Two of the most popular hubs for a Brompton 8-speed conversion are the Sturmey Archer x-rf8(w), and Shimano's Alfine SG-S501. There are pros and cons of both. If you're looking to do your own 8-speed conversion, which to choose? Below is a summary comparison table.
Sturmey Archer x-rf8(w)
Shimano SG-S501
Price:
Around £150
Around £150
Internals:
Ratchet (noisy)
Silent
Direct drive:
1st gear
5th gear
Gear range:
325%
307%
Over-locknut width:
120mm
135mm
Needs frame widening:
No
Yes
Gear changer:
Gripshift or lever
Triggers
Spoke hole options:
28, 32, 36
32, 36
Needs extended chain tensioner:
Yes
No
On the face of it, the Shimano hub is simply a better product. For a similar price to the Sturmey Archer, you get a quiet, reliable hub, whose gear changer always delivers a secure change. I have ridden my 'big' bike for 7 years with the Shimano hub. It has only failed me once - at minus 5 degrees C when the internals froze, and I had to beg a cup of boiling water from Costa to pour over it. By contrast, the sound of the Sturmey Archer (SA) has been likened...