The CommuterGear research lab is currently working on project. We are going to build one bike into two different configurations. Both will be acceptable for commuting, but the bikes will be totally different.
The first bike prototype we will build will have that classic track bike look. However, it will include some modern features. Actually, these “modern” features are really “old school”. The bike will include a complete bike we bought off of eBay for under $200! That’s right under $200. The frame has a defect in it where the seat stay tubes have the vent holes drilled to the top of the tubes instead of the bottom. The frame is structurally sound and has been inspected by a member of our staff for reliability. In fact, it is covered by a warranty that makes us feel extra good about the purchase.
Next we plan to outfit the bike with a Sturmey-Archer S2C Duamatic rear hub along with a Sturmey front hub to match. To accomplish this we will be completely relacing the wheels with new deep “V” track rims. The Sturmey S2c rear hub has two speeds To shift gears you simply perform a quick back pedal! Plus. the rear hub has a coaster brake. This eliminates all shifter and brake cables, giving you that nice clean look of a track bike. We will then throw n a new chrome chain and a color anodized Sturmey crank set to finish of the bike.
The second bike we plan to build will use the Sturmey-Archer S3X rear hub. This hub is a fixed gear thee speed which can be converted to a free wheel by….. adding a single sped freewheel. Shifting on this hub is done via shifter cable and wither a bar-end shifter or a standard lever shifter. Since this hub does not have a coaster brake, we will put the brakes and cables back on. We are still working on the complete plan for the second bike, and may change to a three speed coaster brake hub in the rear or possibly a drum brake. Either way, it will include a rear rack for the attachment of panniers and we will also change out the front wheel to include a Sturmey Dyno-hub to provide power to classic looking bike light.
Below are some pictures of the new bike as we unpacked it and initially pieced it together. We will have more photos to come as the build continues.
