IGH & Dynamo Conversion
I am considering upgrading my beater bike for winter riding by adding an IGH and a dynamo hub. The bike I plan to use is an old Raleigh MTB with horizontal dropouts, so chain tensioning shouldn't pose a problem. I am looking at the Sturmey Archer XRD5 rear hub, with integrated drum brake, and their XFDD dynamo, also with integrated drum. I want the five-speed because I also plan to upgrade from my Schwinn hybrid to an Alfine-equipped commuter and I don't want my beater bike to have as many gears - call me immature but that's important to me. The drums also seem a good idea - sealed, low maintenance, and cheaper than going with a disc setup. My planned rides with the beater would be mostly flat roads so I might even consider a 3-speed. Does anyone have experience with these Sturmey Archer products, and if so what do you think about my idea? Any other suggestions? I'm trying to keep the price modest.