Classic & Vintage - For Sekine and/or SA 3 speed fans...

So a while ago I had this idea to build a utilitarian cruiser road bike with a 3 speed hub. Well, here it is - an old Sekine that I got from a trade with a friend. I don't know what model or year it is, but the serial number is FV15952 for those who may be able to help. I have changed quite a few of the original parts out, including the wheelset (of course), the cranks (originally the dreaded Shimano Selecta), the bars and stem (SR), the levers (obviously), seatpost etc, etc. The calipers are the original Shimano Tourney.
Specs aside, it was fun to make. I squashed the rear spacing down to 120mm because I couldn't get my hands on one of the longer-axled SA AW hubs - only the "standard" 118mm or whatever it is version. I added a small spacer on the left side and built a wheel 3X with a NOS alloy Weinmann 27". Admittedly, the axle is only just long enough, but the wheel doesn't have a lot of dish, which is great. Front wheel is a 27" Araya/Sansin. Both have Conti Ultra Sport tyres, which are rated to 102psi, which is definitely nicer than most of the older 27" tyres that are only rated to around 85psi.
Anyone else here have a 3-speed roadie? It's proving to be a lot of fun.

http://a605.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/102/l_e880e409edf377123f1c554361a0547c.jpg
http://a283.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/105/l_b8b4a0f6644656295cfb38630dcf2532.jpg

Nice combination! I quite like 27" wheels and I'm a devotee of three speeds...I should do likewise. What size sprocket is on the hub? I should think this bike would be the ultimate candidate for a 22-23 tooth sprocket.

I built one from a Kabuki frame and a Shimano hub. I did a trial set up last fall with the steel rims that I had, just to see if the concept would work, then I built it up with alloy rims over the winter. The alloy rims made a big difference in ride. I use the 39 tooth chainwheel and a 19 tooth cog. Here in the flatlands, that gives me a headwind gear, a cruising gear, and a tailwind gear (42, 55, 74 inches). I really like the simplicity of the three speed vs. all the gears.

Nice build up Leigh!:beer:

I love the upright position of the older Raleighs as well as the internal geared hubs. My biggest problem has been the fact that the frames on come in about 3 sizes and they have been too small. I have a Dawes Galaxy 25.5" frame that is getting built up as a Club Racer with a 4 speed S-A hub:D (got to have that granny gear for this old body of mine;) ) The more comfortable a bike is the more likely you are to ride it.

Aaron:)

Very nice bike, great job, How does it ride.

Very nice bike, great job, How does it ride.

It rides really smooth and with the higher pressure Conti tyres (102psi), it is fairly nimble when you want it to be. Admittedly, it is no racing bike - it is too upright for that. Shifting is flawless...well, as flawless as a SA AW gets anyway...

Anyone else here have a 3-speed roadie?

Yep. 1980 Trek 414. Parked with its -far from roadie- SA friend.
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i247/roughrider504/SUNP0014-9.jpg

Great bike, looks really comfortable. That gives me some ideas for the future. Nice job!