These are completely different and operate "backwords". Also when you take them apart, every little bit is stamped BSA. The BSA innards also seemed more nicely machined to me but I was comparing an early 50s BSA with 60s and 70s Sturmeys.
Others will know more with respect to ratios and reliability. The one I had undoubtadly had more miles on it than any other three speed I have ever overhauled, probably the lifelong steed of a daily rider. The hub still worked and looked great inside.
Joe
At 04:23 PM 5/10/01 -0700, brucerobbins@worldmailer.com wrote:
>I've been smitten by an unlikely paramour in the shape of a mid-1940s BSA
Light Tourist. The 531 frame fits me like a glove and the bike has a nice
BSA three-speed hub.
>
>I always thought these were Sturmey Archer-made AW hubs rebadged but I've
noticed that the three-speed trigger works completely the opposite way to a
Sturmey one.
>
>When the trigger is all the way out, i.e., the cable is slack, it's in
bottom gear whereas an AW would be in top. When the BSA trigger is all the
way in, the bike is in top gear.
>
>Does anyone know what's going on here? Is this a wrong way 'round AW or a
completely different kettle of fish?
>
>Maybe Hilary or someone even older who remembers these things can shed
some light on it. :)
>
>Thanks,
>Bruce.
>
>
>
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