Sturmey Archer S80 8-Speed Hub 36h, Silver, with Disc Brake

As a commuter (on bike) in all seasons, this is perfect for me. The single chain-line and chain-tensioner (required by the de-railling-type) keep everything nice.. --Despite fallen branches that occur in the fall and winter (here, in California). -Limited "tangles" and resulting "down-time"...As this gear hub was transplanted on a Schwinn (with chrome-plated rims), the addition of the disk brake is especially good for those wet days. (The caliper brakes do nothing in this weather..)If you have the "where-with-all" to "Hot-Rod" a 1967-Schwinn to include a disk brake (The hardware to mount a disk brake wasn't standard on frames until about 1999), I recommend this hub. If you have a newer frame bike that includes the mounts for disk brakes, good! --Be sure to check the "OLD" dimensions against your back drop-out. I removed the over-lock-nut to permit fitting into my older frame..The gear-ratios permit me to travel with little fatigue. I commute 15 miles total each work day. I love this heavy steel bike and the capability of being where I want to be in a very predictable amount of time..I've had too much down-time with derailers. And, I've been in two near-fatal accidents with them as well. --I won't ride a bike with that gearing. Who wants that excessive chain-wear? --exposed trive-train? --down-time?I haven't had any down-time due to my Sturmy-Archer hub.

Works as advertised, just like my old Sturmey Archers used to. It doesn't get 5 stars, but that's not SA's fault, my old Nuvinci hub had a 33t front sprocket. To change to 26t will cost me a new crankset...

This hub will work well if you can stand the loud ratcheting sound that gets louder with the gear ratio increasing. It bothered me so much i exchanged it at my local bike shop 3 times (could even hear it over the music on my iPod with headphones on) with no improvement. It gets the job done, but if you want a quiet ride then do as i did and get a Shimano Nexus. Cost is about the same (minus the shifter). But you do lose some gear inch ratio in the end, unless your Lance Armstrong you wouldnt notice it all that much. Just my two cents is all, happy riding folks. :)

Sturmey Archer has great equipment and wonderful construction. This item is VERY heavy so don't purchase if your plan is to go out for a bunny hopping competition.

I know Sturmey Archer since many years, that's why i trust it.Now mounted on a motorized bicycle it works great although I had some problems.Because of the engine torque, one aluminum nut broke so I had to build a new one with a stronger material.