Bicycle Mechanics - 3spd to SS?

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MattP.
03-02-08, 10:39 AM
Hey all,

I got an internal 3 speed bike (Electra Amsterdam), that I'm thinking about going to SS. Can I just take off the shifter/piece that attaches to the hub, and still run the 3spd hub, just without the shifter? If so, what gear will it default to, 1? 2? 3?

Thanks
Matt

tellyho
03-02-08, 04:45 PM
It defaults to the steepest gear. On Sturmey-Archer hubs, it's 3. You could either ride it in that gear or swap out the cog to make it more manageable.
I_bRAD
03-02-08, 04:48 PM
If the 3sp works, why bother?

raleighrider75
03-02-08, 06:13 PM
If the 3sp works, why bother?

+1

....but if you have to try it,you can try this.I've used this to get home after having the cable snap on me a few times.You're gonna want to find a way to keep it in 2nd(a more managable all-round gear).With the Sturmey hub,you pull the indicator chain out far enough for 2nd gear and put a cotter pin or a finishing nail through a link to hold it.You may have to fart around with it to find the exact spot for it to work.Be patient,it will work.
The Shimano,you would have to find a domed nut to screw onto the axle.Screw it on enough to push the rod in far enough to engage 2nd.If you screw it all the way on and it still won't engage 2nd,you can put a ball bearing or a tiny stone in there to help push the rod in.
It worked for me,but I still don't see the benefit of using it as a single speed.You're carrying around the weight of the 3speed hub for nothing.You might as well swap in a single speed hub and call it good.