Over the weekend, I finally installed the Sturmey-Archer 3 speed wheel on the Surly (this particular AW is a 1972 vintage). Yes, yes, fixed gears are great, except when you haul 15 pounds of stuff back and forth to work everyday, or drag 60+ pounds of children in a trailer behind you. I fantasized briefly about selling the Steamroller and getting a long tail bike (like an Xtracycle or Kona Ute), but realized that for the cost of a rear brake and lever from Jerry Kraynick, the Surly would be nearly as practical for the fraction of the cost. So off went the track hub, on went the Sturmey (along with a rear brake, lever, and the trigger shifter).

So I can coast. And spin up hills. Kinda.

Posted on 9 July 2008