Originally Posted by
Dahon.Steve
Interesting.
It seems like the only bomb proof Hub Sturmey Archer makes is the 3 speed! I don't know why can't make a solid 8 speed hub? Anyway, Why didn't you go ahead and buy the Nexus 8 Speed Hub? I don't think I've heard anyone complain yet and it seems like a good product.
I have a Nexus 8 on my touring bike. It is a very nice hub. The gears are not as evenly spaced as the Sturmey Archer 8, though; in particular there's a pretty big step between 5 and 6, that kinda throws off my cadence since that's right where my shifter is most of the time. But enough whining.
The real problem is that Nexus-8 is geared too low for a bike with 16" wheels. I like a range of 28 to 88 gear inches; on my touring bike, that's 19T/38T (cog/chainring). To get there on my folder I'd have to do 16T/66T or something. The 16T is no problem, but a 66T chainring is not readily available. I don't remember exactly why, but Sheldon (peace be upon him) said you can't use smaller than 16T on the nexus.