Classic & Vintage - 3 Speed type sizing

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EricDJ
07-22-06, 02:21 PM
Who made 3 speed bikes for taller people. I want something for me. I have a 35 inch inseam with the feet apart. I haven't seen much on ebay lately grab me.

I should just let a few people from here find me one. They always seem to find nice ones.

Just so you'll look:

http://www.antbikemike.com/images/Bikes/Boston%20Roadster/BR1big.jpg

jordanb
07-22-06, 03:00 PM
Schwinn middleweights came in some pretty big sizes. I've seen them with 25 inch seat tubes.
EricDJ
07-22-06, 03:56 PM
Can anyone who has a 23 inch frame one measure the standover for me.

nlerner
07-22-06, 05:05 PM
Standover for a 23" (c-t) frame 3-speed (26" wheels) is about 33" but that'll vary a bit depending on tire profile, frame angles, etc. At any rate, I have a 23" Raleigh LTD that measures out at 33" standover height.

Neal
jcm
07-22-06, 05:45 PM
Ditto 23" seatpost with 33" S.O.
Measured off my '64 Mercury Courier which is really a Raliegh Sport pattern frame. It has original size 1-3/8th" tires. Almost all the Euro 3-speeds sold in the USA were this type. I think Schwinn Racers (3-speeds) and Suburbans (5-speeds) pretty much fit in there, too. As an Expert Level Thrift Store Bike Hunter, I rarely run across X-tra tall vintage 3-speeds. Taller 10-speeds are slightly more common.

Consider this: Back when those 3-speeds were made, they didn't really take into account a person's reach due to being taller than average. Typically, and I find this true, those bikes were short in the cock-pit. You may find yourself a little cramped.

The beautiful bike in your pic is a Light Roadster or Boston Roadster from ANT Bikes. A very pure form of art indeed. And, it's no 3-speed. I can't remember exactly what hub he uses but it may be a Shimano 7 or 8. I believe it's not a custom bike, but, rather, it is a modern rendition of a vintage French type. However, he builds reach into them proportionate to the height, unlike the early originals. ANT can build you a bike with your over-average reach/inseam in mind, but you better be ready to dig deep and bleed. For more blood and gold, you can have a Rohloff.
EricDJ
07-22-06, 07:41 PM
It's a 7 speed. I love it, but not for $1700. I did like the frame selection of sizes though