Sturmey Archer Bicycle Gears

[Chris S]

I recently bought a second-hand Raleigh with a 3-speed Sturmey Archer gears.

Unfortunately it seems to be stuck in top gear as the rear wheel always turns around more times than the crank no matter what gear I select.

The chain that goes in to the hub moves in an out freely, there is a slight amount of slack in it when the gear lever is at 1 and it is taught when it's at 2 or 3. Is this correct?

If the selection mechanism is broken then is it possible to adjust it so the bike is always in 2nd (1:1) gear? It would make it a lot more easier to ride. Thanks.

 

[hubgearfreak]

there is a slight amount of slack in it when the gear lever is at 1 and it is taught when it's at 2 or 3. Is this correct?

no it's the other way around.

here's some reading for you.

http://forum.ctc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=38990
http://www.youtube.com/user/GrahamNR17
https://www.cyclechat.net/
http://www.ratrodbikes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=4689&st=0&sk=t&sd=a

if you're still stuck after reading that lot and acting on the advice, do keep asking