The long awaited three speed fixed wheel hubs are nearly here. I got to see them at the cycle show and i must say i am pretty excited about getting my grubby hands on a groupset.
They are the sort of hubs that you really have to build a bike around. Relaxed geometry frame, north road bars, french style rack on the front. Pastel colours and gum wall tyres. I can see it now!
A few hubs are already available from the distributor, but as soon as the extra options come out and the matching accessories (bar end and thumb shifters!) we will have a set in the shop.
What do reckon about using a sx3 on a Brompton. For starters its 120mm OLN, but is there any scope for reducing to the Bromptons 112mm?
The main problem would be the chain tension. You are unable to use the spring loaded tensioner with a fixed wheel drive set up, this will not only proof to be problematic in riding, but also the fold.
An idea might be to build one into a Moulton, new or old. With the semi horizontal rear drop outs, tension should be no problem.
Another possible downside to having fixed and small wheels is the possibility or pedal strike around corners… but only one way t find out if that will happen is by giving it a go!