Reports of the demise of this Web site are greatly exaggerated! We at sheldonbrown.com thank Harris Cyclery for its support over the years. Harris Cyclery has closed, but we keep going. Keep visiting the site for new and updated articles, and news about possible new affilations.


Sturmey-Archer Bicycle Hubs Cribsheet
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Sheldon Brown photo
by Sheldon "Historian" Brown
revised by John "Updater" Allen
Spoke Divider

In this article:

Spoke Divider

Introduction

This page describes Sturmey-Archer hubs from the 1930s onward, and gives links to information about them on this site and others.

Our pages about servicing Sturmey-Archer hubs will guide you to the best information we could find, including information no longer available from Sturmey-Archer, so, let's first list those pages here:

More information:

Quick Reference
2-speeds 3-speeds 4-speeds 5-speeds 1967-2000 5-speeds 2000-2009 5-speeds 2010-
7-speeds 8-speeds Other rear hubs Front hubs Front brake hubs Dynohubs

Most Sturmey-Archer hub models produced since the 1930s...

Rows with white backgrounds in the table below are for "ghost" hubs -- no longer sold, not in the 2015 catalog -- though some of these are very common, or mostly the same as current hubs. Rows with yellow backgrounds are for hubs which are in both the 2010 catalog and the 2015 catalog. Rows with green backgrounds are for hubs in the 2015 catalog only. Hyperlinks from the model numbers in the left column will take you to servicing information on individual hubs. For old hubs where there is no hyperlink, look on Tony Hadland's site, the Sturmey-Archer Heritage site or the Veteran-Cycle Club library site (Links at top and bottom of this page). Harris Cyclery, SJS Cycles and Oldbiketrader in the UK maintain stocks of discontinued Sturmey-Archer hubs and parts.

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Internal-gear hubs

Model Speeds Range Gears(%) Features

2-speeds

B2C

2 Wide 138
100
2-speed kickback hub, coaster brake, steel shell. Also see coaster-brake page.

S2

2 Wide 138
100
2-speed kickback hub, no brake, aluminum shell.

S2

2 Wide 100
71.4
Note, same model number as new S2 but different ratios. 1960s model with kickback shifting.

S2C

2 Wide 138
100
2-speed kickback hub, coaster brake, aluminum shell. Also see coaster-brake page.

S2K

2 Wide 138
100
2-speed kickback hub, coaster brake, aluminum shell with disc brake fitting

T

2 Medium 100
75
A rare 1930s model, made for club bicycles and tandems.

If you have a fast connection, you can see
sales brochures for this model.

T-S2C

2 +
reverse
Wide 138
100
2-speeds kickback, coaster brake, aluminum shell, reverse gear and second sprocket, made for a tricycle. This is a gearbox, not a hub and must be used in an intermediate position on the frame, with input and output chains, because the secondary sprocket attaches where the spokes would.

TB

2 Wide 100
75
A rare 1930s two-speed hub with cable/rod-operated drum brake. Similar to TBC

If you have a fast connection, you can see
sales brochures for this model.

TBC

2 Wide 100
75
A rare 1930s two-speed hub with cable-operated drum brake. Similar to TB

If you have a fast connection, you can see
sales brochures for this model.

TBF

2 Wide 100
75
A rare 1930s fixed gear two-speed hub with cable/rod-operated drum brake. Similar to TBFC

If you have a fast connection, you can see
sales brochures for this model.

TBFC

2 Wide 100
75
A rare 1930s fixed gear two-speed hub with cable-operated drum brake. Similar to TBF

If you have a fast connection, you can see
sales brochures for this model.

TC

2 Close 100
86.54
A rare 1930s model, made for club bicycles.

See: sa-1938f2.jpeg (176k)

If you have a fast connection, you can see
sales brochures for this model.

TF

2 Medium 100
75
A rare 1930s fixed gear model, made for club bicycles and tandems. The fixed-gear version of the T
Sturmey-Archer TF

If you have a fast connection, you can see
sales brochures for this model.

3-speeds Servicing information

AB

3 Wide 133.3
100
75
Basically an AW, with cable-operated drum brake.

AB3

3 Wide 133.3
100
75
With cable-operated 90 mm drum brake. Still sold in 2010.

AB/C

3 Wide 133.3
100
75
With cable-operated 90 mm drum brake. Still sold in 2010.

AC

3 Close 106.66
100
93.3
A rare model, made for club bicycles, time trials.

AG

3 Wide 133.3
100
75
Basically, an AW with a built-in Dynohub generator.

AM

3 Medium 115.55
100
86.54
A rare model, made for club bicycles.

AR

3 Ultra Close 107.24
100
93.24
A very rare 1930's model, made for club/racing bicycles.
Sturmey-Archer AR

If you have a fast connection, you can see
sales brochures for this model.

ASC

3 Close 100
90
75

Fixed gear. Extremely rare, and lots of fun! This site has two separate pages devoted to this hub: See the main ASC Page for general info, and the ASC Tech Page for service instructions, cutaway and exploded diagrams.

In 2010, SunRace/Sturmey Archer has introduced a new 3-speed fixed gear hub, the S3X

AT3

3 Wide 133.3
100
75
"Elite" 70 mm drum brake and no-intermediate-gear (no neutral) internals. "Elite" indicates a hub with an aluminium shell.

AW

3 Wide 133.3
100
75
This is far and away the most common model, introduced in 1936. No-neutral-gear version still sold in 2010 --75th anniversary is coming up in 2011! Also see rebuilding instructions in Sutherland's Handbook of Coaster Brake and Internally Geared Hubs.

AWC

3 Wide 133.3
100
75
Three speed coaster brake. No-neutral-gear version. Steel shell. Also see rebuilding instructions in Sutherland's Handbook of Coaster Brake and Internally Geared Hubs.

AWC(II)

3 Wide 133.3
100
75
Slight modification to the AWC. Also see rebuilding instructions in Sutherland's Handbook of Coaster Brake and Internally Geared Hubs.

BWR

3 Extra-wide 63.8
100
156.7
Special Brompton extra wide-ratio 3-speed used with 2 sprockets and a rear derailer to make a 6-speed hybrid-gearing system.

CS-RF3

3 Wide 133.3
100
75
Hybrid gearing, fits a Shimano or SRAM 8- or 9-speed cassette. Available in sliver or black

CS-RK3

3 Wide 133.3
100
75
Hybrid gearing, fits a Shimano or SRAM 8- or 9-speed cassette. Disk brake fitting. Available in several colors.

K

3 Wide 133.3
100
75
The immediate predecessor of the AW

If you have a fast connection, you can see
sales brochures for this model.

KB

3 Wide 133.3
100
75
With rod-operated drum brake. (Similar to the KBC)

If you have a fast connection, you can see
sales brochures for this model.

KBC

3 Wide 133.3
100
75
With cable-operated drum brake. 1930's predecessor to the AB
Sturmey-Archer KBC

If you have a fast connection, you can see
sales brochures for this model.

KS

3 Close 112.5
100
89.9
A rare 1930s model, made for club bicycles and tandems.
Sturmey-Archer KS

If you have a fast connection, you can see
sales brochures for this model.

KSW

3 Medium 116.6
100
85.7
A rare 1930s model, made for club bicycles and tandems.
Sturmey-Archer KS

If you have a fast connection, you can see
sales brochures for this model.

KT

3 Wide 133.3
100
75
Tandem hub with cable/rod-operated drum brake. Similar to KTC
Sturmey-Archer KT

If you have a fast connection, you can see
sales brochures for this model.

KTC

3 Wide 133.3
100
75
Tandem hub with cable-operated drum brake. Similar to KT

If you have a fast connection, you can see
sales brochures for this model.

QS-RC3

3 +
reverse
Wide 133.3
100
75
Coaster brake, aluminum shell, reverse gear and second sprocket, made for a tricycle. This is a gearbox, not a hub and must be used in an intermediate position on the frame, with input and output chains, because the secondary sprocket attaches where the spokes would.

RS-RB3

3 Wide 133.3
100
75
New version similar to the AW, with an aluminum shell. Rotary shifting interface inside the dropout; band brake fitting, could be used for a drive sprocket.

RS-RF3

3 Wide 133.3
100
75
New version similar to the AW, with an aluminum shell. Rotary shifting interface inside the dropout; no brake.

RX-RD3

3 Wide 133.3
100
75
New version similar to the AW, with an aluminum shell. Rotary shifting interface inside the dropout; 70mm drum brake

SAB3

3 Wide 133.3
100
75
Steel shell, 70mm drum brake. No-intermediate-gear mechanism. Still sold in 2010

SBR

3 Wide 133.3
100
75
"Steelite" with 70 mm drum brake.

"Steelite" indicates a hub with a steel shell.

S3C

3 Wide 133.3
100
75
Coaster brake. After Consumer Reports rated the TCW IV "unacceptable" because the brake would fail completely if the shift cable was misadjusted, Sturmey-Archer completely redesigned the Tricoaster, so that the braking was independent of the gear-change. This model is safer than the TCW series, but is still prone to failure. Also see rebuilding instructions in Sutherland's Handbook of Coaster Brake and Internally Geared Hubs.

S3X

3 Mid 100
75
62.5
SunRace/Sturmey-Archer's new-production 3-speed fixed gear, supplanting the rare ASC. A matching front hub, the HBT, is available.

S-RC3

3 Wide 133.3
100
75
Aluminum-shell version of the AWC(II), with coaster brake.

S-RF3

3 Wide 133.3
100
75
New version similar to the AW, with an aluminum shell. Improved pullchain interface; no brake.

S-RK3

3 Wide 133.3
100
75
New version similar to the AW, with an aluminum shell. Improved pullchain interface; disc brake fitting.

SW

3 Super-
wide
138.4
100
72.23
This model was intended to replace the AW in 1957, but was so troublesome that it was withdrawn, and the AW re-introduced in 1958. The SW uses a unique 3-prong driver, and has crescent-shaped pawls that don't use pawl springs. When they work, they're very nice. They are light, nearly silent, and efficient. None of the internal parts are interchangeable with other models. See Brian Hayes's article on this site.

SX-RB3

3 Wide 133.3
100
75
Wide-body 3-speed (for wide dropout spacing) with threads on left side for band brake drum or sprocket.

SX-RK3

3 Wide 133.3
100
75
Wide-body 3-speed (for wide dropout spacing) with fitting for brake disk.

TCW

3 Wide 133.3
100
75
Coaster brake. Mark I, II, III, IV. Brake would fail if cable adjustment was incorrect, replaced by the S3C. Also see rebuilding instructions in Sutherland's Handbook of Coaster Brake and Internally Geared Hubs.

TS-RB3

3 +
reverse
Wide 133.3
100
75
Threading at left side for band brake -- could be used for a drive sprocket. High-polish aluminum shell, reverse gear and second sprocket: made for a tricycle. This is a gearbox, not a hub and must be used in an intermediate position on the frame, with input and output chains, because the secondary sprocket attaches where the spokes would.

TS-RC3

3 +
reverse
Wide 133.3
100
75
Coaster brake, high-polish aluminum shell, reverse gear and second sprocket: made for a tricycle. This is a gearbox, not a hub and must be used in an intermediate position on the frame, with input and output chains, because the secondary sprocket attaches where the spokes would.

TS-RF3

3 Wide 133.3
100
75
No brake, high-polish aluminum shell, reverse gear and second sprocket: made for a tricycle. This is a gearbox, not a hub and must be used in an intermediate position on the frame, with input and output chains, because the secondary sprocket attaches where the spokes would.

XL-RD3

3 Wide 133.3
100
75
90 mm drum brake, aluminum shell.

X-RD3

3 +
reverse
Wide 133.3
100
75
70 mm drum brake, aluminum shell.

4-speeds Servicing information

AF

4 Close 109.1
100
90
75
Same as the FC.

FB

4 Wide 126.6
100
79.9
66.67
Like the FG, but with cable-operated drum brake. See rebuilding instructions in Sutherland's Handbook of Coaster Brake and Internally Geared Hubs.

FC

4 Close 109.1
100
90
75
A rare model, made for club bicycles. Same as the AF.

FG

4 Wide 126.6
100
79.9
66.67
Basically an FW with a built-in Dynohub generator.

I have one of these on my 1954 Superbe Roadster. Also see rebuilding instructions in Sutherland's Handbook of Coaster Brake and Internally Geared Hubs.

FM

4 Medium 112.5
100
85.7
66.7
A rare model, made for club bicycles.

FW

4 Wide 126.6
100
78.9
66.67
The most common four-speed model. Also see rebuilding instructions in Sutherland's Handbook of Coaster Brake and Internally Geared Hubs.

Older 5-speeds Servicing information

5-speed alloy 5 Wide 150
126.6
100
78.9
66.67
An S5-2 with a beefy alloy shell; late UK production. Also see rebuilding instructions in Sutherland's Handbook of Coaster Brake and Internally Geared Hubs.
5-Star 5 Wide Last dual-cable 5-speed hub -- a problem hub. "Elite" version with aluminum shell also was sold.
5-Star Elite, drum brake 5 Wide Dual-cable, with drum brake -- a problem hub.

AB-5

5 Wide Steel shell, 90 mm drum brake, introduced ca. 1999

AT5

5 Wide Aluminum shell, 70 mm drum brake, dual cable; introduced in 1985

S5

5 Wide The earliest 5-speed hub, a modified FW. The original S5 used two cables, a conventional 3-speed type on the right, and a bellcrank/pushrod unit on the left. The right lever/cable has 3 positions, and works as a normal 3-speed hub. The left lever/cable converts the hub from a medium ratio to a wide ratio 3-speed. Since the middle gear is direct drive, the left control has no effect on the middle gear.

Most, if not all Sturmey-Archer 4-speeds can be converted to 5-speeds. The planet cage is the same but the axle and large sun gear must be replaced so they engage in both directions. See additional information. Also see rebuilding instructions in Sutherland's Handbook of Coaster Brake and Internally Geared Hubs.

S5/1

5 Wide Replaced the S5; used two pullchains rather than having a bell crank on the left side. Unreliable, tended to pop out of low gear. Also see rebuilding instructions in Sutherland's Handbook of Coaster Brake and Internally Geared Hubs.

S5-2

5 Wide Improved, reliable version of the S5/1. The S5-2 has a bit more internal friction than the plain S5. Axle assembly and axle gears are different. Also see rebuilding instructions in Sutherland's Handbook of Coaster Brake and Internally Geared Hubs.

SAB-5

5 Wide 70 mm drum brake
Sprinter S5 5 Wide 5-speed single-cable; introduced 1993-1994
Sprinter Elite AT5
5 Wide 5-speed single-cable, drum brake, introduced 1993-1994
Sprinter S5C
Coaster
5 Wide 5-speed single-cable with coaster brake, introduced 1993-1994
Summit S5 5 Wide Ball locking mechanism, steel shell, ca. 1999
Summit S5C 5 Wide Ball locking mechanism ca. 1999, coaster brake
X-RC5 5 Wide Ball locking mechanism, probably Taiwan introduction, coaster brake
X-RD5 5 Wide Ball locking mechanism, drum brake, probably Taiwan introduction
X-RF5 5 Wide Ball locking mechanism, no brake, probably Taiwan introduction
X-RK5 5 Wide Ball locking mechanism, disk brake fitting, large flanges. May not have existed.

2009- wider-ratio 5-speeds Servicing information

QS-RC5 5+
reverse
Wider 160
133.3
100
75
62.5
This hub is listed online as having rotary shifting but probably is the same as the QS-RCF(W) below, with pullchain shifting. Ratios are the same as pullchain-shifting hubs, and installation instructions and specifications are for a hub with a pullchain. Coaster brake, reverse rear and second sprocket. This is a gearbox, not a hub, and must be used in an intermediate position on the frame, with two chains, because there is a bracket that goes across where the spokes would be.
QS-RC5(W) 5+
reverse
Wider Wider ratio, introduced 2009, pullchain shifting, coaster brake, reverse rear and second sprocket. This is a gearbox, not a hub, and must be used in an intermediate position on the frame, with two chains, because there is a bracket that goes across where the spokes would be.
TS-RC5 5 Wider This hub is listed online as having rotary shifting but ratios are the same as pullchain-shifting hubs, and installation instructions and specifications are for a hub with a pullchain. This is a gearbox, not a hub, and must be used in an intermediate position on the frame, with two chains, because there is a bracket that goes across where the spokes would be.
TS-RF5 5 Wider This hub is listed online as having rotary shifting but ratios are the same as pullchain-shifting hubs, and installation instructions and specifications are for a hub with a pullchain. freewheeling, second sprocket but no reverse gear. This is a gearbox, not a hub, and must be used in an intermediate position on the frame, with two chains, because there is a bracket that goes across where the spokes would be.
S5C(W) 5 Wider Wider ratio, introduced 2009, coaster brake, steel shell.
S-RC5(W) 5 Wider Wider ratio, introduced 2009, coaster brake, aluminum shell
S-RF5(W) 5 Wider Wider ratio, introduced 2009, no brake, aluminum shell
XL-RD5 (W) 5 Wider Wider ratio, introduced 2009, 90 mm drum brake, aluminum shell
X-RC5(W) 5 Wider Wider ratio, introduced 2009, coaster brake, large-flange aluminum shell
X-RD5(W) 5 Wider Wider ratio, introduced 2009, 70 mm drum brake, aluminum shell
X-RF5(W) 5 Wider wider ratio, introduced 2009, no brake, large-flange aluminum shell
X-RK5(W) 5 Wider wider ratio, introduced 2009, disk brake fitting, large-flange aluminum shell

Rotary-shifting 5-speeds new since 2010 Servicing information

RX-RC5 5+
reverse
Wide 156.25
125
100
80
64
Coaster brake, reverse gear and second sprocket. This is a gearbox, not a hub, and must be used in an intermediate position on the frame, with two chains, because there is a bracket that goes across where the spokes would be.
RX-RD5 5 Wide Wider ratio, introduced 2009, coaster brake, steel shell.
RX-RF5 5 Wide No brake, aluminum shell
RX-RK5 5 Wide Disc-brake fitting,, aluminum shell
RXL-RD5 5 Wide Large drum brake, aluminum shell

7-speeds Servicing information

AT7/Sprinter 7 Elite 7 Wide 168
145
124
100
80
69
60

7-speed single cable with drum brake. See also my article on 4, 5 and 7-speed Sturmey-Archer hubs

Sprinter 7 7 Wide 7-speed single cable, steel shell.
Sprinter 7
Coaster
7 Wide 7-speed single cable with coaster brake.
Summit X7 7 Wide Different appearance, ball locking sun gears, otherwise like the Sprinter 7.
Summit S7C 7 Wide Different appearance, ball locking sun gears, otherwise like the Sprinter 7 Coaster.
Summit X-RD7 7 Wide Different appearance, ball locking sun gears, otherwise like the AT7.

8-Speeds Servicing information

X-RD8 8 Mid 305 238 210 186 164 145 128 100 Discontinued, drum brake
X-RF8 8 Mid Discontinued, no brake.
X-RK8 8 Mid Discontinued, fitting for disk brake
X-RR8 8 Mid Discontinued, fitting for Shimano Rollerbrake
S80(W) 8 Wide 325 250 220 192 169 148 130 100 2009 model, no brake, steel shell.
X-RF8(W) 8 Wide 2009 model, no brake.
X-RD8(W) 8 Wide 2009 model, internal drum brake.
X-RK8(W) 8 Wide 2009 model, fitting for disk brake

Other Rear hubs

Model

Features

BR

Drum brake for rod operation (similar to BRC)

If you have a fast connection, you can see
sales brochures for this model.

BRC

Drum brake for cable operation (similar to BR)

If you have a fast connection, you can see
sales brochures for this model.

BRD

Drum brake for rod operation (derailer-compatible version of BR)

If you have a fast connection, you can see
sales brochures for this model.

BRCD

Drum brake for cable operation (derailer-compatible version of BRC)

If you have a fast connection, you can see
sales brochures for this model.

BRT

Tandem drum brake for cable operation (similar to BRC)

If you have a fast connection, you can see
sales brochures for this model.

HBT30-R

Fixed gear/freewheel track hub. Available in several colors.

SAB

"Steelite" 70 mm drum brake for cable operation

SC

Coaster brake. See rebuilding instructions in Sutherland's Handbook of Coaster Brake and Internally Geared Hubs.

SC1

Coaster brake. See rebuilding instructions in Sutherland's Handbook of Coaster Brake and Internally Geared Hubs.

ST

"Elite" (aluminum shell) 70 mm drum brake for cable operation

X-RD

Freewheel hub with 90 mm drum brake

X-RDC

Cassette hub with 90mm drum brake

Front hubs

Model

Features

HBT

Front track hub to match the S3X fixed-gear hub and HBT-30 fixed/free hub. Available in several colors.

Front brake hubs (servicing current models) (Installation)

BF

Formerly, drum brake for rod operation (similar to BFC) This name is also used for a 90mm cable-operated drum brake with a steel shell: (instructions and parts list for more recent model).

If you have a fast connection, you can see
sales brochures for the older model.

BFC

Drum brake for cable operation (similar to BF). Technical information and parts list

If you have a fast connection, you can see
sales brochures for this model.

BF/C

90 mm drum brake for cable operation (recent model is called the BF but refers to this one's technical info.)

BFT

Tandem drum brake for cable operation (similar to BFC)

If you have a fast connection, you can see
sales brochures for this model.

VT

70 mm "Elite" drum brake for cable operation

X-FD

Front hub with 70mm drum brake.

XL-FD

Front hub with 90mm drum brake

SBF

70 mm "Steelite" (steel shell) drum brake for cable operation. Also see info on Tony Hadland's site.

X-SD

Front single-side (tadpole tricycle front) hub with 70mm drum brake.

XL-SD

Front single-side (tadpole tricycle front) hub with 90mm drum brake.

Dynohubs (also see AG, above)

GH6

Front hub with built-in Dynohub generator.

HDS10

Front hub with new-model Dynohub generator. Instructions

HDS20

Front hub with disc-brake fitting and new-model Dynohub generator. Instructions

X-FDD

Front hub with 70mm drum brake and new-model Dynohub generator. Instructions

XL-FDD

Front hub with 90mm drum brake and new-model Dynohub generator. Instructions

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Links

Sturmey-Archer logo
Official Site
old Sturmey-Archer logo Heritage site
Three-Speed Parts from Harris Cyclery
English Three Speeds, Care and Feeding
Internal-Gear Hubs
Sturmey-Archer Hubs, General Information
Sturmey-Archer 1902-1952
Sturmey-Archer 1935-38 Catalogues
Evolution of the Raleigh Sports
My old Robin Hood
Sheldon's old Robin Hood
Martin Hanczyc's roadster pages.
Tony Hadland's Sturmey-Archer Pages
including the 1956 master catalogue with
rebuilding information for SWs
and others.
Sturmey-Archer documents at the Veteran Cycle Club Library.
Hubstripping web site
John Allen's spreadsheets of internal-hub gear ratios
Retro Raleighs
SW Hubs by Brian Hayes
Jane Thomas's site with
Sturmey-Archer service manuals.
Menotomy Vintage Bicycles
Chat forum on English bikes.

Spoke Divider

Spoke Divider

Articles by Sheldon Brown and Others


Reports of the demise of this Web site are greatly exaggerated! We at sheldonbrown.com thank Harris Cyclery for its support over the years. Harris Cyclery has closed, but we keep going. Keep visiting the site for new and updated articles, and news about possible new affilations.

Copyright © 1998, 2008 Sheldon Brown, 2014 John Allen

Harris Cyclery Home Page

If you would like to make a link or bookmark to this page, the URL is:
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/cribsheet_s-a-hubs.html

Last Updated: by John Allen