For the love of English 3 speeds...
08-22-21, 09:24 AM
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08-22-21, 11:00 AM
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As another option, I just bought Schwalbe 26 x 1 3/8 tires from Bike24 out of Germany. Even with shipping, it was cheaper delivered in the US than most domestic sites I could find.
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08-22-21, 05:00 PM
Bikes are okay, I guess.
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NINETEEN dollars. Terrible pix but a great price and a B72 saddle.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...16051713602584
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...16051713602584
08-22-21, 05:17 PM
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NINETEEN dollars. Terrible pix but a great price and a B72 saddle.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...16051713602584
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...16051713602584
08-22-21, 05:21 PM
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08-22-21, 07:39 PM
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gster : I have been looking everywhere for a source in Canada for those tires. They have the “right” tread but could not find them through any of the regular sources in Canada. Wheelchair supply places but they tend to have gray and rarely have any in stock. Can you ask your friend where he sourced them?
He said he bought them a while back and never used them.
If you're coming to Toronto Pm me and you can have them for what I paid,
$30.00/pair.
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08-23-21, 03:47 AM
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It looks like an S5 gear set but with no left side axle hole or push rod. The left side sun gears, spring, and axle ring are the same, but no slot, no push rod. The key that would meet the push rod is not there.
Another thing is that the axle is stepped where the lock nut is, on all the S5 hubs I've had apart, the axle has one size thread on the left, this has a larger thread that begins where the lock nut sits and a deep key way cut into the threads through both levels of the threading. The lock nut takes a 16mm wrench not a 15mm as on an S5.
Both sun gears are the same as on an S5 as is the spring. I see no way for it to shift the pinion gears and the whole mess just functions as a three speed.
It fits into an AW or S5 shell.
The smaller pinion gear is always engaged with the axle, and the larger gear can't be moved using just the standard AW type indicator.
Maybe some oddball aftermarket mistake? None of these were marked with Sturmey Archer, the packaging was more like what I'd expect from military parts than from SA.
An axle swap and left side pin would make it into an functional S5 If it were just missing the axle hole, I'd drill it through, but there's no slot for the key that engages the pin.
I would have ignored the larger lock nut and threads figuring it was just an early or later version but the lack of a slot as well has me puzzled.
Another thing is that the axle is stepped where the lock nut is, on all the S5 hubs I've had apart, the axle has one size thread on the left, this has a larger thread that begins where the lock nut sits and a deep key way cut into the threads through both levels of the threading. The lock nut takes a 16mm wrench not a 15mm as on an S5.
Both sun gears are the same as on an S5 as is the spring. I see no way for it to shift the pinion gears and the whole mess just functions as a three speed.
It fits into an AW or S5 shell.
The smaller pinion gear is always engaged with the axle, and the larger gear can't be moved using just the standard AW type indicator.
Maybe some oddball aftermarket mistake? None of these were marked with Sturmey Archer, the packaging was more like what I'd expect from military parts than from SA.
An axle swap and left side pin would make it into an functional S5 If it were just missing the axle hole, I'd drill it through, but there's no slot for the key that engages the pin.
I would have ignored the larger lock nut and threads figuring it was just an early or later version but the lack of a slot as well has me puzzled.
08-23-21, 08:34 AM
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The Alpha Cycle Company was located in Birmingham 174 Corporation St in 1910 (now a hair-dresser) and in 1932 / 34 on Morville Street Birmingham. The Veterans Cycle Club's Library has 1910, 1930 and 1934 catalogs for Alpha cycles . Morville Street today is very short, maybe 100 yards long and has housing on it now so I imagine the works was knocked down but the hairdresser is in the original building with a roller door and ramped entrance.
Interestingly the 1910 Alpha bikes are very expensive - about twice the price of a Raleigh or Humber of this era. Whereas the 1930s bikes are less than half the 1910 price tag and as such are around the price of the competition.
I'm guessing they moved from the very swank part of Birmingham to Morville St to reduce costs and the price tag drop was also an effort to stay float as the motor-car began to take hold of the transportation market. Like the other 99% of British marques of this era, the ploy was doomed to fail.
Interestingly the 1910 Alpha bikes are very expensive - about twice the price of a Raleigh or Humber of this era. Whereas the 1930s bikes are less than half the 1910 price tag and as such are around the price of the competition.
I'm guessing they moved from the very swank part of Birmingham to Morville St to reduce costs and the price tag drop was also an effort to stay float as the motor-car began to take hold of the transportation market. Like the other 99% of British marques of this era, the ploy was doomed to fail.
Last edited by Johno59; 08-23-21 at 08:47 AM.
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08-23-21, 08:39 AM
Bikes are okay, I guess.
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08-23-21, 11:24 AM
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08-23-21, 12:36 PM
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I used to see that brand, Vee Rubber, here back in the late 70's and 80's. They were sold by a local auto parts store that also sold bikes. I till have a set on one of my bikes here that never seemed to age much over the years. They were likely just a rebranding of another major brand to allow neighboring dealers to sell essentially the same tire.
08-23-21, 12:37 PM
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It looks like an S5 gear set but with no left side axle hole or push rod. The left side sun gears, spring, and axle ring are the same, but no slot, no push rod. The key that would meet the push rod is not there.
Another thing is that the axle is stepped where the lock nut is, on all the S5 hubs I've had apart, the axle has one size thread on the left, this has a larger thread that begins where the lock nut sits and a deep key way cut into the threads through both levels of the threading. The lock nut takes a 16mm wrench not a 15mm as on an S5.
Both sun gears are the same as on an S5 as is the spring. I see no way for it to shift the pinion gears and the whole mess just functions as a three speed.
It fits into an AW or S5 shell.
The smaller pinion gear is always engaged with the axle, and the larger gear can't be moved using just the standard AW type indicator.
Maybe some oddball aftermarket mistake? None of these were marked with Sturmey Archer, the packaging was more like what I'd expect from military parts than from SA.
An axle swap and left side pin would make it into an functional S5 If it were just missing the axle hole, I'd drill it through, but there's no slot for the key that engages the pin.
I would have ignored the larger lock nut and threads figuring it was just an early or later version but the lack of a slot as well has me puzzled.
Another thing is that the axle is stepped where the lock nut is, on all the S5 hubs I've had apart, the axle has one size thread on the left, this has a larger thread that begins where the lock nut sits and a deep key way cut into the threads through both levels of the threading. The lock nut takes a 16mm wrench not a 15mm as on an S5.
Both sun gears are the same as on an S5 as is the spring. I see no way for it to shift the pinion gears and the whole mess just functions as a three speed.
It fits into an AW or S5 shell.
The smaller pinion gear is always engaged with the axle, and the larger gear can't be moved using just the standard AW type indicator.
Maybe some oddball aftermarket mistake? None of these were marked with Sturmey Archer, the packaging was more like what I'd expect from military parts than from SA.
An axle swap and left side pin would make it into an functional S5 If it were just missing the axle hole, I'd drill it through, but there's no slot for the key that engages the pin.
I would have ignored the larger lock nut and threads figuring it was just an early or later version but the lack of a slot as well has me puzzled.
08-23-21, 01:46 PM
Junior Member
The Alpha Cycle Company was located in Birmingham 174 Corporation St in 1910 (now a hair-dresser) and in 1932 / 34 on Morville Street Birmingham. The Veterans Cycle Club's Library has 1910, 1930 and 1934 catalogs for Alpha cycles . Morville Street today is very short, maybe 100 yards long and has housing on it now so I imagine the works was knocked down but the hairdresser is in the original building with a roller door and ramped entrance.
Interestingly the 1910 Alpha bikes are very expensive - about twice the price of a Raleigh or Humber of this era. Whereas the 1930s bikes are less than half the 1910 price tag and as such are around the price of the competition.
I'm guessing they moved from the very swank part of Birmingham to Morville St to reduce costs and the price tag drop was also an effort to stay float as the motor-car began to take hold of the transportation market. Like the other 99% of British marques of this era, the ploy was doomed to fail.
Interestingly the 1910 Alpha bikes are very expensive - about twice the price of a Raleigh or Humber of this era. Whereas the 1930s bikes are less than half the 1910 price tag and as such are around the price of the competition.
I'm guessing they moved from the very swank part of Birmingham to Morville St to reduce costs and the price tag drop was also an effort to stay float as the motor-car began to take hold of the transportation market. Like the other 99% of British marques of this era, the ploy was doomed to fail.
08-23-21, 03:43 PM
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Still Out There
This 50's Rudge was offered recently for $30.00 in the Toronto area.
I hope it went to a good home
The forks do look bent a bit.
This 50's Rudge was offered recently for $30.00 in the Toronto area.
I hope it went to a good home
The forks do look bent a bit.
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08-23-21, 04:29 PM
Bikes are okay, I guess.
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Last edited by thumpism; 08-23-21 at 07:19 PM.
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08-23-21, 05:36 PM
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four bucks sounds good.
08-25-21, 02:29 PM
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This is my 70-71 triumph and I know I didn't stay real true to it but it's working great right now. The gear is 40-21 so a bit low but I can easily make most hills in town and 12+ mph is easy too. Gonna ride this a lot.
Almost done
Wald quick release.
Real dynamo tail light.
Headlight and head badge.
Bars, stem and levers.
Almost done
Wald quick release.
Real dynamo tail light.
Headlight and head badge.
Bars, stem and levers.
08-25-21, 06:23 PM
Senior Member
^^^ That’s one of the tall frames. Looks like you made it just the way you need it! Happy riding into the fall.
08-25-21, 06:34 PM
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08-26-21, 07:36 AM
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SA 4 speed hub with a 3 speed shifter?
Hi
Is it possible to use a SA 4 speed hub with a 3 speed shifter? That until I find a 4.
Thanks
Is it possible to use a SA 4 speed hub with a 3 speed shifter? That until I find a 4.
Thanks
08-26-21, 10:23 AM
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08-29-21, 05:39 AM
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I just noticed.
We've filled 1000 pages!
Congratulations to all of us!
We've filled 1000 pages!
Congratulations to all of us!
Last edited by gster; 08-29-21 at 07:47 AM.
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08-29-21, 09:42 PM
Member
This is the 3rd time that I've attempted to post in this 3spd thread and it vanishes rather than getting published. (I sometimes hate computers!) Third time's a charm--maybe it was crashing when I attempted multiple photos. This Indian Scout is a recent purchase and if any one is interested, I'd be happy to post more photos and details about my (new to me) 1954 Indian Scout.
Last edited by dimini; 08-29-21 at 09:46 PM. Reason: adding text
08-30-21, 03:19 AM
Junior Member
This is the 3rd time that I've attempted to post in this 3spd thread and it vanishes rather than getting published. (I sometimes hate computers!) Third time's a charm--maybe it was crashing when I attempted multiple photos. This Indian Scout is a recent purchase and if any one is interested, I'd be happy to post more photos and details about my (new to me) 1954 Indian Scout.
08-30-21, 03:42 AM
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This is the 3rd time that I've attempted to post in this 3spd thread and it vanishes rather than getting published. (I sometimes hate computers!) Third time's a charm--maybe it was crashing when I attempted multiple photos. This Indian Scout is a recent purchase and if any one is interested, I'd be happy to post more photos and details about my (new to me) 1954 Indian Scout.
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