Sturmey Archer S2C Review

The Sturmey Archer 2 speed, coaster brake hub, as fitted to the Moulton TSR 2, is reviewed in the current issue of Velovision (Issue 40). The reviewer tested the old F&S Duomatic hub alongside the new Sturmey S2C for a better comparison between the two hubs. Some of the main findings were:

• The S2C is about 50% heavier than the Duomatic
• gear ratios are identical
• the S2C requires less of a back-pedaling action in order to change gears
• the brake on the S2C is much stronger

The review is very positive, and the main benefits cited are that you get the simplicity of a fixed gear with a "bailout" gear for hills and headwinds, as well as the lack of cables going to the rear, which is particularly useful for separable Moultons. Issue 40 also includes an article by Moultoneers Keith Hales, where he describes life with a Double Pylon, and includes his visit to the 2009 Moulton Summit in Japan.