SA X-RF8 with 26" wheel
08-04-19, 03:20 PM
#27
Canadian Chick
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Hi,
I figured this thread is a good place to post this. I also have one of the older Sturmey-Archer 8 speeds. After lacing this thing, setting it all up and other issues, I have it installed perfectly.
Then I finally go try it, and under any load I'm getting this incredibly loud popping and pinging, like harsh ghost-shifting if you had a broken cog on a cassette.
I have the dots lined up perfectly on the fulcrum lever so I am not sure how it could be a cable issue.
I thought it might be because my chain was too loose, but I removed 2 links and am using a Surly Singleator so there is 0 play and it still does it.
I'm about to take it apart but thought I would try here first. I got the hub on a bike I bought years ago so it was basically free, but now I am questioning all the time I put into this, lol.
I figured this thread is a good place to post this. I also have one of the older Sturmey-Archer 8 speeds. After lacing this thing, setting it all up and other issues, I have it installed perfectly.
Then I finally go try it, and under any load I'm getting this incredibly loud popping and pinging, like harsh ghost-shifting if you had a broken cog on a cassette.
I have the dots lined up perfectly on the fulcrum lever so I am not sure how it could be a cable issue.
I thought it might be because my chain was too loose, but I removed 2 links and am using a Surly Singleator so there is 0 play and it still does it.
I'm about to take it apart but thought I would try here first. I got the hub on a bike I bought years ago so it was basically free, but now I am questioning all the time I put into this, lol.
05-24-21, 01:00 PM
#28
Palmer
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As documented up-thread, back in 2009 I built up a Sturmey-Archer XRK8(W)* into a bike with 26 x 1 3/8 (ISO590) wheels, using Sturmey's then-available FCS-80, 30T crankset** and the 25T cog. Yeah, still giving excellent service.
*S-A dropped the (W) designation for their 325% 8 at some point over the years since.
**With the advent of 29er wheels and 1X drivetrains, there are lots of smallish chainwheel single cranksets available these days.
Fun fact: In 2019 Shimano introduced an 'all up' SG-7000-5 e-bike rated five speed hub.
*S-A dropped the (W) designation for their 325% 8 at some point over the years since.
**With the advent of 29er wheels and 1X drivetrains, there are lots of smallish chainwheel single cranksets available these days.
Fun fact: In 2019 Shimano introduced an 'all up' SG-7000-5 e-bike rated five speed hub.
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05-24-21, 01:21 PM
#29
Palmer
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Simple inside...compared to a Shimano 8.
Give a cyclist an IGH and they'll wonder what else they can lubricate it with! 
Use what you will, but since 1984 the Sturmey-Archer factory has lubricated the internal works* of all their hubs with NGLI #00 semi-fluid grease. S-A calls this SA103A with a part number for a small quantity of HMA106, but in the USA you can get NLGI #00 at many lawnmower shops or Tractor Supply (John Deere Cotton Picker Spindle Grease).
*For the axle bearings and labyrinth seals, Sturmey uses SA103B, a heavier NLGI #2 grease. I like Sta-Lube Marine Grease.
...and relube with ATF
Use what you will, but since 1984 the Sturmey-Archer factory has lubricated the internal works* of all their hubs with NGLI #00 semi-fluid grease. S-A calls this SA103A with a part number for a small quantity of HMA106, but in the USA you can get NLGI #00 at many lawnmower shops or Tractor Supply (John Deere Cotton Picker Spindle Grease).
*For the axle bearings and labyrinth seals, Sturmey uses SA103B, a heavier NLGI #2 grease. I like Sta-Lube Marine Grease.
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