Sturmey-Archer S3X

[pioneer]

The 13 tooth is only for one chain size,the other goes up to 18 tooth. (Not sure,but I think 3/32" is 13 and 1/8" is a max of 18).

Ofcourse,if it's a success,then it won't be long before Shimano and possibly Sram bring out thier own fixed' hub.Unless they are doing it already?

[rogerzilla]

SRAM have a fixed/free hub, but it's not geared.

[hubgearfreak]

the sprocket fitting itself, which is incompatible with other SA three speeds.

as i understand it, the sprocket slides on, and then a lock ring screws down to lock it in place.
does this mean that a standard single speed freewheel could be used instead, for anyone who has a pair of new wheels built and then decides that they don't like fixed?
perhaps this was the logic behind the non-standard sprocket arrangement?

[rogerzilla]

A standard freewheel is threaded, though. You'd need a threaded driver for that.

[hubgearfreak]

A standard freewheel is threaded, though. You'd need a threaded driver for that.

looking at the pics, it's threaded and splined. so if the thread's the same, i think you could use it as a 3 speed freewheel hub. but it's an expensive way to go if that's what you want

[pioneer]

After studying the web-site pics again, the sprocket fitting looks identical to a Shimano freehub cassette fit'.This would explain Sturmey's explanation of a splined sprocket,sliding spacers and lockring to enable differing chainlines.That's not a bad idea IMO, exactly the same principle as in current single speed conversions.

A three speed freewheel hub? I suppose if somebody wanted a close ratio 3 speed it could be the way to go. But Hubbers, please explain, how would it work?

[hubgearfreak]

A three speed freewheel hub? I suppose if somebody wanted a close ratio 3 speed it could be the way to go. But Hubbers, please explain, how would it work?

if the thread's the same as a single speed freewheel, then it'll just screw on, if i'm not missing anything.

but reading roger's earlier post, i'm beginning to think i may be

[pioneer]

Yes, I get that bit,but that's not what I meant. It's OK, just worked it out.(Had a long ride today before work and I'm a bit nadgered!).
So, the hub internals remain fixed (sort of),but with a freewheel sprocket a la' singlespeeders,you then get the freewheel action in each of the three gears.

Or maybe we should just lobby Sturmey' for a new close-ratio 3 speed hub?

[rogerzilla]

Or just buy an AM secondhand. You can space one out to 118mm if you have 120mm spacing and relatively thin (up to 4mm) dropouts. There's a longer-axled version which will space up to 130mm, but it's almost unheard of.

[hubgearfreak]

yes you could do that, and it's obviously cheaper.

but i suppose that there may be some people who invest in S3X, who then find themselves not liking to ride fixed....or mostly do like fixed but decide not to do so for a tour. or perhaps they want fixed in the winter and then free in the summer. with this hub, everyone's happy

[rogerzilla]

Derek at Old Bike Trader has just e-mailed me thus:

Hello all
I have just had news that the S3X hubs are at sea on the way to Europe and should be available late August, on confirmation of arrival in the UK I will notify cost and delivery details.
So I can confirm my order quantity with my supplier please let me know if you require more than one unit or have friends or colleagues who wish to purchase the hub also.
Regards Derek.

Derek is at oldbiketrader@aol.com

There are pictures of the hub in the new SA catalogue:

http://www.sturmey-archer.com/pdfs/Stur ... alogue.pdf

Mods: if you think this is too commercial you can remove the link, but I thought it would be helpful (and I have no connection with Old Bike Trader except as a customer).

[Mick F]

Mods: if you think this is too commercial you can remove the link, but I thought it would be helpful (and I have no connection with Old Bike Trader except as a customer).

Sticking my neck out here as a Spambuster, not a Moderator, I reckon you're ok!

[hubgearfreak]

derek's just emailed me. £175 - 1st nov.

i'm afraid it's too much for me to pay, at the moment

[mark a.]

Can't wait to hear the first proper reviews. This could be interesting. A fixed gear for the hills (or, like me, for wusses who are too scared to try fixed with a few slight inclines and headwinds on his commute).

[pioneer]

Hubbers' £175.00? That's a bit steep for a 3 speed, even if it is the first new 3 speed fixed gear hub since the old king died.I'll wait until somebody sells thier's cos' they can't get on with fixed.It's bound to happen. We waited this long,another year or so won't matter!