Sturmey-Archer CS-RK3 3x9 Speed Disc Hub - 135mm Spacing

A gear for utility not sport.

This is a specialty gear. This gear acts as a low range and an overdrive, and multiplies the number of gears on your bike by a factor of 3. It lowers the bottom end by 1/4 and raises the top end by 1/3. Between is the standard range of the gears already on your bike. It is a work horse not a race horse. It is heavy for those who are weight conscious, but it makes your bike useful. It turns you bicycle into an SUV instead of a sports car. Equipped with fenders, carriers, and lights (preferably with a generator) your bicycle becomes a useful part of your life. Shopping, visiting, running errands, in most weathers,you name it. 48 years ago my wife and I did a 5000 mile bicycle camping trip across Europe with a jerry-rigged 54 speed bike using the Sturmey Archer of the period. It had the same ratios. I had 60+lbs and my wife 40+lbs and we climbed everything from the South coast of England to the Bosporus. It is a common problem that mountain bikes have a good low gear but not a good top end, Then you redline on many downs. Road bikes have a good top end but not a good climbing gear, then you work the hills, especially if you are equipped for utility cycling. With this gear you have both. Yes, you will be passed by the stripped down sport bikes but that is the price of daily utility and versatility.

Pros: lowers the bottom gear by 1/4, and raises the top gear by 1/3.

Cons: heavy

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: October 31, 2017
Reviewed by: Charles N.

Was this review Helpful?  Yes  No    Report as Inappropriate