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The Sturmey Archer S3X three-speed fixed gear hub is probably one of the most highly-anticipated products shown at Interbike. And why not? It combines the cache of fixed gear culture with the retro appeal of internally geared hubs, and it bears the classic Sturmey Archer name.
Shown here on a Retrotec, the gear shifter can be bar end mounted or downtube mounted as shown, and is compatible with Paul’s Thumbies for those seeking topmounts. The hub will be available in both 120mm and 130mm spacing in a variety of colors for an MSRP of $150 or so. Production hubs and shifters should be available in about 90 days.
Haven’t they been 90 days out since Interbike 2007?
They are way behind schedule on this. I’ll believe it’s not vapourware when I see it in my LBS. Anyway, the gear-inch spacing is too wide.
Don’t advertise the vaporware.
I heard this will have a coasting setting. True?
Brian,
As I understand it, the S3X itself doesn’t have a coasting setting. Instead, the carrier is designed with both splines and freewheel threads, so you can put either a fixed cog or a freewheel on. Putting a freewheel on makes the thing into a normal coasting 3-speed hub.
I have heard that this hub will not stand up to the forces created by skid stops, so you have to mount brakes on your fixie. Any word on that?
Oh no, you’ll have to get an effective brake!
Excellent point! Thanks.
Gear inch spacing? Got any other made up terms to share with us, James?