Sturmey Archer S2C hub

Why not treat yourself to a rod brake bike on a daily basis?In many cases, the answers would refer to its lack of practicality due to poor braking and a single development (a single gear).

Nowadays there is an option to make a rod brake bicycle safer, and at the same time to provide it with a second gear, without practically altering its image and at a very reasonable cost.

It would be about replacing the rear wheel hub with another with a slightly more generous diameter that incorporates a 2-speed automatic gearbox and a coaster brake: the Sturmey Archer S2C.

The automatic transmission offers a first gear with a ratio of 100%, and a second gear with a ratio of 138%. We made the calculation for a bicycle with a 28” wheel and equipped with a 46-tooth chainring, and the result is that the 22-tooth sprocket mounted on the S2C hub would be equivalent to a 16-tooth one when the hub's second gear is engaged.

The system does not require a shifter, and therefore there are no cables or auxiliary mechanisms of any kind.The gear change occurs with a slight kick of the pedal backwards. The first video shows how the hub works, and the second shows an example of how to change gears (minute 0:26/1:34).

The coaster brake also works by pedaling backwards but continuously, it is very easy to get the hang of distinguishing between changing gears or braking.The bike can be ridden using only its original rod brakes, but with the confidence of having a third safety brake if necessary.This third brake will be especially useful in extreme circumstances, such as when driving in the rain or on very long and steep slopes.