Like many recent cyclists (I've only been cycling about 45 years) I've never
really understood the regard with which the hub gear, especially the Sturmey
Archer, is held by the British. I mean, the derailleur is so superior that it
seems that the hub gear doesn't stand a chance. Well, now I understand.
I've just spent 2 hours installing a Trivelox 3 speed derailleur on a fellow
listmember's F.H. Scott from the 30s. Man, what a pain. So finicky, so
touchy, so primitve. Compared to a hub gear there's no comparison,
especially considering it only has 3 speeds. The system has some startlingly
modern features like indexing and a freehub with slip on sprockets but
getting them to work is so difficult. It's working now but I'd hate to be
riding through the Yorkshire Moors with one. I'm sure it brings new meaning
to the phrase "daily maintanence." OK, rant over.
Phil Brown
NoHo, Ca