I currently have a single speed 52m Crew District. I got it as a commuter once I got moved closer my workplace. I live in a fairly hilly area and I am thoroughly missing the option to downshift n give my legs a break on the way back. Details:
Current gearing is 46 x 16 (free) 700cx25 gators, rear brake only, omnium 165mm cranks. The District is listed as a track bike n geometry.


I hear this is possible without a de-railer and with a internal hub. My LBS is run by a bunch of stoners and I've gotten different answers. Are they right to try to sell me on a stock multi-speed hybrid or just confused about without using a de-railer.


Which brings me to the internal hub gear wheels. Are they a gimmick, work "meh", or extremely functional. Any experience with them? I'm confused about the axle measurements, where they are or how to find out. Does anyone have know if the Soma-Iggy will fit the Districts rear spacing and if so what would be better 3 spd or 5?


Any info would be greatly appreciated.

You! give out how wide your frame Is .. get out a tape Measure.


sturmey archer Sturmey-Archer | Products

Has data sheets of their various Hubs and their widths ..

The 3 speed on my folding bike is like 117 wide, over the lock nuts ..




if a 'Gimmick' why have people been using them around the world, for well over 100 Years?

While not currently in stock, Fyxation's Six Fix conversion kit might be just the ticket.

Six Fyx Conversion Kit | Fyxation

You could also duplicate the six fyx kit with a thread on freewheel for less money. With used parts and a set of dmr chain tugs with a derailleur hanger, you could easily do a 5 or 6 speed conversion for under 100 bucks. Granted, you could probably locate a used road bike for that too. In my experience, internal gear hubs that will fit 120 rear spacing don't offer a low enough low gear, and aggressive pedalling while standing isn't the best idea with this type of hub. Thats just my .02.

Just purchased a Sturmey-Archer two speed kick freewheel hub to install on my Surley Steamroller. Will replace the spool on the Velocity Deep V rear wheel with the SA item. The hills around here are not too bad but bad enough for a single speed. I like the idea of the kick hub. No cables, no shifter, all in one unit. Sounds great so we will see how it works.

I toyed with the idea of building up a bike with one of these hubs a while back. I would enjoying reading your review once you get yours up and running. Need pics too!

I don't like 3-speeds much. The gaps are just too big to keep the legs humming along nicely during dedicated riding. Its more like a 3-in-1 bike than a geared bike.
It can be OK for casual/utility riding though if you get the basic gearing ratio set up right.
To me, 5-speeds (and above) is where it gets good.
Performance is endlessly debated.
External gears have smaller losses under ideal conditions.
IGH setups are generally heavier.
Removing the wheel takes longer.
I've never seen a comprehensive study on efficiency during real-life riding. But I'm convinced the difference would be smaller.
As long as I have the range&ratios I want, I'll ride either.