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With the amount of Schwinn Ballooners sent out of the Shoppe that are total custom projects, wheel sets are always a major part of the final output. Disc brakes require mounts, just as cantilever or U-Brake types, however the drum is often overlooked because of it is just not offered- until now!
I have ridden over 60,000 miles on 2 of the 7 speed versions of the Sturmey Archer design. Mostly commuting on Madison Wisconsin streets for 15 years through all the weather Wisconsin is famous for. Dependability was my main concern when the temperatures dropped below 32deg F. because of hypothermia. I could depend on the SA's to get me there and back. Once a year I would overhaul the hubs with simple tools and keep them going.
S-A was bought out by Sachs in the 90’s and then Sachs sold the division to Sram. It looks like S-A got their flagship back and one upped the choices. Now the 8 speed is available with drum and disc, as well as no brake at all. I recommend purchasing with a brake, the cost is the about the same and if one changes one’s mind about usage then flexibility is still a choice.
I begin listing the front hub choices here:
The Front Drum Bolt On Hub: XFD features: • 70mm diameter drum brake • alloy hub shell • cartridge sealed bearings • 770 grams
The Front Drumb Bolt on hub with electric output: XFDD3 features: • 6-volt, 3-watt dynamo • 70mm diameter drum brake • alloy hub shell • cartridge sealed bearings • 1200 grams


These rear hubs allow drum brakes to be used on frames with standard
135mm rear frame spacing. Available in spindle speed FW (XRD) and 8/9 speed cassette (XRDC) versions.
XRD features: • 70mm diameter drum brake • alloy hub shell with freewheel threads • single-speed spacing (can be re-spaced for multi-speed freewheels) • cartridge sealed bearings • 800 grams
XRDC features: • 70mm diameter drum brake • alloy hub shell with
8/9 speed Shimano compatible cassette body • cartridge sealed bearings • 950 grams



X-RD8 features: • 70mm drum brake • alloy hub shell • 1800 grams
X-RK8 features: • alloy hub shell • disc rotor mount • 1520 grams
X-RF8 features: • alloy hub shell • freewheeling (no brake or brake mount)
•1540 grams


