Classic & Vintage - Looking for Sturmy Archer Wheels.

I have a vintage 1970 Hercules 3 spd. English racer. I bought it for $15 at an open aire market 5 years ago. After removing all of the rust, replacing new tires, seat and cables, I realized why these were called racers of their day: something about the whole body geometry when sitting on this bike. I love it! I use it for grocery runs (has a basket up front), and to take my two young daugthers on their trailer. The only thing left is to replace the original Sturmy Archer wheels, which are very rusted. I just could't remove the rust completely. Does anyone know where and how much it would cost for a set of original Sturmy Archer wheels?

Urbanmonk

I have two of these bikes, and even use them for my daily commute 10 miles each way on them sometimes. I believe bikeparts.usa has ready made wheels with 3-speed hubs that you can buy but I do not know what quality they are. As I am a collector of this type of bike I am always on the prowl looking for parts and regularly find bikes out for the garbage that I take home and strip for the useable parts. Recently I have been finding Shimano 3-speed hubs but Sturmey-Archer are not as commen so I do not have any to spare right now, I will keep you in mind if I find any. You could also go to your local bike shop and they could maybe put new rims on your existing hubs if they are working. Hope this helps.

Thanks, JFZ. I was about to do just that, but wanted to give this board a chance. I want to use the original hubs, but am undecided about keeping the wheels steel or go alloy. I hear that the alloy adds a vintage quality that brings a luster to bikes of that era.

Urbanmonk

Replacing the original steel rims with alloy rims would probably be a good idea, especially for braking. The only place I know that sells 26x1-3/8 alloy rims is Harris bikes (http://sheldonbrown.com) Bikepartsusa might have them, too, or even prebuilt wheels. I find their descriptions a little cryptic sometimes.

Then again, if the rims are otherwise structurally sound (in spite of rust) and reasonably true, I'd probably just keep them. The rust probably has a positive effect on braking! :) Not to mention theft prevention.

I know what you mean about the British bikes - they are true gems. In my opinion, they are the most undervalued bike in the collecting world. British bikes of pre-1980 are examples of craftmanship by real bicycle builders. Yes, they were production bikes, but darn it, they are fine.

I say stick with the chrome steel wheels. On a three-speed upright, you won't notice that much difference in wheel weight.

The shiny chrome is part of the look of a collectible old machine.

I have some S/A wheels if you need them. Contact me through the forums.

Mike

I recently built up a set of wheels using the Sun AT18 26 x 1 3/8 rims for my 3-speed and upgraded the brakes to Weinmann 750 centerpulls and Dia-Compe motorcycle-style levers (I like to get old, somewhat lower-end 3-speeds and "modernize" them a little bit).

The braking is totally awesome, just as good as any modern mtn bike. No, it's not stock, but the difference is like night and day. I think it makes these old 3-speeds more fun to ride because I know I can stop well.

If you were in Great Britain I would suggest you had the rims re-chromed -- to do so usually gives a better finish than new rims --- but since I am an Englishman living in France I don t know if you have that facility -- David le Breton

If you were in Great Britain I would suggest you had the rims re-chromed -- to do so usually gives a better finish than new rims --- but since I am an Englishman living in France I don t know if you have that facility -- David le Breton

In the USA re-chroming is VERY expensive and is a last resort only after you search and search for a replacement part in good condition.

We've got good used Sturmey-Archer hoops and complete wheels.

Good used hoops can cost $30/pair. (need to know which style).

Menotomy Vintage Bicycles, Inc.
http://OldRoads.com



I have a vintage 1970 Hercules 3 spd. English racer. I bought it for $15 at an open aire market 5 years ago. After removing all of the rust, replacing new tires, seat and cables, I realized why these were called racers of their day: something about the whole body geometry when sitting on this bike. I love it! I use it for grocery runs (has a basket up front), and to take my two young daugthers on their trailer. The only thing left is to replace the original Sturmy Archer wheels, which are very rusted. I just could't remove the rust completely. Does anyone know where and how much it would cost for a set of original Sturmy Archer wheels?

Urbanmonk