Bikerdave222

I would love to see some photos of it!

tcs

See posts no. 2 and 11: suggestions that usefully low gears can only be achieved with small wheels rather than small chainwheels.

Caveat: IGHs can be input over-torqued and damaged. The primary ratio (combined with the rider's strength and/or weight) necessarily low enough to do this varies with make/model.

kickstart

The SA8 with a 24T cog, and a 28T chainring gives a range of 31 GI to 103 GI with a 700c-28. That's ok for light bikes on relatively flat terrain, but limited for heavier bikes in hilly terrain. Its potential gearing range is limited compared other commonly available IGH hubs with larger size wheels.

Dahon.Steve

1. I gave a low 34 inch first gear to show the possibilities of what one could have with the SA5. It would give you two high gears and two low. I like this because my legs prefer a 54 inch third gear. The key is to select a 3rd gear that you enjoy and can spend 95% of your time. I'm sure there are a number of forum members who did not know you could have a 34 inch low gear with the SA5. For them, this might be a solution. Also, you cannot use this hub on a tandem.

2. With a 34 inch low gear you'll have two high gears. I hardly use them except when going down hill. Quite frankly, most will not feel comfortable with the high jumps which is why 3rd gear is critical setting up to your preference. (Using Sheldon's calculator)

1st-----------34 inches
2nd----------41 inches
3rd----------54 inches
4th---------72 inches
5th---------87 inches

3. 255 (see picture)

4. I would have to sacrifice 3rd gear if I wanted to get close to 31' inch gear. I don't know if the hub can handle that low a gear to be honest. Using Sheldon's calculator, I would have to get a 22 T cog. The problem in my situation is that (by getting a low of 31') 3rd gear is now too low for my liking at 49 inches, I would be spinning too much and 4th gear is too high to ride all the time at 66' inches.

1st ------------31'
2nd------------37'
3rd------------49'
4th------------66'
5th------------79'

5. I don't know how to answer this question. I would need to know what gear in inches you would be happy to spend 95% of your time. Use Sheldon's calculator to design a setup where this will be your 4th gear leaving you with 1 high gear that's way out there. In this situation, your first gear will be very low but can you live with one high gear? Only you can make the decision.

GamblerGORD53

Well, IF you are an OFG like Sheldon and never go over 28 mph or 40 miles, then go ahead and dumb down the ratios. Makes no sense to me and not for a 3sp either. I have a Rohloff wheel for touring hills with my super heavy bike.

I am 62 now and have zero use for those wussie gears, on a 60+ lb bike, yet. I do up to 125 mile rides with my SA 5w. ..... 45/ 54/ 72.5/ 96/ 116 GIs ... Any less messes up the shift speed, big time.
I switch to 2nd for startup and into a wind, it wizzes out at 14 mph. Also perfect for crowded city puttering or GF rides.
3rd gear is great for fast highway cruising 18/19 mph, gets wizzy at 20 mph. Because it is direct gear.
4th needs a slope or tail wind, not that unusual.
5th I still use every last hill more than 200 yards. For dips I give full power in 5th until the speed is dips to 20 or so. Often 35 mph. sometimes up to 45.
If there is a tail wind also, then I might only need 3rd to finish the climb. It sure beats killing youself in a low gear.
My 1st gear, 45 GI, does 9 % just fine, about 6 mph.

So if somebody wants 31 GI then, why would you not get the 8 speed. I don't see much diff with SA8 or Alfine8. 31 GI is plenty good for medium steep hils. IMO That is like 30/ 28 derailler, lower than ANY old 2x5 ten speed.

kickstart

It's the one on the left, nothing exciting, just kinda neat for a craigslist find.

tcs

There is no 24T cog for the SA8, only 20T, 23T and 25T (& they used to offer a 19T).

Shimano 8, 46x23 (700x32) = 29 to 87 g.i.
Sturmey 8, 25x25 (700x32) = 27 to 88 g.i.

kickstart

?? I have 2 24T cogs, one is on a SA AW, the other is on a Shimano Nexus 8, I also have a 22T cog. Got both at a LBS off the wall. I've also seen adapters that allow one to use chainrings as cogs.

BruceMetras

Different hub interface with the SA8 than with the AW or Nexus .. that's why the limited cog choices...

kickstart

I was unaware of that, I guess that's another reason they're uncommon.