For the love of English 3 speeds...
11-01-23, 04:53 AM
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11-01-23, 07:36 AM
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Getting in a couple late season rides on my 1959 Schwinn Traveler three speed.
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Classic American and British Roadsters, Utility Bikes, and Sporting Bikes (1935-1979):
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11-01-23, 02:44 PM
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Had a trip around town for a few grocery items. Pleasant early winter riding along the pathways. Tick, tick, tick goes the '53 AW. Need to do something about that saddle. Maybe a C17.
PXL_20231101_163249700
PXL_20231101_163249700
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11-01-23, 03:43 PM
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Had a trip around town for a few grocery items. Pleasant early winter riding along the pathways. Tick, tick, tick goes the '53 AW. Need to do something about that saddle. Maybe a C17.
PXL_20231101_163249700
PXL_20231101_163249700
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11-01-23, 04:21 PM
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Thanks! My '50 FM I bought from clubman is alloy and runs on the Wasp - the alloy SA hubs are fun survivors to encounter. I rebuilt the steel shell '53 AW running on this bike - the bits inside were in really good shape, just needed fresh pawl springs and axle key. The guy gave it to me for almost nothing since he figured it was trash, and now it runs me along to wherever I want to go. Originally this bike came to me with a 1980 S5.1 hub, I really have no idea what year the bike is, since it also has non-drive side cable guides for the five-speed left-side indicator. It may be that its a 1960s bike that came with an original S5 hub that went wonky, and was replaced later with an S5.1 that works but slips in super-low. I'll share some pics later this winter of the overdue rebuild of that hub. In the end, I think one day I'll build an alloy set for this bike using a '50s steel shell FW I have in the parts bin for toughness and the extra gear. The wheels as-is in really bad shape.
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11-01-23, 06:52 PM
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11-02-23, 03:19 AM
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11-02-23, 10:10 AM
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Here's an opinion which just formed in my wayward mind....
Whatever negative features of steel rims, real or imagined, the fact that they are relatively heavy by modern standards is a reason their revolving weight has the advantage of being effectively a pair of flywheels.
After a recent ride I noticed the oft referred phenomena where, once one gets up to a chosen speed the cycle appears to become effortlessly propelled.
I imagine the rotating mass of the rims do indeed become flywheels.
Of course all wheels will have this characteristic, but the heavier the rim of a gyroscope will have stored the energy you expended to get it up to speed.
So not all that extra effort you put into accelerating those heavy rims goes to waste; the rims have stored it and contribute towards your progress down the road.
These 3 Speeds are meant to be ridden in a leisurely manner.
By not fighting the weight of the rims, but taking your time to get to 'Raleigh Supercruise', remember one aspect of your progressive effort is put energy into your gyroscopic wheels, which to some degree conserve it.
A continuous uninterrupted journey should highlight this. Also coasting distance will be enhanced.
The negative side to this is that energy laden wheel will take more effort to stop it.
That's my 'Juggernaut' theory.
Whatever negative features of steel rims, real or imagined, the fact that they are relatively heavy by modern standards is a reason their revolving weight has the advantage of being effectively a pair of flywheels.
After a recent ride I noticed the oft referred phenomena where, once one gets up to a chosen speed the cycle appears to become effortlessly propelled.
I imagine the rotating mass of the rims do indeed become flywheels.
Of course all wheels will have this characteristic, but the heavier the rim of a gyroscope will have stored the energy you expended to get it up to speed.
So not all that extra effort you put into accelerating those heavy rims goes to waste; the rims have stored it and contribute towards your progress down the road.
These 3 Speeds are meant to be ridden in a leisurely manner.
By not fighting the weight of the rims, but taking your time to get to 'Raleigh Supercruise', remember one aspect of your progressive effort is put energy into your gyroscopic wheels, which to some degree conserve it.
A continuous uninterrupted journey should highlight this. Also coasting distance will be enhanced.
The negative side to this is that energy laden wheel will take more effort to stop it.
That's my 'Juggernaut' theory.
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11-02-23, 11:57 AM
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The two main issues with chrome plated steel rims are weight/acceleration, and braking surface.
I have a Raleigh Clubman with early Dunlop alloy Westrick rims. The rims have the same tires as some of my steel westrick steel rims, so the main difference in the wheels are the rims themselves.
Comparing them to chromed steel westricks, the alloy wheels are much lighter, accelerate more easily, climb easier, and stop better. They must have been a revelation for sport riders back in the early postwar era.
The chromed steel westrick rims stay in true better and give a more comfortable ride over bumps and are easier to repair. The steel westricks are legendary for durability and longevity on a utility bike.
In between are the Dunlop stainless and lightweight steel endrick rims. They're a middle point between the chromed steel and the aluminum alloy. They would be in between the chromed steel and alloy in the characteristics named above. I have a set on my 1953 Lenton, which are very comfortable riding wheels indeed.
I would ride a good condition set of any of the rims named above. They're all well-made, just different in what they do well. The alloys are hard to beat if you're pure sporting rider, and the chromed steel is nice if you're a utility rider looking for durability. In between, the dunlop stainless and lightweight steels are a good balance.
I have a Raleigh Clubman with early Dunlop alloy Westrick rims. The rims have the same tires as some of my steel westrick steel rims, so the main difference in the wheels are the rims themselves.
Comparing them to chromed steel westricks, the alloy wheels are much lighter, accelerate more easily, climb easier, and stop better. They must have been a revelation for sport riders back in the early postwar era.
The chromed steel westrick rims stay in true better and give a more comfortable ride over bumps and are easier to repair. The steel westricks are legendary for durability and longevity on a utility bike.
In between are the Dunlop stainless and lightweight steel endrick rims. They're a middle point between the chromed steel and the aluminum alloy. They would be in between the chromed steel and alloy in the characteristics named above. I have a set on my 1953 Lenton, which are very comfortable riding wheels indeed.
I would ride a good condition set of any of the rims named above. They're all well-made, just different in what they do well. The alloys are hard to beat if you're pure sporting rider, and the chromed steel is nice if you're a utility rider looking for durability. In between, the dunlop stainless and lightweight steels are a good balance.
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Classic American and British Roadsters, Utility Bikes, and Sporting Bikes (1935-1979):
https://bikeshedva.blogspot.com/
Classic American and British Roadsters, Utility Bikes, and Sporting Bikes (1935-1979):
https://bikeshedva.blogspot.com/
Last edited by SirMike1983; 11-02-23 at 02:49 PM. Reason: spelling error
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11-02-23, 11:59 AM
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Here's an opinion which just formed in my wayward mind....
Whatever negative features of steel rims, real or imagined, the fact that they are relatively heavy by modern standards is a reason their revolving weight has the advantage of being effectively a pair of flywheels.
After a recent ride I noticed the oft referred phenomena where, once one gets up to a chosen speed the cycle appears to become effortlessly propelled.
I imagine the rotating mass of the rims do indeed become flywheels.
Of course all wheels will have this characteristic, but the heavier the rim of a gyroscope will have stored the energy you expended to get it up to speed.
So not all that extra effort you put into accelerating those heavy rims goes to waste; the rims have stored it and contribute towards your progress down the road.
These 3 Speeds are meant to be ridden in a leisurely manner.
By not fighting the weight of the rims, but taking your time to get to 'Raleigh Supercruise', remember one aspect of your progressive effort is put energy into your gyroscopic wheels, which to some degree conserve it.
A continuous uninterrupted journey should highlight this. Also coasting distance will be enhanced.
The negative side to this is that energy laden wheel will take more effort to stop it.
That's my 'Juggernaut' theory.
Whatever negative features of steel rims, real or imagined, the fact that they are relatively heavy by modern standards is a reason their revolving weight has the advantage of being effectively a pair of flywheels.
After a recent ride I noticed the oft referred phenomena where, once one gets up to a chosen speed the cycle appears to become effortlessly propelled.
I imagine the rotating mass of the rims do indeed become flywheels.
Of course all wheels will have this characteristic, but the heavier the rim of a gyroscope will have stored the energy you expended to get it up to speed.
So not all that extra effort you put into accelerating those heavy rims goes to waste; the rims have stored it and contribute towards your progress down the road.
These 3 Speeds are meant to be ridden in a leisurely manner.
By not fighting the weight of the rims, but taking your time to get to 'Raleigh Supercruise', remember one aspect of your progressive effort is put energy into your gyroscopic wheels, which to some degree conserve it.
A continuous uninterrupted journey should highlight this. Also coasting distance will be enhanced.
The negative side to this is that energy laden wheel will take more effort to stop it.
That's my 'Juggernaut' theory.
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11-03-23, 09:05 AM
Newbie
This discussion of theoretical physics really hits the mark. It certainly captures the essence of my recent experiences rambling a 24" roadster on paved and gravel rail trails; and how fun that has been! Why would I want the brakes?
In addition to the Juggernaut theory of flywheel propulsion, there is the sheer momentum that 42 pounds of moving steel brings to the road after getting up to a little speed. Roll on mighty Columbia! Roll on.
In addition to the Juggernaut theory of flywheel propulsion, there is the sheer momentum that 42 pounds of moving steel brings to the road after getting up to a little speed. Roll on mighty Columbia! Roll on.
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11-03-23, 09:54 AM
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This discussion of theoretical physics really hits the mark. It certainly captures the essence of my recent experiences rambling a 24" roadster on paved and gravel rail trails; and how fun that has been! Why would I want the brakes?
In addition to the Juggernaut theory of flywheel propulsion, there is the sheer momentum that 42 pounds of moving steel brings to the road after getting up to a little speed. Roll on mighty Columbia! Roll on.
In addition to the Juggernaut theory of flywheel propulsion, there is the sheer momentum that 42 pounds of moving steel brings to the road after getting up to a little speed. Roll on mighty Columbia! Roll on.
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11-03-23, 02:19 PM
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Late season ride - Raleigh Model 35 light roadster.
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Classic American and British Roadsters, Utility Bikes, and Sporting Bikes (1935-1979):
https://bikeshedva.blogspot.com/
Classic American and British Roadsters, Utility Bikes, and Sporting Bikes (1935-1979):
https://bikeshedva.blogspot.com/
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11-03-23, 03:22 PM
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My latest "For the Love of English 3 Speeds" influenced buying decision. A 1954 Raleigh with rod operated drum brakes, in a small frame size. Is it a Sports, Roadster, Superbe or other model? From the decals it was an export model destined to Singapore.
Seat tube decal. Reads " Choon Seng 155 Hill St. Singapore"
Seat tube decal.
Upper seat tube decal.
Headtube lug decal, reads "Special"
Downtube decal "Robinson & Co Ltd, Singapore & Kualalumpur, Sole Distributors"
Chaincase decal.
Rear hub stamped 6 54
Front hub also stamped 6 54
Serial number.
Seat tube decal. Reads " Choon Seng 155 Hill St. Singapore"
Seat tube decal.
Upper seat tube decal.
Headtube lug decal, reads "Special"
Downtube decal "Robinson & Co Ltd, Singapore & Kualalumpur, Sole Distributors"
Chaincase decal.
Rear hub stamped 6 54
Front hub also stamped 6 54
Serial number.
11-03-23, 03:53 PM
Count Orlok Member
Someone at work was tearing down his shed, and asked me if I wanted his old bikes. Now I have two more DL1s:
The gentleman's bike has a Nexus 7 speed hub--that was a surprise. I'm trying to figure out what to do with them.
The gentleman's bike has a Nexus 7 speed hub--that was a surprise. I'm trying to figure out what to do with them.
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11-03-23, 04:10 PM
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They're in spanking nice condition. Nice one, er two.
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11-04-23, 11:31 AM
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Nexus 7 on 28 x1-1/2" Wheel
The gentleman's bike has a Nexus 7 speed hub--that was a surprise. I'm trying to figure out what to do with them.[/QUOTE]
Having recently rhapsodized about my experience riding the DL1, my first and favorite vintage bike, I have most of a second one in parts, and have been fantasizing about finding or building a roadster wheel with 7 or 9 speeds for it, which I hope would be a pretty fun and capable touring/bikepacking steed for riding long rail trails. I haven't seen or heard of 7speeds on 28 x 1-1/2" wheels before this. Does anyone know where such a wheel might be found, or where they were used? I'd also appreciate an opinion of how well such touring bike would work out in reality.
I am also curious how wide a span at the rear dropout is necessary to handle the Nexus 7speed. and if it would be necessary to spread the frame to accommodate one.
What to do with them? Ride them of course? Short of thatr, sell one of them to me!
Having recently rhapsodized about my experience riding the DL1, my first and favorite vintage bike, I have most of a second one in parts, and have been fantasizing about finding or building a roadster wheel with 7 or 9 speeds for it, which I hope would be a pretty fun and capable touring/bikepacking steed for riding long rail trails. I haven't seen or heard of 7speeds on 28 x 1-1/2" wheels before this. Does anyone know where such a wheel might be found, or where they were used? I'd also appreciate an opinion of how well such touring bike would work out in reality.
I am also curious how wide a span at the rear dropout is necessary to handle the Nexus 7speed. and if it would be necessary to spread the frame to accommodate one.
What to do with them? Ride them of course? Short of thatr, sell one of them to me!
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11-04-23, 03:17 PM
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Here's how to triple the value of my 'Chiltern'...
just got a fine pair of 'historic' pedals off ebay...
Last edited by Cyclespanner; 11-04-23 at 03:39 PM. Reason: Adition
11-04-23, 03:23 PM
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Made by Holdsworth, right? Nice race pedals.
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11-04-23, 03:29 PM
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11-04-23, 03:32 PM
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Is this the bike you wanted to pick up before you left on your trip? Did he hold on to it for you? It looks great. It sure looks like a proper roadster to me, with the full chain case. Have you been able to compare the size of the wheels with some 26"? Have you ridden it? I'd like to get a roadster one day.
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Unless you climb the rungs strategically, you’re not going to build the muscle you need to stay at the top.
Unless you climb the rungs strategically, you’re not going to build the muscle you need to stay at the top.
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11-04-23, 03:49 PM
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I don't think I've seen a set for sale before. Certainly not in that fine condition.
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Unless you climb the rungs strategically, you’re not going to build the muscle you need to stay at the top.
Unless you climb the rungs strategically, you’re not going to build the muscle you need to stay at the top.
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11-04-23, 04:06 PM
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Did a little research, to find they are out of the ordinary.
Ebay has 2 other sets for sale. 3&5 times the cost of what I paid!
Nice to feel I'm a 'Winner' for a change.
Last edited by Cyclespanner; 11-04-23 at 04:08 PM. Reason: deletion
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11-04-23, 08:06 PM
Count Orlok Member
The gentleman's bike has a Nexus 7 speed hub--that was a surprise. I'm trying to figure out what to do with them.
I am also curious how wide a span at the rear dropout is necessary to handle the Nexus 7speed. and if it would be necessary to spread the frame to accommodate one.
What to do with them? Ride them of course? Short of thatr, sell one of them to me!
I'm trying to decide if I should sell mine and keep this one. The lady's is too big for my wife and daughter, though one of my coworkers is rather tall and she may be interested.
I'll go measure the rear dropout and report back.