Classic & Vintage - Concord Aztec 3 speed. New project.

Thought maybe all of you would be interested in looking at my newest project. It began life as a traditional upright, north road barred three speed that I bought at the thrift store for $15
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i84/bigfrankiej/ConcordAztec1.jpg
It had 27x 1 1/4 inch wheels, unusual for a three speed, so that set me to thinking. I've always wanted a drop-barred road bike with a three speed hub. So, I replaced the bars and stem, upgraded the brakes, and threw on a few bits and pieces and voila!
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i84/bigfrankiej/ConcordAztec4.jpg
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i84/bigfrankiej/ConcordAztec3.jpg
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i84/bigfrankiej/ConcordAztec2.jpg

Here you can see how I mounted the shift lever. Poor boy's STI!
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i84/bigfrankiej/ConcordAztec5.jpg

All in all I like it pretty well. The Shimano hub isn't quite as smooth as a Sturmey, but it's ok. It's also geared a bit tall, but a crankset/chainring swap would cure that easily.

Very nice setup - very nice. I had a 1971 Schwinn Racer 3 speed that when I was 12, we put drop bars on. Similar setup but didn't look near as nice as yours...

I actually have a project in the works along a similar line - but it will be a cowhorn setup.

Good job.

55/Rad

I actually have a project in the works along a similar line - but it will be a cowhorn setup.



More Cow Horn? ;)



Nice ride FrankieJ!

Well, I liked it more stock, but hey, at least you didnt take the fenders and chainguard off.

How many teeth on that front sprocket? Looks more than 46... cool, if you're still gonna swap that out I'll take that crankset off your hands!

55/Rad & ViperZ: Thanks for your comments.

divineAndbright: Thank you also for your comment. Don't think I've got anything against bikes with North Road bars. I've got a Schwinn Racer (64) a Schwinn Traveler (62), Schwinn Suburban (72 I believe), a Schwinn Collegiate, Varsity tourist, a Specialized Crossroads and a Bridgestone CB-2 all with North Roads on them. I do most of my "serious" riding on drop barred road bikes, but I wouldn't trade any of that riding to give up a cruise around the town on one of the above mentioned bikes, just moseying (sp?) and taking in the air. I was just looking to do something different. I suspect that the bike origionally was a road bike and just converted well to a three speed. It has all the braze ons for derailleur cables, and the rear triangle is still spaced at 120mm (something I plan on rectifying in the not so distant future), so I can't see it leaving the factory like that, although Concord is not one of the major marques, so who knows what they had going on. Also the bars, stem, chaingaurd and fenders were alll Wald, and I can't see a Japanese brand using many American parts.

The chainring is a 52 tooth and origionally (I assume) had a smaller chainring bolted to the interior (it still has the holes). I've no immediate plans for swapping it, but if I do, I'll let you know.

Thank you all once again for you replys.

Aha 52? Thats gotta be one fast bicycle.. especially in high gear, cool!

Looking at it more I think you're right it was probably originally road bike. The fenders look like they are for 26" wheels seeing that there isnt really any space between the wheels/fenders.

what drops are they?

Aha 52? Thats gotta be one fast bicycle.. especially in high gear, cool!

Looking at it more I think you're right it was probably originally road bike. The fenders look like they are for 26" wheels seeing that there isnt really any space between the wheels/fenders.
Yes, it is a tad bit overgeared. It is obviously not a speed demon by any means, and neither am I. The 52 tooth chainwheel is a bit ambitious, to say the least.

what drops are they?
I don't know. I assume GB, like the stem, but I don't think they are marked. They came off a Raleigh Record.

They'd be Maes bars, then.