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Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: NW Ohio
Posts: 3,422
Bikes: 1984 Miyata 310, 1986 Schwinn Sierra, 2011 Jamis Quest, 1980 Peugeot TH8 Tandem, 1992 Performance Parabola, 1987 Ross Mt. Hood, 1988 Schwinn LeTour, 1988 Trek 400T, 1981 Fuji S12-S LTD, 197? FW Evans
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For the reach, I would look for a 60 mm stem. They were used mostly on smaller or women's frames. I have a shorter reach and changing the stem made a big difference in the comfort level. The larger sized bikes usually had a 100 or 110 mm stem.
A lot of the later 3 speeds use a 36 hole hub, so you could relace your 27 inch rims to the 3 speed hub. Your brakes would not reach a 26 inch rim. 40x19 would be a good choice for gearing. That would give you a 42, 56, 75 inch range. I put together a Kabuki last year, only with 39x18 and a shimano hub.