This is my current winter commuter build – In in the process of trying to make it the poster child for a bomb-proof all weather bicycle tuned for reliability.
To get this done I built the wheel set of 26” Sun Ringle Rhynolite rims, to match two sturmey archer hubs. The rear is a s30 x-rd3, a 3 speed hub with an internal 70mm drum brake. The front hub is an xl-fd, a front hub with an internal 90mm drum brake.
Gearing is a 36-18 with the 3 speed giving me a gear range spread of 38-69 at the top end. Perfect for the stop and start of city living :).
Overall, yes the hubs added a bunch more weight, but i absolutely adore having a brake and hearing system that is completely internal and away from getting dinged. As for braking performance I’m impressed! While the modulation is something to get used to, the braking power really ramps up.
With the racks, frame bag with tools, spare tube, and lock the bike comes in at about 45 lbs, but I also have some winter tires on that are heavy as sin.
I definitely have an unusual live for sturmey archer hubs, but I would definitely recommend these hubs, and i’ve been having a great time using them!
by memesarethecure
1 Comment
My wife has a Dutch bike with SA drum brake hubs (5 speed rear, front has a dynamo) and the braking performance is better than expected. Maintenance and adjustment is a total breeze. Shame they’re so heavy cause they’re actually great