[David Nash]

I’m thinking about buying a new TSR2 (chain drive), and wondered what they’re like. I seem to remember reading a number of reports of failed Sturmey Archer 2C hubs, which is decidedly off putting. However, I’d be open to changing the hub to a singlespeed or a Duomatic.

I have a 1965 F series which I’ve upgraded with new wheels and a new old stock F&S Duomatic hub. Will the TSR be noticeably different in terms of ride, handling and speed?

Also, why have the belt drive versions been discontinued?

[Gavin Clark]

Hi David, I’ve had a TSR2 (belt drive) for 3 years. I’ve not used a F&S duomatic so I can’t compare, but I had no problems with the Sturmey S2C hub – both brake and gears worked flawlessly for me. I swapped the hub out for a 5 speed SA SRC5 hub last year, but only because I moved out of London to the sticks and wanted a wider range of gears .

Subjectively, the TSR2 feels tighter and faster than my 1965 Deluxe but that could just be because I’m comparing a new bike with a 50 year old one! I love riding both.

Only the factory could say for sure why the belt drive model has been discontinued, but maybe demand wasn’t that high or the components cost too much. It’s a shame, as I think it’s a real bonus having a clean, silent, maintenance free transmission.

Gavin

[Alexander Johnston]

I suspect you will notice the difference but the best way to find out if the difference is significant for you is to try one.
Nice to have both and enjoy both.

[David Nash]

Thanks very much for all the info. I’ll try to have a ride on a TSR2, but it might be some time before I’m able to make it down to my nearest dealer, and I’ve been wondering if I should just buy it, or reserve it with a deposit.

The aspect of the F-Frame which disappointed me the most is the front suspension. I’ve only ridden my F-Frame, so I can’t say if it’s faulty, but it does squeak a bit, and it vibrates badly when riding over rough roads – I think much harsher than a bike with larger wheels and no suspension.

Otherwise, I do like the looks of the F-Frame. A Speedsix (or lookalike) would appeal if I could be sure it would be a fast and smooth ride. However, the TSR is obviously a much newer design, and I would presume it’s a noticeable improvement over the F-Frame.

[Gavin Clark]

From the sound of it, I’d say your front suspension needs looking at. It shouldn’t squeak and it certainly shouldn’t be a harsher ride than a regular large wheel bike.

Both my f-frame and my spaceframe bikes (two TSRs and an APB) transmit way less vibration through the handlebars than any 700c wheel bike I’ve ridden. The spaceframes front suspension is more refined than the f-frame and the damping and ride height can be easily adjusted.

[Alexander Johnston]

David, I’m with Gavin – I suspect your front suspension needs looking at. Although F frames are 50 year-old bicycles they still offer a smooth, sophisticated ride when set up properly.

[David Nash]

It’s been a year or two since I rode the bike, but I’ve just had drop bars fitted, and taken off the mudguards and rack, so I’ll take it for a ride soon. The suspension seems to work okay in that it’s not sticking or anything, and it’s smooth over bumps. However, it does vibrate a lot when riding over broken-up road surfaces. I’ve mentioned this to a few folk, and I think the conclusion was that the front suspension doesn’t really reduce road ‘buzz’. The bike has new alloy rims and Schwalbe Kojak tyres, which probably don’t help.

I’ve always thought I should have a Moulton ‘expert’ look at it, and have thought about getting in touch with Moulton Preservation, but I’m not sure it would be worth it. I’ve read the service instructions for the suspension, and I don’t think I’d be able to do it myself.

[Gavin Clark]

There are some road surfaces where the Moulton’s suspension is less effective than others. But even in these circumstances, IMO a Moulton is still better than any road bike I’ve tried. YMMV of course. But if your F-frame front suspension is okay, then I don’t think a TSR is going to offer a massive difference to be honest.

If you bring your bike to the Club meet at BoA, there’ll be plenty of people who could give you advice – including Michael Woolf. That might be the best way forward.

[Author]

Posts