3 speed hub cable setup
 

I just got an amazing deal on a 1986 Schwinn Collegiate 3 speed bike in excellent condition. Only problem is the shift cable fell off. I have no experience with 3 speeds, but here is what I can figure out. When I unscrewed the adjustment barrel on the "indicator" as I read it was called, there was this small 1 mm tube with one open end, which resembled a cable end cap, but shorter and thicker metal. My guess is you slide the barrel on the cable, then put the "end cap" on the cable and screw the barrel back on the indicator. Problem is the cap wont fit on the cable. The cable is not frayed, and is in good condition, and the cap looks to be ok, other than the ends seem to have a lip on the inside, preventing the cable from going in.

any suggestions?
thanks in advance

are you saying the little end cap, as you call it, fell off? if that's the case, you'll either have to solder it back on or get a replacement cable. that piece is usually crimped or soldered on original cables, replacement cables usually forgo this in favor of a pinch bolt that attached to the adjusting barrel.

are these replacement cables readily available at bike shops? and will it attatch to the shifter easily?

you might have to call around or order online. they're fairly easy to install. cut the old cable, and when you remove it from the shifter, notice how it hooks into that little groove that is most easily seen in third gear. when you get a replacement cable, you can usually just put the trigger in third, slide the cable through the back of the shifter and out through the hole in front. either reuse the old housing or cut new to proper length. i usually thread the barrel adjuster on about 5 turns and then set the cable to moderate tension with the pinch bolt. this should give you enough play either way to get adjustment right. be sure to check that the fulcrum clip and pulley fittings are tight, and lube the shifter, hub, and indicator.

thanks for the info, I will try to find one tomorrow

Unless you have a LBS with a long history or one that happens to be a Sturmey Archer dealer you'll probably need to go to the internet.

Harris Cyclery has a bolt-on anchor for $2.95 that could (if I understand your need correctly) be the solution. They also have some NOS replacement cables as well as modern versions depending on how much you are willing to spend or how much you value authenticity.

They are also available on eBay on a pretty regular basis.

Good luck and enjoy the bike. I regularly ride a '67 Schwinn Racer and a '47 Schwinn Continental, both with 3 speed S-A hubs. They're both great fun.

Regards,
Alan

well I found an indicator bolt on adaptor, so the cable problem is solved. now comes adjusting it. I would assume the indicator should move when you select each gear. in 3rd gear the cable is slack. it's shifting 2 gears when I go from 1 to 2 (or 3 to 2? pushing the lever away from the rider). should I tighten the cable, or loosen it?

forgot to mention this isnt the chain style of indicator. It is a shimano hub.

Didn't realize it was a Shimano. I'm not that familiar with 80's Schwinns.

Hopefully, someone else can help with the adjustment. I've only used Sturmey Archer hubs.

Regards,
Alan