Sturmey Archer S3x Fixed Gear - 3 Speed Internal Fixed Gear Hub Review

Customer Ratings:

I have owned two of these. The first broke after 4 days. The second broke after two months.

I am 6'3 and 230lbs. I am a fairly aggressive street rider but I don't do tricks or anything like that. All of my fixed gears always have a front brake, but never a rear. I have owned several over the last 8 years. I am fairly hard on my bikes, but I adore them and care for them well. This bike was ridden every day as my main form of transport.

The first hub was bought as a complete wheel and installed by me. I had my work checked by two independent bike shops, and both signed off on my work. I was fairly hard on this first one, occasionally skid-braking and riding smooth dirt trails hard. It broke as I resist-pedaled down a short berm, losing the lowest gear. A couple miles later the middle gear also went, leaving me with only the top gear. (Direct drive.) This gear continued working for the next 15 miles until I made it home. All told, the hub had less than 20 miles on it when it broke.

It was replaced by another hub and wheel by the local bike shop where I had originally purchased the setup. This time I paid to have the shop install everything for me.

I babied this second wheel. I rode constantly, but carefully. I did not skid brake or ride off road. I used my front brake and resist-pedaled as infrequently as possible. After about two months it failed while I was climbing a steep hill. I was in my low gear, climbing out of the saddle. The hub let go suddenly and without warning. I went over the bars and crash. Luckily there wasn't a car behind me. When I recovered, I once again only had my top gear (direct drive). Both lower gears freewheeled both back and forward. I limped home in my remaining 83" gear.

The shop is going to replace this wheel with a Sturmey Archer AWC hubed wheel.

Please understand, the S3X was amazing while it worked. I adored it. I am extremely sad to see it go. But for larger riders, it is simply too failure prone. I personally consider it fragile and unsafe.

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This hub came with my Felt Brougham, it's the red anodized version. On my first couple rides, I encountered the freewheeling problem once each both times due to poor setup at the shop where I bought it, resulting in misshifts. Once I figured out how to adjust the shifting myself, I never had another problem. All three gears are reliable, shift immediately and positively, and even while climbing some incredibly steep hills it never gave a hint of resistance or trouble. That said, there is a fairly well documented problem with these breaking down under heavy use. I am not sure if there are multiple "generations" for them since they appeared in 2009, and SunRace/Sturmey Archer still hasn't issued a tech document for servicing these. All I can do in good faith is note that others have had problems, but I haven't. I suspect that they are meant for exactly the use I've given them strictly paved city riding, careful adjustment, absolutely no shifting under load, and virtually no inclement weather riding. In other words, total babying. Maybe so, but I really love this hub.

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It's a pain to get going, which I expected. The main problem I have with this is that for $130 they could have given me some options for the shifter. I mean how much would it really cost to provide a handlebar mount? It's the same lever!

Schwalbe 700X23 Durano S Stripe Folding Bead Tire Reviews

Customer Ratings:

Have about 1,000 miles on it. Flat free. Has a very high PSI rating if your rims can take it. Good training tire.

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I use this tire for my training and TT bike. I am not a superfast ciclist, and this tire is a good combination of durability and lightweight at a good price (40$ on sale)

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This brand has been good to me. Good looking. Good quality. dependable. I would recommend to anyone looking for a durable training tire.

Honest reviews on Schwalbe 700X23 Durano S Stripe Folding Bead Tire

Background on me: 38 y.o. cyclist, 165 lbs, with 16+ years of BMX, road, & MTB racing experience. Ride about 4-5 times a week on road and MTB; averaging about 150 weekly miles.

These came stock on my Cannondale road bike, and I generally expect that stock tires will soon need replacement. That said, these were fairly pricey ($63 reg retail/$38 on Amazon), namebrand tires, so figured I'd at least get several months out of them. I figured they'd at least make a fair training tire. Not even close! Schwalbe rates the Durano S as very high in durability, protection and grip I found them seriously lacking in all those categories. I rode them in fair weather conditions on reasonably good road surfaces, and I was very surprised at how quickly they showed signs of serious wear. I was also struck by how delicate the casing is on these tires. After a few rides I was seeing a lot of nicks and gouges. I seldom flat yet I flated these tires 3 times in 500 miles on the same rides I always frequent. Finally, the traction and grip is only fair at best. I've felt them slipping on occassion and they definitely do not inspire confidence in the corners. One other note: I noticed that the sidewall rates these tires as high as 145 lbs. Not a chance, IMO!

I was pretty surprised by just how bad these tires were especially since I run Schwalbes on my MTB and really like those tires a lot.

I've just swapped the Durano for Maxxis Detonators, which I've had good success with in the past. I've noticed a marked improvement in performance with the change. Regardless what other tires you choose, I'd give these a pass.

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I've been a Michelin Pro Race rider for many years. Rubber soft and supple and sticks. But I was becoming very frustrated with the quick wear and easy flats. These tires have been great! They stick in the corners and are even comfortable. Recommend.

Cheap Grow 'N Go Balance Bike

Customer Ratings:
List Price: $99.99
Sale Price: $56.29
Today's Bonus: 44% Off

I'm surprised by the positive reviews on this bike, especially regarding stability. You can stand next to it and tip it over without much effort since it has such a slender frame and tiny rear wheels. Being maneuvered by a top-heavy toddler, it's not stable at all, especially compared to other toddler bike designs. For an otherwise very strong and athletic kid, it surprises me that my son has trouble with this bike, but maybe it is because he's also very tall? Not sure, but I have to be right next to him as he plays with it in case he takes a tumble and now I definitely need to go out and get a helmet for him. I thought he could putter around the house on it for fun, but not so much.

This is a trike with one of the lowest weight capacities of any I've seen. Even if it "expands" in size, the bike probably won't support a growing child weight-wise. And frankly, the skinny seat doesn't look as comfortable (or as healthy for a boy, anyway) as a number of other options out there. I'd personally also prefer a removable handle, so will probably go get a version with one of those. Even from the same company, they have a model that is lower to the ground with a wider wheel base, a larger seat, a removable handle and also a much higher weight capacity.

All in all, very disappointed with this one and wish I had done more research before buying what looked like a cute little toddler bike. And I now see that Radio Flyer has drastically cut the price on this particular model, so I wouldn't be surprised if they are getting rid of it.

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This is our second grow n' go bike. Our first game from a yard sale. I got tired of my children by-passing the (seemingly) 1,000 other peddle-toys to fight over this little bike. We have an open main floor and my children ride these little bikes around and around a 'track' from our dining room-kitchen-lviving room and back.

Why my Kids LOVE IT

-It is soooooo small that my 1.5 year old can use it.

-It is small enough to be less intimating to even young children.

-Easy to use-no brakes-they just peddle backwards

-easy to navigate with. Their other little bikes are more likely to tip over-and these have never.

Why Mom LOVES IT

-Good buy

-Good build

-Easily adjustable-as in-you pull a lever and lengthen or shorten it-so you can change it back and forth for different sized little ones.

-No AIR in tires-no bike pumps, etc.

-They can ride them inside and outside.

-They're light enough to carry in and out if need be.

-Don't leave marks on "my" floorwe have hardwoods that have a moderate amount of imperfections-they are not model home quality (after three kids)-so if these bikes leave marks they are minor enough to blend in with any normal wear.

Only issue-

On hardwoods and with enough space-they can get going fast enough to warrant a helmet.

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Product overall was very cute and my grandson loved it and can already ride it because you could easily adjust the seat. My only concern is that he may not be able to ride it as long as he would with a different bike. The customer service from the company was terrific. We didn't receive the bike on the day we were suppose to even though all the paperwork and tracing the package said it was delivered. I called the company and they sent out another one. They were fantastic. They even sent it overnight so I could receive it in time for Christmas. Great customer service.

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I bought this for my grandson for Christmas. It is a little more unstable than a tricycle and the pedals seem to be a little smaller than the tricycle too. He really doesn't seem to mind though, he has been spending a lot of time on it!

Kolpin Polaris Ranger Xp 2010 Full-Tilting Windshield Reviews

Customer Ratings:

I didn't really want to spend this much for a windshield for my Polaris Ranger, but after reviewing all the others, this one really stood out. The mounts seem very solid, the windshield is the thickest Lexan available and is the most versatile in varied weather conditions. Having a solid full windshield on my previous UTV was limiting, especially in warm weather. The ability to pop out the upper half of the windshield to two different positions allows cool ventilation and minimizes dust swirling in behind it, which also keeps it cleaner in dusty conditions. Even with the foam padding and the edge trim there is a bit of a rattle on rough trails with the windshield in the closed position, mostly due to the wide span and the Lexan being less rigid than glass. It looks like it should last a long time, just make sure to use some proper plastic polish to help keep the mud and dust from sticking.

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Great windshield for our new Polaris Ranger. It rubs the hood a little and squeaks but other than that we really do like it. Installation was not simple but do-able. Great to open when it is dusty or hot.

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I bought this because I also have a snow plow for my ranger. I was looking for a way to shield the snow from blowing up and over onto me. This product not only blocked the snow but also made a huge difference when riding in the cold. It blocked almost all of the air and allowed me to ride comfortably all winter. Now that its warming up I simply detached the upper section when the quick release and can enjoy the wind in my face again!!!

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I thought this was going to be a great purchase but it turned out to be just ok, first off the directions are garbage, second when we finally got it attached everything looked great, but then we turned the ranger on and the window vibrated pretty fierce after a few adjustments we got it calmed down but not perfect. my point is if you can afford it buy glass I wish I did.

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Winshield is just what I wanted for my Ranger. It installed fairly easily, after I discarded the instructions, which were confusing at best. I have bought from this company before, and will again.