Originally Posted by
PolishGuy
All my bikes are 3-speeds; actually one is a 4-speed. I usually hang-out in the C&V section. Easiest thing to do is change the rear cog to a higher tooth count to lower your gear ratio. You can also change the chain ring in a similar manner. Riding one of these is different and requires a modified technique but not a big deal. The bikes are normally heavier but can be lightened-up if you want to spend some extra $$. PG.
Agreed.
I saw the OP's bike at an LbS and it is not a light weight. I suspect it must come in around 30 lbs or slightly more. However, buying a larger cog would be the best thing to do. I would use Sheldon's calculator to determine the current range he has today.
The key to setting up a Sturmey Archer 3 speed is finding the right gear for direct drive (2nd gear). I prefer a 2nd gear no lower than 50-52 inches if you intend to do utility cycling. For some that might be too low but if you go to 42 or 40 inches for direct drive, you'll be spinning and not moving anywhere.
I did a simple test using Sheldon's calculator and here's what I came with.
Data:
Tire size ------------------700X38
Crank ---------------------170 mm
Chain ring ---------------- 30
Cog-------------------------16
Hub-------------------------Sturmey Archer AW3
Results:
3rd gear ------------- 68.3 Inches
2nd gear -------------51.2 Inches
1st gear -------------38.4 Inches
This is about as low as I would go on a Sturmey Archer three speed. I've always said the three speed was missing a drop dead low gear of 24 - 26 inches. The first gear of 38.4 inches is not really low enough for carrying heavy packages uphill but you can't go lower or second gear becomes too low where you end up spinning like crazy going nowhere. This is why people end up buying the Nexus 8 speed.
However, I found the 5 speed actually solves the problem. No need to buy the Nexus 8.
I actually wonder if this is possible. Suppose the OP was willing to sacrifice 3 speed altogether and buy a Sturmey 5.
Data:
Tire size ------------------700X38
Crank ---------------------170 mm
Chain ring ---------------- 28
Cog-------------------------18
Hub-------------------------Sturmey Archer 5 speed
5th gear ----------- 63.7
4th gear -----------52.8
3rd gear------------42.5
2nd gear-----------34.0
1st gear------------28.3
This actually works pretty well for the utility cyclist. You would ride in 4th gear as that would become your direct drive. However, 1st gear is very low practically touring bike low. You would have three lower gears that would be useful depending on the size of the hill.