So they transferred all the tooling to Taiwan, and now offer 3, 4, 5, and even 8 speed hubs (in 120mm spacing no less!), have switched to a much lighter aluminum shell, are better quality, and cost less.
But, theyve still been scarce stateside. Hadnt seen one in a real pic till I saw this one on Blogger, mounted up on a Quickbeam. Notice that it still uses the trigger shifter (on the stem in this case), not sh*tty grip shift:
Im totally tempted to build up a rear wheel for the upcoming Redline with the new incarnation of the AW series, the "S30" or technically the "S-RF3".
http://www.sturmey-archer.com/hubs_3spd_SRF3.phpEDIT: the AW still exists, but the SRF3 is the improved version with alloy shell and better clutch.
I can source one for $55 brand new + shipping. So lets say $100 with nice Wheelsmith spokes.
They weigh a bit less (still a kilo), have a direct 100% efficient "normal" gear, and theyre indestructable.
Will have to ride fixed for a bit, but a modern roadster would be very cool.
Even thought about one for the road bike.
Very 50s club racer.
M3, you should build up a bike with one of these--you wont be able to kill it without a Colt 45.
