I was looking at Kinetics 8sped conversion and was wondering if he simply uses an 8spd standard hub? Would all I need to do is build a Brompton rim onto a SA 8spd hub and away we go. Or will I have to start altering the rear triangle?
Thanks for pointing out Kinetics SA 8-speed hub conversion. I wasn't aware of this option. Reading through the detailed replies by Kinetics to queries on their website suggest these issues:
Original Brompton rear triangle is retained, unmodified for steel, but that a small amount grinding off the chainstay may be required with a titanium rear triangle.
SA hub only allows a minimum rear sprocket of 20t which leads to a requirement for very small chain rings (30 to 33t).
Modified chain tensioner is required to clear the 20t sprocket, which Kinetics supplies in its kit.
Weight increase over standard Brompton models is 1kg vs 2-speed and 750g vs 6-speed.
Metal thumb-shifter is available as an alternative to the twist-grip shifter.
As the conversion to a SA 8-speed hub looks much simpler than the more expensive requirement for an entirely new (wider) rear triangle, why would someone go to the trouble of fitting a Shimano Alfine 8-speed hub, rather than the SA alternative?
Thanks for pointing out Kinetics SA 8-speed hub conversion. I wasn't aware of this option. Reading through the detailed replies by Kinetics to queries on their website suggest these issues:
As the conversion to a SA 8-speed hub looks much simpler than the more expensive requirement for an entirely new (wider) rear triangle, why would someone go to the trouble of fitting a Shimano Alfine 8-speed hub, rather than the SA alternative?