Classic & Vintage - Classic 3 Speed Picture / Appreciation Thread

I don't know what it is about classic 3 speeds, but something about them arises warm feelings inside me. Aside from vintage lugged track bikes, a mint condition 3 speed is pure eye candy in my opinion. Maybe it's the whole classic commuter styling (chain guards, fenders that match the frame color, wide, white wall tires, upright handlebars and occassionally, classic Brooks saddles), maybe it's the feeling that no matter where / how far you're going, 3 speeds is the maximum you could ever need (opinion), maybe it's because they make me realize they don't make em like they used to. They go against everything I like in my own bike - fat tires (I like narrow), heavy weight (I like light and agile), extra parts (I like stripped to the essentials), freewheels (I prefer fixed), upright fit (I like high seats and low bars), but some romantic notion in me makes me want to get one for the collection.

Anyways, enough with the sappy idealism, let's post some beautiful 3 speeds.

http://velospace.org/files/raleighsport.jpg

http://drumbent.com/photos/bikes/superbe/superbe.jpg

http://www.teamkarim.com/bikes/used/images/012606-3.jpg

http://fredhaj.tripod.com/redsports.jpg

I LOVE my three speeds. Currently I think I have 5 of them if you count my wife's:D Edit: I just went and checked not counting the two under construction I have 7:eek:

BTW how about this one;)

Aaron:)
http://inlinethumb28.webshots.com/2459/2878056090066886751S425x425Q85.jpg (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2878056090066886751cGpzYT)

I have a few, that's for sure, but here's one of the more unusual ones: 1966 Raleigh Sports, all chrome.

Neal

http://web.mit.edu/nlerner/Public/Bikes/66ChromeSports1.jpg

I have a western flyer. It has a rack exactly like the ones in the first two bikes. My three speed is my only bike, and as far as I'm considered it is the only one i need.

Actually, the concept of a steel-framed bike with matching fenders and the utilitarian feel of a Raleigh Sports is not dead. Check out http://www.kogswell.com/.

Neal

OMG Neal, an all chrome Sports!! :eek: :eek:

I'm speachless, that Raleigh is amazing! :rolleyes:



I have a Jet Black early 70's Columbia Tourist 3.

Just fixed up an early 1970s Fuji Avalon ladies' fendered bike with Shimano 3 speed for a neighbor. Georgeous cerise/pink with gold pinstriping . . . but a x?1>! to work on. Had not been on the road for 30 years, looked like new when cleaned up but had to special order the 37-597 26" tires (dry rot); amazingly the innertubes were fine!
Last time I worked on the 3 speed was my own Raleigh, back in the mid-1950s.

OMG Neal, an all chrome Sports!! :eek: :eek:

I'm speachless, that Raleigh is amazing! :rolleyes:

I have a Jet Black early 70's Columbia Tourist 3.

Thanks, Redneckwes. More pics here (http://web.mit.edu/nlerner/www/66ChromeSports.html), including the story of how I actually got this bike for free (though it needed repair).

I've now managed to find and install NOS front and rear double-ended brake cables, an NOS gear cable, and NOS pedal treads. It lives in my dining room, which was my mother-in-law's idea (!). She thought it was much too shiny a bike to live in the basement.

Neal

Last summer I picked up one at a garage sake for $5. Turns out the shifter was broken, which broke the cable.
A couple weeks later, they had a womens in Goodwill for $10.
Turns out the hub was broken.
1. is a "Kingston" and has a Schucks Auto Parts store Badge.
2. is a "Marquis".
They are both painted an identical med. metallic green with gold pinstriping.
The Shimano date codes off the 3S? hubs place the bikes at 1979 for the womens and 80 for the mens.
Both have an ugly beige-pinkish (almost) seat color.
The womens has a built in kick stand.
The "Kingston" stickers on the Mens are obviously applied to cover a "previous" brand name.
Anyway, I made one out of the 2 and have grown to kind of like (in a strange way) the bike with it's simple, utilitarian style. The full fenders are kind of nice for short trips to the store when it's raining.
I assume they are probably Murray's or Huffy's.
Does anybody think they can ID from the pint color description? Sorry I don't have a camera, but then they really aren't "pretty enough to post".

I wish I had kept my Cyclo-S/A 4x3 12-speed rear hub. A 40T chainring and 26" wheels yielded an ideal gear range of 40 to 99 gear-inches. (Pure derailleur equivalent = 53-40-30 / 14-16-18-20.)

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/berangberang/P1010478.jpg
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/berangberang/P1010480.jpg

Here's mine. A '64 Mercury Courier. In other words, a Raliegh knock-off from Wolverhampton. It ain't pretty, and the fenders don't match, but it's all original and everything works perfectly. I love riding this bike.
http://i16.tinypic.com/2llyk9s.jpg

jcm,
Sweet bike:beer:
Here is a picture of old faithful. It is an early 70's Sports standard that I purchased for $25 back in 1979 and it has had the crap ridden out of it over the years. It has been in storage for the past 6 years and is long overdue for an overhaul and freshening. But it is still ridable! The Superbe below it is the Crown Jewel of the collection. I had searched for one for several years and a BF member offered to sell me one he had. It gets ridden every chance I get.

Aaron:)

http://inlinethumb29.webshots.com/2524/2581827600066886751S500x500Q85.jpg
http://inlinethumb49.webshots.com/1392/2339537260066886751S500x500Q85.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/berangberang/P1010478.jpg
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q287/berangberang/P1010480.jpg

do you have any information about this bike at all? It is almost identical to mine, except much nicer and chrome fenders. Great pictures by the way.

It's a 1964 Western Flyer made by Columbia. The hub is dated for december of '63, so I'm assuming it is a very an early '64. The front fender is proper Columbia, the rear comes from a raleigh, it's all I could find for it.

here is a 68 Sears (made by Puch?) that I got a thrift store, re-furbished, added a Brooks saddle, then passed it along to a good home...

1978 Raleigh Twenty w/ custom seatpost and ape hanger bars. Hey, I'm 194cm tall!!!

I have developed a liking for the old English three-speed. I have aquired a 1956 Humber Sports. It is basically complete but needs some work; proper saddle, get the dynohub working, get the wheels trued....

My pictures aren't as good as all those nice shiny bikes.

Ps. How do you get the picture to show in the post rather than an attachment?

1978 Raleigh Twenty w/ custom seatpost and ape hanger bars. Hey, I'm 194cm tall!!!

I'm right about to start a similar project, and I'm similarly tall! If all goes well, I'll win the base bike tonight on eBay. I want to be able to ride to the train, fold the bike, take it out and ride it at the other end, without spending a fortune!

here is a 68 Sears (made by Puch?) that I got a thrift store, re-furbished, added a Brooks saddle, then passed it along to a good home...

So YOU'RE the one that bought that bike!! Thrift Town on Stockton Blvd.? I almost grabbed that sucker (or one that looked exactly like it)!!

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i247/roughrider504/SUNP0009-5.jpg
Thats the Raleigh Sprite. Has tighter geometry than a normal 3 speed, which I like for longer rides.
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i247/roughrider504/SUNP0016-2.jpg
That one is a Indian made Avon. It feels like a Lazyboy on wheels. Just I dont like the chaincase, way more hassle than its worth. I have the BB out it right now for a rebuild, so the chaincase may not get put back on. I have a normal chainguard that will work fine. . I hope the C&V gods dont strike me down. :lol:

I'm looking forward to riding my 1955 Schwinn Corvette. I will be building the wheels with recently received S-7 rims and will probably not worry about painting it this year, although I do plan to ride it around town. Bought this for $10 from a BikeForums member.

I also have a 1961 Jaguar IV destined to be "chopped" with a banana seat and Rams Horn high rise handlebar, just like my bike in High School in the 70's. Assuming I can buy the handlebar for less than I am sinking into the rest of the bike. This bike given to me by my LBS.

NOS S-7 rims purchased from another BikeForums member for the above bikes.

Spare 3 speed rear hub purchased via eBay from yet another BikeForums member.

When I do paint, I will probably use a foam roller with a technique learned from BikeForums.

I will also be building a 27" 3 speed with a 3 speed rear wheel that I received in a trade with a BikeForums member. Will probably put fenders on it from a Suburban I used to have if they fit, which is where I got the handlebar and grips also.

what about 3 speed trikes? it's a 1981 Town & Country Tri-Wheeler. This one has left my hands and moved on to an Autistic girl seeking independence. But anyway, It's another beautiful 3 speed!!!!

Maybe after the snow melts I'll pull out the 3 speed Breeze and the Huffy and post pics of those too

I'll toss in my new to me Hercules Tourist.

Here are some pics of my 3-speeds. Most of you have already seen them. The Univega was a 3-speed, but now has a 7-speed Shimano hub shift.

This thread makes me miss some bikes I sold in the 90s, an early 70's red Dunelt 3-speed and a '56 Raleigh 3 w/ dynohub. I'm riding a 1975 Raleigh 20 these days.

So YOU'RE the one that bought that bike!! Thrift Town on Stockton Blvd.? I almost grabbed that sucker (or one that looked exactly like it)!!

No... I got this one (68 Sears) at Goodwill on Arden a couple of years ago. Funny thing was my next stop that morning was Deseret on Auburn Bl, and there was an almost identical vintage/model in metallic blue with chrome fenders (and an ancient baby seat attached). But it was was in horrid condition and my trunk was full, so I passed it up!

I think there's something really special about the ticking sound that the Sturmey Archer hub makes. Something zen-like(especially in second gear). The Shimanos don't have it(they work fine though). I have 7 classics with the venerable AW hub that I frequently ride(a couple with Shimano equipment as well)
. This one has to be my favourite of the bunch. It's a 1964 CCM Continental equipped with Sturmey Archer AG(with dynohub built in)hub, S.A. Twist Grip shifter, S.A. headlight and taillight. It's all original except for the back tire. Cruises along nicely.
Shot with crappy camera phone.Sorry.
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s148/thebikeguyCCM/th_1964CCMContinentalwithAGdynohub.jpg (http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s148/thebikeguyCCM/1964CCMContinentalwithAGdynohub.jpg)

...this would have to be my second pick. Just because of the rare-ity/oddity of it. It is a 1963 Freimart. It was sold through Freiman's Dep't Store and built by CCM. It is all original except the tires. Got it off a neighbour. When she heard that I collect old bikes, she dropped it off for me. Nice lady. All she asked was that I drop by on it to show her. Cool.
Another crappy pic........
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s148/thebikeguyCCM/th_1963FreimartbuiltbyCCM.jpg (http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s148/thebikeguyCCM/1963FreimartbuiltbyCCM.jpg)

http://drumbent.com/photos/bikes/superbe/superbe.jpg


I'm not particularly a fan of 3 speed bikes but this one makes me happy for some reason. I love that green- and the giant headlight. I immediately thought of Radar O'Reilly from M.A.S.H. - not for any particular reason, it just seems like something he would have ridden. :D

Here's the Schwinn Collegiate I found at the local thrift and restored for a Christmas gift to my wife.

I LOVE my three speeds. Currently I think I have 5 of them if you count my wife's:D Edit: I just went and checked not counting the two under construction I have 7:eek:

BTW how about this one;)

Aaron:)
http://inlinethumb28.webshots.com/2459/2878056090066886751S425x425Q85.jpg (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2878056090066886751cGpzYT)
Wow. What is that? It looks like a mini Twenty. Does it fold? Are those 16" wheels? Here's a pic of my 1969 Twenty.I really gotta change that front tire.Other than that it's spotless.
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s148/thebikeguyCCM/th_1969RaleighTwenty.jpg (http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s148/thebikeguyCCM/1969RaleighTwenty.jpg)

Here's a 1970 Raleigh Superbe that I'm giving to my sister.

Wow. What is that? It looks like a mini Twenty. Does it fold? Are those 16" wheels? Here's a pic of my 1969 Twenty.I really gotta change that front tire.Other than that it's spotless.
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s148/thebikeguyCCM/th_1969RaleighTwenty.jpg (http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s148/thebikeguyCCM/1969RaleighTwenty.jpg)

It is a Compact RSW. Yes it folds in half at the BB. Wheel to wheel not to the side like a 20. And yes those are 16" wheels. It is a fun little rider. I usually take it with me on my short work trips (2-3 weeks) and ride it around the hotel areas where we stay. Eventually I plan on getting a "real" folder like a Brompton.

They made the RSW in two formats, folding and non folding. The non folding is sometimes known as a the "Shopper". My biggest problem is the seat to pedal length. I am 6'2" and had to put a different seat post on it to get a better leg extension on it.

Aaron:)

Finaly got a mens English 3 speed. Got it at a garage sale today. After cleaning it up today, i went for a ride in the neighborhood. Its a pretty fun bike!! Sorry to say, it doesnt have the original fork, but at least its Raleigh.

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w254/psu15540/CIMG5819Medium.jpg
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w254/psu15540/CIMG5834Medium.jpg

Ooooh, I LOVE three-speeds, too! Especially Sturmey-Archer. Yeah, they can be a little cantankerous and slip out of gear occasionally (don't stand up on the pedals!), but they have so much character compared to the efficient and sanitary Shimano. That clicking in high gear is music to my ears!

Here is my circa '80 Free Spirit conversion I built from a wrecked '54 Dunelt. I have posted these before on another C & V thread:

Rims are SunCR18 700c 32h ft., 40h rr. Conti Sport 1000 28mm tires, Cork grips from Rivendell, early Shimano Deore XT crank, Shimano 105 headset, NOS Suntour Sprint ft hub radial spoking, Weinmann centerpulls (750 ft, 600 rr) w/Mathauser pads, Diacompe Sc-7 brake levers. New Wald h/bar. Paint is Polynesian Sand epoxy.

I might as well put both of my 3-speeds in this thread.
Austrian built Iverson. I estimate this to be from 1975 but if anyone else has any better ideas please let me know.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b400/fj40/DSC01697.jpg

And a 1973 CCM Elan that I am going to be giving to the wife on Mothers Day.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b400/fj40/DSC01728a.jpg

1. is a "Kingston" and has a Schucks Auto Parts store Badge.


There's a Kingston at the local flea market, been there for two weeks with no takers. It's branded as a Firestone, but was made well after firestone was it's own brand. I also tend to think it's a Murray, or possibly a JC Higgins. I actually got no response from my wife when I said, "Hey look, it's a Kingston Trio."
She doesn't appreciate a good pun like me. Oh well.:eek: :rolleyes:

My three speeds. A 71 Columbia Tourist that resides in MN somewhere now. The buyer was ecstatic wih the condition, as was I. Nicest one I've ever seen. I also have a rebadged Raleigh sports, which is a Huffy Sportsman. It really raises eyebrows since it was made long before the better known connection. A 62 model according to the Sturmey hub. I also have a ladies Schwinn Collegiate in great shape, but it's a conversion, not an actual three speed. My favorite three speed has been dismantled though. It was an evil looking thing, but I loved it just the same, hehe.,,,,BD

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n267/Kustombyker/tourist.jpg

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n267/Kustombyker/Sportsmanfull.jpg

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n267/Kustombyker/bikepic2-1.jpg



Shimanos click in high gear too BTW. At least mine do?

Ok here is another three-speed conversion. This is a '75(?) Sutton I found in the bushes when I was walking the dog. It had all Dura-Ace(!) components except for the wheels which were not original and junk. I traded almost all the Dura-Ace stuff away to bike friends. Wheels are 700c with same the tires as my FreeSpirit/Dunelt. Fenders are off a '59 Hawthorne three-speed. H/bar is a Nitto Grand Randoneur. Shimano 105 platform pedals. Brooks B15 saddle.

The paint job was kind of an experiment and is a can job Seymour lacquer with copper powder and Seymour clearcoat. It's real slick like a car finish but scratches and chips easily. Nitto stem and Sugino crank were painted to match (they were originally painted white and were from a old Nashbar touring bike).

I tried to make it look like a late '40s/early '50s British club racer.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/88/255258559_acc62a0499_o.jpg

Here's mine. It's not really all that classic (it's got a Shimano hub) but I haven't found any information about the brand online (It's marked "Choral"). Also, it's made in Japan.

And yeah, I need a shifter/cable for it! It's stuck in high gear which is okay by me but not for the sister-in-law to ride!

Not sure where this will end up but for now it's the wife's. It's a 1974 Raleigh Sports.

I just won this, which is great, since I was loving Oldy57's Rudge so much:

http://i16.ebayimg.com/07/i/000/9a/aa/0cc1_1_b.JPG
http://i17.ebayimg.com/01/i/000/9a/aa/0e5a_1_b.JPG

Actually, that's a 4 speed. Damn, I broke the thread. Here is my unfinished superlightweight take on the theme:

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a322/Samuelw72/P4020008.jpg

Actually, that's a 4 speed. Damn, I broke the thread. Here is my unfinished superlightweight take on the theme:


We'll let it slide...this time:D

I just won this, which is great, since I was loving Oldy57's Rudge so much:



SWEET! What is the 4 speed hub? FG? I never get to see stuff like that in my area:( only when I travel "up north"..

Aaron:)

Sam
That is one of the bikes I thought you might bid on. You will love the old bikes. I can't wait for the Rudge to come. If you don't have it apart yet you can ride it for a while. They are great riding bikes. I have been riding my Rudge Deluxe Super Safety Tourist a few times now and then. It needs a little work to get it shifting better. I will ride a Rudge at the Lake Pepin 3 Speed Tour but which one, 46 Aero, 52 Deluxe Super Safety Tourist, 53 Deluxe Super Safety Tourist or 52 Ulster Sports. The tour is only 3 weeks away.

My 1972 Raleigh Sports.
It's great for riding around the shore where grades are not very steep but I need to replace the original rear cog with a bigger one to be able to ride it in the hillier terrain around my home. I ride it here now but need to make giant "S" curves to ease the climb up some of the steeper hills. When there is motor traffic around, I have to walk it.

Aaron I read you will not be at this years 3 speed tour. I rode with you last fall at the ABCE. Enjoyed talking to you and your wife. Your wife wanted the interesting saddle off my Eatons Glider. I will be riding this years 3 speed tour with a senior friend. He has been in the bike business since the 50's. He has been in a lot of countries dealing in bikes and parts. His name is John Palmer and started Mariposa Cycles with Mike Barry. Both are from England and met in the 60's. They actually raced against each other in England in the 50's but did not know each other. I was hoping Mike was going to be at the tour but cannot make it. Maybe I can make it to the ABCE this fall and we can ride again.

SWEET! What is the 4 speed hub? FG? I never get to see stuff like that in my area:( only when I travel "up north"..

Aaron:)

It is an FG, fully working, the lights work etc. Fantastic! So the lightweight Dawes version will have AG, and the big, heavy Raleigh FG. Score!

Hmmm. Looking at the Raleigh, I think I'm gonna want to switch the bars out for priest style ones (and eventually the mattress saddle for a sprung leather Brooks). I have priest bars on my tandem, and the new new stem I want to put on that will bring the bars up AND towards me. Perhaps I'll switch the North Roads on the Raleigh for the priest bars on the tandem.

Here's another question. What are the wierd telescope looking things on the seat tube? I was just investigating the one on the Rudge, and I'm none the wiser......