Originally Posted by
Andrew F
I was looking at the SA5 with the drum brake, looked kinda big, plus the bridge on the frame is set up for a brake. If it was a repaint, I'd fill the hole and consider the drum brake option.
My feeling is the 5spd will make for a nice daily rider...
I don't know of an aftermarket retail source for a new freewheel version S-A XRF5(W) in N.A. S-A wholesale distributer
UBS has them cataloged but flagged out-of-stock. QBP doesn't even list them.
Sturmey has offered a variety of 5-speed designs over the last 45 years, which are available on the used market. Some are better than others.
225% overall, 67%, 79%, 100%, 127%, 150%:
S5: 1966-1976, RH indicator, LH bell crank
S5-1: 1977-1981, dual indicators
S5-2: 1981-1990
5 StAr: 1991-1993 First NIG mechanism
Sprinter: 1993-1999 First single cable design
Summit: 1999-2008 Ball Locking. Last British designed 5-speed
256% overall, 63%, 75%, 100%, 133%, 160%:
W: 2009- First SunRace designed 5-speed 256% overall
For the new (W) series, Sturmey offers twist, bar end, dual paddle and thumb shifters.
The SRAM Spectro P5 is widely available. SRAM, true to their Gripshift heritage, only offers a twist shifter.
HTH,
tcs