit
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Im sure I remember reading that the Japanese version of the Sturmey Archer 3spd is better than the original. I only have the Brit versions, though. There is some talk they can slip in high which, if you are standing over a high toptube on an accent can be.......'octave raising'. See 'Sheldon Browns' website.
I'll just throw this out there - it might be worth considering.
Sturmey Archer's 8-speed internal gear hub is fairly inexpensive and lends itself well to 20" wheel bikes. I have the idea that they intended it for folders, like Dahon. Where most internal hubs use 1:1 ratio in the middle, S-A's 8-speed has 1:1 in first gear, and all ratios go up from there. So, with the typical Schwinn 46T chainring, you would have a speed range comparable to a typical road bike, but on a Stingray. So far, it only comes with a twist grip shifter, so you'd still be in luck there. The no-brake version (if you use rim brakes) can have an OLD down to 120 mm, IIRC, but the drum brake version is out at 135 mm, requiring respacing. Any way you look at it, it would be trick, and you could probably embarass the occasional roadie by keeping up with him...
I have the idea that this is what I'm going to use on my '69 Fastback, especially since the original 3-speed hub is busted and the shifter is missing...
Sturmey Archer's 8-speed internal gear hub is fairly inexpensive and lends itself well to 20" wheel bikes. I have the idea that they intended it for folders, like Dahon. Where most internal hubs use 1:1 ratio in the middle, S-A's 8-speed has 1:1 in first gear, and all ratios go up from there. So, with the typical Schwinn 46T chainring, you would have a speed range comparable to a typical road bike, but on a Stingray. So far, it only comes with a twist grip shifter, so you'd still be in luck there. The no-brake version (if you use rim brakes) can have an OLD down to 120 mm, IIRC, but the drum brake version is out at 135 mm, requiring respacing. Any way you look at it, it would be trick, and you could probably embarass the occasional roadie by keeping up with him...
I have the idea that this is what I'm going to use on my '69 Fastback, especially since the original 3-speed hub is busted and the shifter is missing...
gcrank1 said:
it''d certainly be painful. it happens through neglect & stupidity regarding cable adjustment, not an inherently poor design.
most, if not all, new SA 3 speed hubs are NIG anyway, which compensates for slapdash maintainance
Sure, but going to Amazon and looking in the hub section of the bicycle parts section isn't tough...
http://tinyurl.com/7w7hr6c
Anyway, the listing says that the hub is 135 mm OLD. But see the stack of lock nuts on the non-drive side? S-A says that you can narrow the spacing by removing the redundant nuts. At least you can for the no-brake version; you can get it down to 120 mm.
http://tinyurl.com/7w7hr6c
Anyway, the listing says that the hub is 135 mm OLD. But see the stack of lock nuts on the non-drive side? S-A says that you can narrow the spacing by removing the redundant nuts. At least you can for the no-brake version; you can get it down to 120 mm.
kidgambit said:
What's not "for sure"? Another link that might be helpful:
http://www.sturmey-archer.com/products/hubs/cid/5/id/6
Any of them come complete with shifter, cable, installation hardware, etc. The information is all right there. Just choose whether you want the one with the drum brake, or if you want the brakeless version (are you using a rim brake?). I'm assuming that you don't want the one with the disc brake mount. This link is to a brakeless one already set up for the narrower OLD: http://tinyurl.com/7unpz5w
Installing an internal gear hub - or any hub, for that matter - really boils down to wheelbuilding. You take a rim, the hub, and a pile of spokes and you'll have to lace it all together, true it, and tension it. A lot of folks find it intimidating, but I feel that's easily overcome with knowledge. I understand that isn't technically difficult, but can be tedious. I've not done it myself yet, so I can't advise on it in any greater depth. However, I can tell you that there are many websites and videos online that take you through the process.
Try doing a little research - google "bicycle wheelbuilding" or something similar. Read and review the various sites you find until you find one that makes the most sense to you. Also, keep in mind that if you don't feel comfortable with doing it, you always have the option of having your local bike shop do it. Chances are, they'll appreciate the business...
Try doing a little research - google "bicycle wheelbuilding" or something similar. Read and review the various sites you find until you find one that makes the most sense to you. Also, keep in mind that if you don't feel comfortable with doing it, you always have the option of having your local bike shop do it. Chances are, they'll appreciate the business...
