Originally Posted by
Coal Buster
The problem I had with the 5-speed was that when I priced them out it was only about $20 cheaper than the 8-speed. I know it's a different animal than the eight but still. I'd rather have the extra three speeds.
What are the tradeoffs? Off the top of my head:
- 8-speed has smaller steps
- 8-speed has wider range
- 5-speed is likely to be more reliable and durable
If the difference is $20, I would definitely get the 8-speed.
Those forthcoming 5-speed models look great. I suspect I would set it up with 3rd gear as a 60-inch gear, so I would have 38, 48, 60, 75, and 94 inch gears.
Sturmey Archer seems to get bike-geekier every year. I love it.