I found that the ASC has a significant amount of backlash (play before taking up the drive), so for me, it didn't give the same feeling of "oneness" with the machine and control, which are provided by the immediate feedback from an ordinary fixed gear.
I experienced no problem in backpedalling/resisting. I think that it would be wise to use the brakes to avoid stressing the hub, rather than skidding, but that's only my opinion.
Although I didn't attempt trackstands, I guess that the backlash would make them more difficult, and, possibly, overstress the hub.
It's certainly a different experience from an ordinary fixed gear - more like a three-speed you can't freewheel, in my opinion. Hope you enjoy it!
Neil Foddering
Weymouth, Dorset, England
> Date: Fri, 29 Feb 2008 10:33:16 -0800
> From: adam@onetwentyeight.com
> To: Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
> Subject: [CR]Looking for ASC experiences and advice
>
> Hello CR!
>
> I'm picking up a Sturmey Archer ASC wheel later today for my Carlton Flye
r
> project, and wanted to solicit the lists input on what its like dealing a
nd
> riding with these hubs. I am picking up a proper ASC trigger, so I do no
t
> need to worry about modifying a 4 speed. I am more curious to people's
> experience riding them, and how they hold up to use and compare to riding
a
> standard fixed wheel. I have been riding fixed for several years, and am
> very comfortable with it. Can the ASC hold up to back pedaling/resisting
> while decending hills or tapering speed? I will have front and rear brak
es,
> but would I be a fool to initiate a skid with the ASC? Will I notice the
> hub while track standing? Etc, etc., I have read Hillary Stone's artic
le
> on classic lightweights and sheldons page on the asc already.
>
> Eitherway, I am very excited to try it all out, as I have wanted one of
> these hubs ever since I first heard of them when I initially getting
> interested in older bicycles and equipment.
>
> Best,
>
> Adam Schwarcz
> San Francisco, CA
> --
> http://www.onetwentyeight.com