Originally Posted by
Velognome
If you use the s3x don't use a freewheel, it that's what you want just use an AW or other 3 speed hub.
BUT- A really nice commuter set up would be the s3x hub, particularly if you ride flat or rolling hills on Multi use paths and crowded bike lanes. The control of a fixed gear makes riding in traffic, bicycle or other, much more tolerable and the 3 available gears on the s3x give you a pretty good range.
I've ridden a S3X both fixed and free, and either works great. If fixed is not on the menu, I totally agree that going with a standard sturmey is the way to go. I had to fit 4 different freewheels before finding one that worked properly with the hub - the main issue is chain line. Many freewheels are only threaded for a certain portion of the body, and spacers are necessary to allow proper tightening. However, the chain line is 7-10mm farther outboard than with the fixed cog, which can be a real pain.
I found that the cheapie "Dicta" freewheel would thread all the way with no spacer, and allowed a proper chain line. A compromise at best. The hub worked fine though in either configuration, but truly is optimized for a fixed setup.
The gear range is sufficient for a surprising array of riding. I geared mine for a range of 46 gear inches to 72 or so (if memory serves), which was sufficient for some extended rides. Hell, I even took my S3X equipped bike on a 55 mile road ride over two category 2 mountain passes with 3,700 feet of climbing on grades up to about 12% (4% average) with one short out of saddle stint on an 18% grade. It was fun, if a bit of a challenge.
