Bicycle Mechanics - Sturmey Archer dynohub bearing parts

I'm looking for the cones for an old (actually several old) Sturmey Archer dynohub(s). I've got a total of three hubs, and all of them need new cones. The hub I'm currently rebuilding has been in use for several years, and I'm rebuilding it before things get really bad. Currently the cups are in acceptable condition, but one of the cones has a bad spot. I've got two other hubs that are currently sitting around, in need of cones as well.

Does Wheels Manufacturing have cones that will work with S-A hubs? Are S-A parts available anymore (aside from ebay)? The hub in question is from 1974, the others are even older.

I know I'm working with a dinosaur, but the hub has been working great with my homebuild LED headlight. I'm a budget biker, so I'm not yet ready to spend the $$$ on a Nexus or a Schmidt. I like to keep my stuff going, so I'm looking for parts. Plus, the hub is already built up in a wheel, so the easiest thing for me to do is get new cones and keep on rolling.

Edit: should I post this in the vintage category?

You can buy parts here, but this dealer is in the UK.

http://oldbiketrader.co.uk/display_Sturmey_Archer.php?options=internalhubparts

Harris Cyclery may help you if you live in the States.

http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/sturmey-archer-parts.html

Alternateively, the new SA srf-3 hub is very cheap. I can buy a one ready built into a wheel for my folder at £45 delivered to my door. The hub is as good as any of the older ones - but is not a dyno hub, so not much use to you perhaps.

I'd try Persons-Majestic Company. They were the U.S. distibutor for Sturmey-Archer. They're still selling left over hubs, so maybe they have left over Dynohub parts. It's worth a shot.

http://www.permaco.com/index.html?target=front.html&lang=en-us

Why is it the Sturmey Archer Dynohub magnets will lose their magnetism when you take apart the hub? I mean, I accept that it happens - if St. Sheldon says it, it must be true - but aren't they permanent magnets?

Just curious -

Mark McClure

I don't know but they NEED a keeper or they lose 90% of their effectiveness at once. Apparently, lots of old ones have already been mistreated by ham fisted people who 'fixed' them.

I know the General Knowledge suggests that Dynohub magnets instantly lose much of their strength if not in constant contact with the armature. Both Sheldon Brown and Jobst Brandt have written about this. (Jobst even built a re-magnetizer that apparently didn't work very well.)

However, the little horseshoe magnet knocking around in my desk drawer has kept its magnetism for years without a keeper. Surely a few minutes of Dynohub overhauling wouldn't cause more than a tiny loss.

Certainly they're not exotic modern magnets with unusual properties; my hub was made in 1966 and I think all they had were soft iron magnets.

I guess I'm setting myself up for an experiment, but I'd be interested to hear other ideas before I start learning about gaussmeters.

Mark McClure

You can get cones here, but it means ordering from the UK:

http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/product-Sturmey-Archer-Sturmey-Archer-GH6-right-hand-cone-for-front-dynohub-lighting-unit--Each-5603.htm

I was overhauling a 3 speed hub this week.

It had broken pawl springs and worn bearings under the driver.

So I took Pawls from an old unit.

And got my Plastic box of bearings and selected and fitted the bearings in the hub.

But my bearings box has dissapeared now....been looking for it for ages.
Hate when I loose things..but this isnt a little grey part. Its an old ice cream tub..white and about a foot square.
Oh well it'll turn up eventually