Hello, I've bought one of these TF hubs recently, from our most esteemable fellow list member Hilary Stone. Does anyone know where I might find a special freewheel for a Sturmey Archer TF hub? Unlike most freewheels, the TF hub freewheel has splines, so doesn't take a standard SA freewheel. As backstory, I was coveting a Rohloff Speedhub for a minimalist decouplable touring bike, but I figured that the Rohloff Speedhub just isn't minimalist enough. It sounds like a kitchen whisk, which makes me all the more happy with the silent TF. I figure that it would be very handy to take when touring. Just like a flip-flop really, I would use a low geared freewheel for the hills, and a higher geared fixed sprocket for the flats, but with the added advantage of a 25% gear drop to hand when the 3 course lunch at some really nice village bistro catches up with me on a climb. Mark Lawrence
Mark and all, It's amazing what you find on e-bay when you're looking for something else. I was searching 'Sturmey Archer' looking for the 12 spline cogs (still looking for a 15) when I spotted the 18 tooth single speed 12 spline Sturmey freewheel. I was struck almost as instantly as I was when I first heard about the ASC and was able to purchase it almost on the spot. I'll admit to not using the freewheel yet, but they must be out there since I managed to find one. And I do plan on using it one day. Wish you luck in your search. Dan Artley
Mark, I wouldn't be surprised if Dan and I have the only two TF freewheels left on the planet. Keep looking, but don't trust to hope. I didn't quite understand your original query. You do know that you can't jump between fixed and free with the unit, right? It's one or the other. And no way in hell will any other freewheel work on that hub. The drivers are special too and can't be converted like other SA hubs. Bummer. I've toured in both modes and to tell you the truth, because it is such an old unit, I didn't completely trust it and felt somewhat guilty for possibly driving mine to extinction (though others might argue that that is what it's for). They are wonderful gizmos, simple, durable, and deserved to be revived. The Rohloff hub is also extremely durable, though not simple, and deserves your attention for serious touring which I'm afraid to do with my TF. Also, you might want to wait for the new Sturmey fixed 3 speed (but don't hold your breath). It will be able to be easily converted to freewheel with a simple single cog. Keep the TF for day rides and the 3 Fixed for touring. Then again you may find a TF freewheel tomorrow and ride it happy as a lark for the next 30 years. It's too bad there aren't more around, but something tells me they were so popular that people just wore them out.
Here's an example of a "light tour" I took with mine a couple of years back:
http://www.magnesium.net/
Good luck on your quest,
Craig Montgomery
Tucson, Apacheria