Originally Posted by
canalligators
A properly adjusted AW will hold its adjustment, this is not a safety issue. And you can beat the living hell out of them.
As much as I love and respect the AW and FW, if you’re building a wheel anyway, why not go for more gears? I’m really fond of the Nexus 7 and 8 hubs on two of my bikes. They’re reliable and durable, and the gear steps are well spaced.
Agreed on the Nexus 8 (have yet to try the 7). 1st and 4th through 6th are perfectly spaced. One could make a 5-speed with those ratios and it'd be perfect, but I don't mind the extra ratios that come along with it.
Only quibble with it is how the roller clutches tend to slip occasionally upon engagement of 3rd and 4th (only on engagement) no matter how perfect the cable adjustment and regardless of the internal lubricant. I actually found that good old Sturmey-rated 00 grease tends to work marginally better than Shimano's goop in my particular 8.
-Kurt