sturmey archer 3 speed AW type parts???
 

Hello, everyone, recently I acquire a vintage Armstrong England made, 26" which I have plans to switched to 27" but for my surprise, It happens that the hub Sturmey archer 3 speed AW type does it have the small chain that is about to tear appart due the use and friction the specs of the hub are according with what I found on line is AW type 3 speeds year 63, but well now are two questions where i can find parts in US, for this type of hub, and what could be the proper size of the spoke in order to fit a 27" wheel, and just notice that the hub has 40 holes and my rim just 36 i can be possible to lacing the rim, how to do it, and is gonna work???
for your commentaries and advises
thank you

Parts for Sturmey Archer hubs can be found here:

Sturmey-Archer Spare Parts from Harris Cyclery

Perhaps some of the more experienced wheel builders can answer your second question.

You'll want a 40 hole rim. The Sun CR-18 rim is available with 40 holes in 26 x 1-3/8" (590mm ERD) and 27" (630mm ERD).

You will probably need small washers under the spoke heads. Washers put an end to my spoke breakage problems with AW hubs.

As I understand it, There are different lengths of the indicator rod (part of the little chain assembly) because two lengths of axle were made.

I got my S-A parts thru My Local Bike shop. . they call the warehouse of the distributor..


Yea , and 40 hole rims are also made in 700c, a tandem and touring bike choice..

By the way, thanks for noting those rims. At least in the US, the situation seems to be that old AW hubs with 40 holes are a dime a dozen because everybody's looking for the 36 hole hubs. So, a decent 40 hole rim option is worth keeping in my back pocket for my next AW build.

As several posters have noted, many (not all) parts for SA AW hubs are readily available, especially the indicator chains. Since they came in several (at least 3 or 4) sizes, you might measure the solid part of your current chain to get a replacement that matches.

My real question is why do you want to replace your 26" rims with 27" rims? Do you want to use it on your Armstrong, or another bicycle?

If you want to use it on your Armstrong, the larger rim will be a very tight fit. You'll definitely have to readjust the brakes and remove the fenders if you have them.

If you change rims (26" or 27") you'll need to calculate the new spoke length. I find the Sun CR18 26" (ISO 590) uses the same spokes as the original Raleigh rims. For other rims (27", 700c, etc) I've had good results with spoke calculators on line, e.g. Sheldon Brown's site links to Rinards calculator:
Spocalc, by Damon Rinard. A free Excel spoke length calculator.

thanks, everyone, really helpful information