Very cool
3speedslow. Just wanted to ask one very important question about standing on the pedals - is this not an issue with newer Shimano (3S or Nexus) hubs? I don't feel a freewheeling neutral ever like I read exists on the Sturmey-Archer AW. Then again, I never truly "stand" on the pedals, just lift myself from the seat a bit to get some power going up hills. If this is true, this would make the reliable Shimano IGHs much more desirable than Sturmey-Archer AWs because "hammering" is helpful for climbing hills.
I did a couple more rides (3-5 mi) through the neighborhood last night and this night and really enjoyed them. Yesterday with my new blue chromoly Dahon Speed D7 ($150) and today with the Touriste. The Dahon is probably 10 pounds lighter than the Touriste. Same speed on each bike for roughly the same route! I actually liked the Touriste ride better but that's most likely because of the sprung saddle. The bumps sometimes threw me off the springless Dahon seat. The Dahon tires are a bit narrower (1.5") and less knobby too, plus probably higher pressure. It seems the Touriste now has about 120 mi on it from my riding, haha.