Hmmm, my previous reply didn’t seem to work. Oh well, condensed version:
The low maintenance and reliability of the Sturmey Archer is something I’m looking forward to. So far only 5 speeds hasn’t been an issue at all. I know there is a school of thought out there you only need 3 speeds…one for up hills, one for down, and one for flat. But really it is the power of the motor that pretty much makes it so only having 5 speeds is a non-issue. Would get the internal hub again, but one down side is no shift sensor on it so you have to stop pedaling before you shift gears. Not a huge deal and I’ll trade that for being able to shift at a standstill any day of the week.
I wouldn’t let the inefficiencies of being more upright worry you unless you are racing or something. With the assist it won’t matter.
As for that price, looks to be an increase in the base but mostly just the available selections as that battery was an extra charge to what was available in April. Crazy how the bike world has such a supply issue right now.