What frame to base an updated 3 speed on?
 

I've always been a fan of old English 3-speeds. Right now I've got a nice Blue Triumph which I actually gave to my daughter because it's too small for me.
http://velospace.org/files/DSCN0008.jpg

I'm always looking to build one unique bike or another and for a while I've had a hankering to do an updated version of a classic english 3 speed. Harris has Sun CR-18 rims available in 590. I'm thinking with a Sturmey Archer 8 Speed rear hub, and front Dynohub, and a nice 3 piece crank. For Brakes I'd uses something better than the steel sidepulls most of them came with Weinman Center pulls or Mafac Racers maybe, or maybe just go with a modern long reach sidepull. I'd also probably change bars and stem, seatpost, and use a nice sprung leather Brooks.

Basically I already have the build list in my head, and about all that's left from the original would be the frame and fenders. I guess the thing I'm wondering about is what is the nicest frame I can find. I know Raleigh made most of those bikes, and other names Like Triumph and Robin Hood were rebranded Raleighs. Were the Raleigh Frames the best ones? Did anyone ever make a 3-speed frame with double butted tubing?

Just for fun if you want to vamp off my idea. If you were to try to build a modernized English 3-speed what would you use for a base frame and components?

OH,a 1950 Claud Butler luggless would be just right!A modern raleigh pro would be an easer find.3speed hubs can be swaped into almost any vintage frame.Some adj. to frame might be needed or anti-rotation washer made for wider rear dropouts slots.Lots of the early post hand built english frames used 531 so finding a frame set up for a 3 speed is just a matter of looking.(and $$$)---sam

I believe Humber and Rudge were considered equals to Raleigh. Triumph, BSA, Robin Hood etc, were further down the chain (this is all after Raleigh / TI acquired them).

Schwinn offered the Paramount in a 3-speed version and the Raleigh Clubman and Lenton were Reynolds 531 (not sure if double butted).

I’ve considered your concept but seem to keep too busy with vintage projects to actually build anything. Frames that interest me have included the Raleigh International and Professional as well as the Schwinn Voyageur and anything by Mercian. From current production, I have been intrigued by the Raleigh One Way, Schwinn Madison and the Gary Fisher Triton.

Have fun with your project.

Regards,
Alan

Yeah, I've got a serious hard on for a Raleigh Professional, or International, but I wouldn't build them with an internally geared hub. Maybe fixed. Most likely with slightly updated components, but in a similar style to their original configuration. Unless of course I got one that was mostly original. then I'd hang the tubies in the garage, put a nice set of clincher wheels on, and ride them as-is.

I have a very similar project in mind. I want to build a mid sixties style Schwinn Traveler. I will use a Shimano Nexus 7 speed rear hub, and some sort of generator front hub. The frame will be from an early seventies fillet brazed chrome-moly Schwinn Super Sport. I hope to find some Weinmann Alessa alloy rims to use on it. They have a similar looking profile to the steel S-5 originals on the Traveler.

I've also been working in a similar project. The frame is a 59cm 1971 Raleigh Super Course w/ Reynolds 531 straight gauge main triangle. Wheels will be 700c and rear has a Sturmey Archer FW hub (I built it up last night). Original cottered bottom bracket axle is swapped out for a cotterless Campy 70mm axle (a cheap eBay find). Alloy single-speed crankset to be determined (Stronglight is my preference, but I don't have one for it). MKS Touring pedals. A short-reach GB stem and alloy North Roads style bars. Brakes will be mtb levers and calipers to be determined (lots of reach needed). I have a 26.4mm laprade style seatpost and a Brooks Conquest saddle on the way. Biggest need is a strip and repaint on this very beat up frame, so that's the short-term project. I'm hoping to end up with a lightweight 4-speed with style (such as the fancy Nervex lugs). After all, I have a several solid steel-frame Raleigh 3-speeds and didn't want to just repeat those.

I'm also trying not to duplicate my main commuting bike: a 1971 Raleigh Competition set up with a 3-speed alloy AW rear hub, original Stronglight crankset, 27" wheelset, Nitto Promenade bars, Bluemels mudguards, Brooks saddle front basket. Or maybe I am?!

Neal

http://web.mit.edu/nlerner/Public/Bi...tionBasket.jpg

A fun project :)
But Pashley are still at it, in Stratford-upon-Avon. Bizarrely, they also do a line of crazy jump bikes...

http://www.pashley.co.uk/cms/products/main_3.jpeg

http://www.pashley.co.uk/cms/products/main_4.jpeg

yeah I'd like to get one of Pashley's Ice cream bikes, but I don't think they have a US importer.

Their Roadster bikes are cool and all but not really what I'm looking for. I'm going for more of a sports model, but lighter and faster. Probably with flipped bars, or perhaps On One Mary bars.

Matt - I've got a number of nice 531 frames that might interest you. A Freddie Grubb, two Claud Butlers, and a Carlton, at present. Any of them would make a sweeeet 3 speed, but I guess there's a large risk the shipping cost would kill the idea. Drop me a PM if you want to know more.

I love the idea. I built mine on a Fuji Royale frame. I saw a beautiful rod-brake Raleigh this summer that was updated with a Nexus 7-speed. I wish I had my camera at the time because unless you knew what you were looking for, it wasn't obvious at first glance. The owner said the 7-speed made it a whole new bike. As a kid I loved my Schwinn 3-speed but the jump between gears was too much and when I got my first 10-speed I never looked back. Using a Nexus 7 or 8, I think you could find just about any light, older road frame, give it a Raleigh-esque paint job, bars, fenders and such and have a fantastic riding bike and a great conversation starter.

Raleigh One-Way.