Originally Posted by
Road Fan
52, when we were kids a bike like that was exotica in the Midwest, even in Chicago! I'm still working on my 1952 Rudge with Sturmey Archer.
I like the comment in this thread about if you are going to build a wheel, why shouldn't it have more gears? As something on my wheel-build slate, I like it. But what about durability and reliability of the more gear-rich modern Sturmey Archer hubs, 8 speed or even higher? My Rudge has an excellent frame, though cosmetically challenged, and on my test rides I recall being very satisfied with the size and fit.
Trust me, it was exotic in my neighborhood too. I have plenty of bikes with more gears and I use them a lot. I just have a yearning that can't be satisfied without the occasional foray into the AW universe. It doesn't make sense but it feels wonderful.