Classic & Vintage - Sturmey Archer 3spd hubs

Has anyone any idea whether a 3spd Sturmey Archer hub can be operated by a standard Shimano/SRAM indexed front shifter?

The shifters for the different brands have differing amounts of travel for each gear "click" on the shifter. Some brands are as much as twice the amount as others. You'll do best by using a shifter made for your hub. There is a "twist-shift" mad for the SA 3-speed hub. I have an extra one in my garage if you're interested.

The shifters for the different brands have differing amounts of travel for each gear "click" on the shifter. Some brands are as much as twice the amount as others. You'll do best by using a shifter made for your hub. There is a "twist-shift" mad for the SA 3-speed hub. I have an extra one in my garage if you're interested.

Thanks - I've got both the trigger and an original SA twist_shift, I just like the feel of the SRAM units, have a spare and hoped that it would match. I suppose there's no harm in trying it...

You can also easily operate an S-A 3-speed hub with a friction-mode shifter, as I did for several years with a Huret downtube lever. Shifts into first or third gear are, of course, trivial. Find second gear immediately past first, and, particularly if you a have coaster brake, enjoy the versatility of a neutral position between second and third.

If you want to try an indexed system, first set up second gear properly (see my first paragraph). If you are lucky, the cable will go slack for third and taut for first, for which a stiff Shimano inline cable spring can help.

The old shimano 3-speed trigger shifters work with S/A hubs.

I've heard that the Shimano MTB indexed front shifters do work, but haven't done it myself.

Thanks folks definitely worth a try then.