I originally just posted this in C&V, but finally found "English 3-spds" thread again!

I have two bikes that I need to replace the shifter cable for the Sturmey Archer 3-spds. One is a '71 Ladies Raleigh Sports, and the other is a 1955 Ladies Schwinn lightweight (probably a Varsity). How do I measure the length of the old cable to know which one to order? I found a site that carries several, NOS cables in different lengths: 50", 50.5", 53", 53.5", 54", 54.5"! Do I include the cable anchorage (the knurled, threaded sleeve that attaches to the indicator chain)? Or do I slip that up along the cable itself and only measure the cable with the crimped ends?

Or, on the Ladies Raleigh, does anyone just know what the length is supposed to be for the replacement cable?

Any feedback would be appreciated, Thx, Sherrill