First Contact

I am doing this blog to try to connect with other people who like the idea of  the Sturmey Archer S3X 3 speed "fixed" hub. (Or not?) Many people would like them to lose their seriously immature label the S3X. Get it? Hahahahahahaha. Smirk.

 :(

Many would like to see it named  the SB3, S3B, "The Sheldon" or some other homage to the guy who is in some major way responsible for the push to get it made. If you don't know about him, for shame, but it's Sheldon Brown, the late bicycle guru and general supporter and encourager of all things bicycle. I'm there with you about the name change, but SunRace already said no.

This hub is an exciting idea for some of us. You have the choice of 3 "fixed" gear ratios that are shiftable on the fly like the old style 3 speeds. Sure, there are double cogs, flip-flopping the wheel, and other schemes to get different gear ratios, but they require stopping and making the changes. Simple enough, but not convenient by any stretch.

Instead of freewheeling/back-braking like the traditional 3 speed, this hub acts like a fixed cog. Anything other than the real fixed cog will naturally go against the grain for many fixed riders. Some will probably rail against this attack on and perversion of the purity and awesomeness of fixed gear riding and will flame anyone who doesn't hate it passionately (enough).

Well, alrighty, then. But, who cares? I got mine, and if the rain doesn't prevent me, I'm trying it out today.

I'll let you know how it goes.....

Please comment. I'd like to hear your perspective/experiences/review of the S3X.