Hi All,

So I have a single speed bike, horizontal dropouts, 120mm rear spacing. I also have wheels with 32 spoke holes.

I'd like to convert this bike to a multiple speed bike with an internally geared hub. The limitations are mainly the 32 spoke wheel and the 120mm spacing. Also I'd like to spend less than $200 on the hub.

In theory, hubs like this exist but I can't find any that I can actually order online. I was originally thinking I'd like to go 5 speed, but basically I'll take anything from 3 speed to 8 speed that would work.

Sturmey-Archer makes an X-RF8 with 120mm width and 32 spoke holes, but the only ones I can find online are 130mm and 36 holes. Argh.

So, anyone have any ideas? Or any reliable sources where I could order a hub like this?

Thanks in advance!

edit: also, no coaster brakes or disc brakes, pls!

since the internally-geared hub will likely have a different flange height than your current hub, you'll probably need to replace the spokes. and while you're at it, maybe replace the rim. which leads to the possibility of just finding a new rear wheel, already built, with an internally-geared hub. then all you'd need to worry about is the 120mm rear spacing.

I've thought about that, but it's plan B. The wheels I have match and are good, and I'd like to keep the matching rims if possible. I don't mind replacing the spokes. But yes, if I have to, I'll do that.

Here ya go. If you want to coast, you'll need to thread on a single speed freewheel.

I think you need to raise your budget or find an old Sears or Huffy to rob the hub/wheels from. as Trailrider says your spokes likely will not work so they will run atleast $32 and maybe alot closer to $72. how old are your current wheels? unless you can build the wheel yourself a shop may not want to rebuild your old rim into new wheel.

If you respace the frame you will open up a lot more options.

The Sturmey-Archer S-RF5 comes in 120mm spacing and it is a nice hub.

Hmm, that's interesting. That's the only time I've seen the S3X with 32 holes. I'm wondering if it's a typo. On Sturmey-Archer's site it's only listed as having 36 holes. Thanks for the find, I'll email them to see if it's accurate.

The wheels are almost new. I'm not against selling them if I have to, but I do like them. That $200 budget is for the hub only, not the spokes, etc. And even so, if I have to go a little higher I will. The budget's not really the issue, it's finding a hub that's 120mm and also has 32 holes.

That was my preferred hub. It would fit fine, but it only comes in 36 or 28 spoke holes. I need 32.

.
not really, .. why do you think so?
I'd say just rebuild the wheel, yes, most are 36 hole, it's not a problem,
you're building a new wheel, not re-spoking your existing stuff.

get a new rim, 36 hole,
hub in hand, shop will help you get the right spoke length,
or build it for you.

a few spacer changes can reduce some width.

Note the ratios in the hub ,
sturmey's 8 speed, for example, 1:1 is low/1st, all others are overdrive gears
so external cogs will need to be low, requiring a small crankset gear too.
AW3 1:1 is in the middle, a reduction gear, and an overdrive gear,
on either side of it .. 3/4 & 4/3

some help with math:
https://sheldonbrown.com/gears/internal.html

Sturmey Archer AW hubs are abundant, cheap, and virtually indestructible. If you're on a budget, that's the route I'd take.

28 hole hub shell is part of the narrow axle'd wheel on my Brompton, folding bike.

for a bigger wheel , and more spokes , but still wanting a narrow over locknut distance

a mix and match approach is mechanically straight forward,
it involves opening up the hub itself,

replacing the axle and sun gear (one piece), and indicator chain.
[different for the shorter right side]

or buying the shorter axle'd hub, and changing the hub shell.

Other etailers (1, 2) list them, too.

I think those are typos. I'm pretty sure they are only made with 36 holes. Mine has 36 holes for sure.

To the OP, compared to the price of a hub and spokes a rim is not a very significant expense. Buy a 36 hole rim. I like the Sun CR18 for a cheap and durable 700C rim. I laced my S3X hub to a Mavic Open Sport and that is a nice rim as well.

For about $20 more you could have an entire singlespeed wheel and an internal-gear hub wheel. If you try to reuse the rim you have, you will end up with one wheel and an orphaned singlespeed hub. It doesn't make sense to lose that utility for a mere $20.

This is a compelling argument, unless you're really itching to build a wheel for yourself. If that's the case, you can build another wheel.

I think you're pretty much right on. I'm now leaning towards a whole new wheel.

I was thinking it'd be a fun challenge, since I've never done it. But I can do it another time. The real reason for using the rim I have is that it matches my front, and I can't seem to get it anymore. So I'll probably buy a whole new wheelset and sell the old ones.

There are 32H and 36H 3 speed fixed SA hubs in 120mm, $130 from Universal, 32 spokes cost ~$32:
https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...&category=2713

Sturmey lists the availability of 32 hole S3X models on page 66 of their current catalog.

S3X It is a fixed 3 speed, no coasting down hill, it won't freewheel.
New,.. unlike the AW3, which has shown itself durable, over many decades.

FWIW, the S3X will accept a threaded single freewheel. But doing so raises the question "why?" when you can get a freewheeling AW hub for a fraction of the cost of an S3X.

I don't have much interest in the S3X for that reason and because the lowest gear is direct drive. A 5 speed would also be preferable. I'm now leaning towards just buying a new wheelset, and I'm on the lookout for a good, classic looking one with a 5 speed SA hub.

Actually, on the S3X, the highest gear is direct drive.

Er, oops. That's what I meant. =) Either way, I'd like direct drive to be in the middle somewhere.

Your wheels or rims don't have to match. In fact, I have a bike with 36 spokes in front and 32 in the rear. It's a frankenbike that I didn't build. What the heck.