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Elgin, JC Higgins, J.C. Higgins, They're All Sears bikes, and all freaking awesome!! I love that the Firestone bikes are all the same frames too... It's too bad there isn't more information out there about these bikes as they totally kick ass. Yes, they're not quite as good quality as a Schwinn, but they're absolutely serviceable and personally I find they fit taller riders a bit better. One really could ask why AREN'T these bikes ruling the world about now?!?
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Sturmey Archer 2-Speed Kickback

by Bryn — last modified Apr 12, 2011 12:55 PM
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I found this great review of the new Sturmey Archer 2-speed kickback - sounds like a great hub!

Sturmey's S2 kickshift hub didn't fare so well when it first hit the shelves in the 1960s, but 50-odd years on it makes a lot of sense for anyone that likes the clean lines of a singlespeed but secretly wishes the hills weren't so hard. And it's cheaper than many standard track hubs.

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Read the full review: http://road.cc/content/image/32347-sturmey-archer-s2-kickshift-hub

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2speed hub

Avatar Posted by daniel maddess at Aug 31, 2011 09:42 PM
I have one on my series 51 shelby flyer! nice to pedal but needs time for brakes to kick in.. good thing i have drum on front!

SA 2-speed kickback hub

Avatar Posted by Phil B at Apr 22, 2012 12:05 PM
I've not had very good luck with these hubs. After my first one started shifting itself, and making complaining noises when I eased into the coaster brake I contacted my retail merchant, who got hold of Sturmey and they provided new innards. After the rebuild, going on two weeks of daily riding, it's once again shifting itself when coasting or going over a bump.

Anyone else have similar experiences?

Phil B

SA S2C Update

Avatar Posted by Phil Bickford at Jun 12, 2012 10:25 AM
I've been through some turmoil regarding this hub. We tried to replace it with something similar, but found the current availability of the SRAM automatic 2 speed was limited to non-coaster brake models. After tossing it about for a compromise I decided I want what I want, and have them replacing it with another S2C.

We were on the third innards replacement at the point of my realizing the hub was useless. The hub was lacking any reliable sense of unreliability. You just didn't know what gear it would end up in. It became an issue, particularly in traffic being unable to hear the clicking.

I will be looking for a Bendix or something similar eventually I think, but for now am anticipating the next wheel with new hub.

Phil

Thanks!!

Avatar Posted by Bryn at Jun 12, 2012 10:27 AM
Thanks very much for the feedback Phil!! Always good to make sure experiences get shared around!!

I do have a few friends running Duomatics with good results, though you've got to look for vintage hubs. They did make a TON of 'em though so you can find NOS ones fairly often.

NOS? I Wish!!

Avatar Posted by Phil Bickford at Jun 12, 2012 10:55 AM
Thanks for the encouragement. The hubs I've been dealing with are the Sunrace 2010 vintage.

I didn't realize SA built a Duomatic prior to 2010. I wonder how much difference being in the States makes? Distribution could have been different north of the border. Bendix was the most popular kick-back when I grew up.

Phil

Sachs Duomatic

Avatar Posted by Bryn at Jun 12, 2012 10:57 AM
The Duomatics I've seen around are all built by Sachs - didn't really realize SA had reused the name for the S2C!

http://hubstripping.wordpress.com/torpedo-duomatic-fs/
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