[CR]BSA hub gear question

(Example: Framebuilders:Dario Pegoretti)

Date: 10 May 2001 16:23:30 -0700
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
From: <brucerobbins@worldmailer.com>
Subject: [CR]BSA hub gear question

I've been smitten by an unlikely paramour in the shape of a mid-1940s BSA Light Tourist. The 531 frame fits me like a glove and the bike has a nice BSA three-speed hub.

I always thought these were Sturmey Archer-made AW hubs rebadged but I've noticed that the three-speed trigger works completely the opposite way to a Sturmey one.

When the trigger is all the way out, i.e., the cable is slack, it's in bottom gear whereas an AW would be in top. When the BSA trigger is all the way in, the bike is in top gear.

Does anyone know what's going on here? Is this a wrong way 'round AW or a completely different kettle of fish?

Maybe Hilary or someone even older who remembers these things can shed some light on it. :)

Thanks, Bruce.

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