Bike Forums - View Single Post - For the love of English 3 speeds...

11-18-19 | 08:52 AM

#21745

gster

Senior Member

Joined: Apr 2012

Posts: 2,577

Likes: 462

From: Toronto

Bikes: 1971 Hercules, 1978 Raleigh Superbe, 1978 Raleigh Tourist, 1964 Glider 3 Speed, 1967 Raleigh Sprite 5 Speed, 1968 Hercules AMF 3 Speed, 1972 Raleigh Superbe, 1976 Raleigh Superbe, 1957 Flying Pigeon, 1967 Dunelt 3 Speed

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeterLYoung

Just acquired another Sunbeam at a bike jumble. looks all to be original except for the SA Shifter as it is a BSA built Sunbeam and has a BSA 3 Speed. It has flat North Road bars and Sunbeams own Centre-pull Brakes. Also it has the iconic 'Little Oil Bath" gear-case.
It is in rideable condition and will get the oily rag treatment plus all bearings stripped, cleaned, lubed & adjusted plus the cables need lubrication so they free up fully, they do operate the brakes but are a bit stiff.
The serial number of S48571 compares to VCC Library verified purchases to a 1949 S48161 so putting it at 1949/50. I think it is a W3 Wayfarer. These Sunbeams are unique in the the Chain-case forms/replaces the drive side Chain-stay tube. they bath the chain permanently in oil prolonging the life of the drive components.