Originally Posted by
keyven
My eyes just kinda glazed over at the tech-speak lol. So far the Sturmey Archer S2 and SRAM 2 (assuming they are different) keeps popping up. I'm just going to call a few stores and ask them about these. They seem to be relatively safe and popular choices. I'm more a visual kinda guy so I'll learn better once they're showing me the parts.
Big differences between the Sturmey S2 and the SRAM Automatix ..
The Sturmey shifts by you back pedaling a few degrees, and then proceed forward.. if you are in high and backpedal, you are in low .. if in low and backpedal, then in high .. if you have a coaster brake hub, whenever you engage the brake by backpedaling, you also shift from what ever gear you were in.. they also have many reported problems since their introduction across the web..
The SRAM Automatix shifts automatically with wheel revolution, and at a pre-determined point .. stock, on a 406 wheel it would shift around 6 to 8 mph.. the A2 can be modified to shift later (mine shifts at around 14mph) .. but that is a usually done by the mechanically inclined, whether an individual or shop.. I happen to love the Automatics and coaster brake setups ( I have two that I run frequently) I also use a Moulton TSR-5 (SRAM P5 5 speed, belt drive, coaster brake) bike as my daily ride .. although some can't get on with a coaster brake, they do have distinct advantages for me.. the SRAM also has an excellent reliability record ..