Sturmey Archer 3 speed nickel plated internals

Mark Manley

Raleigh Fan
A year or so ago I bought a NOS Sturmey Archer drum brake three speed hub which is dated from 1992, I finally got around to looking at it the other day and found that not only was the mechanism screwed in finger tight but that it has been assembled without any lubrication and all components appear to be nickel plated.
Firstly I am wondering why it was like this, possibly a display or sample model and secondly questioning the wisdom of using it as there is a chance of the plating flaking off, gumming up the works and accelerating wear, does anyone have any insight? Should I use it or just put it on display in the garage?

IMG_20190325_150047-L.jpg
 
Back
Top