Originally Posted by folder fanatic
I look foward to all the new technological developments in the long neglected area of the internal hub systems. Although I am perfectly happy with my 2 forty years apart versions of the Sturmey-Archer AW hub, sometimes the long distance extreme terrains call for a more flexible system like the derailleurs were covering for the last 50 or so years. I am so glad that there will be more choices for the serious touring cyclist that prefer the protected unit of the internal hub systems as I do.
I agree.
The AW-3 is rock solid and mine was indistructable. The hub was never low enough for the large hills but was fine for city riding. In fact, I prefer the AW-3 over the Nexus 7 or 8 because the bottom gear of the three speed was about as low as the Nexus! The AW-3 is lighter and had one gear that wasn't effected by friction losses like the Nexus.