[CR]Lightweights with epicyclic hub gears - Anyone with substantial mileage on them?

(Example: Framebuilding:Tubing)

Date: Wed, 26 Dec 2007 11:00:56 -0800 (PST)
From: "John Clay" <jmedclay@yahoo.com>
To: Classic Rendezvous <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: [CR]Lightweights with epicyclic hub gears - Anyone with substantial mileage on them?

I'm interested to hear opinions on the performance, feel, and responsivness of nice, light, performance frames that use Sturmey Archer or other epicyclic hub gear systems, particularly those with close or medium gear steps. How do they compare to derailleur equipped bikes, when in similar gear ratios? Do they feel as responsive, again, in the same gear inch selection. Not as a race bike where matching others, gear for gear, might be important but simply a good performing bike that rewards the rider none the less, where you adjust to suit conditions and a limited gear suite. What are they like to live with?

I have modest past experience with an SRAM S7 on an MTB. The gear steps were large and axle twist was a little annoying, though I think that if I'd brazed some keystock into the track ends to get a close fit I could have defeated it. The anti rotation washers were of seemingly little help. Getting the axle bearings adjusted, so that after the wheel was mounted the play was just right, was difficult. Those were minor annoyances; except the gear steps where closer would have been much nicer from my perspective. Other than that it was a nice, clean system.

I find myself increasingly intrigued with the idea of building my next frame for a 2, 3, 4, or 5 speed gear hub. I'd like to hear what others think of this sort of bicycle before committing to it. The ASC or perhaps an FC, FM or AM all seem like interesting choices for the project.

Thanks, John Clay Tallahassee, Florida USA

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