For the love of English 3 speeds...
11-22-23, 12:04 AM
Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2023
Location: Wessex UK
Posts: 111
Bikes: Vintage Raleigh and more modern Roberts
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 55 Post(s)
Liked 158 Times
in
60 Posts
A new member here from the UK who has joined the forum just for this thread, although my cycling interests do extend beyond 3 speeds I spend far too much time thinking about and working on them, I even ride them on a regular basis including along the C & O canal while on holiday in the US earlier this year, no photos yet until I have made 10 posts apparently so I will have to think of something to say without them for now.
11-22-23, 02:31 AM
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2023
Location: Yorkshire
Posts: 179
Bikes: Several
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 74 Post(s)
Liked 166 Times
in
92 Posts
Welcome 'Small cog'.
You are entering a world of genteel cyclists, happily sharing a common experience.
I'm from Yorkshire, yet find this thread relevant to my personal views and interests.
I haven't found a comparable UK site with this level of 3-speed enthusiasm, though our US friends have some odd perspectives on 'Blighty' ways of living and history, one can sympathise and forgive them the error of their ways.
Hope your involvement here is just as rewarding as mine has been.
You are entering a world of genteel cyclists, happily sharing a common experience.
I'm from Yorkshire, yet find this thread relevant to my personal views and interests.
I haven't found a comparable UK site with this level of 3-speed enthusiasm, though our US friends have some odd perspectives on 'Blighty' ways of living and history, one can sympathise and forgive them the error of their ways.
Hope your involvement here is just as rewarding as mine has been.
Likes For Cyclespanner:
11-22-23, 08:19 AM
Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2023
Location: Wessex UK
Posts: 111
Bikes: Vintage Raleigh and more modern Roberts
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 55 Post(s)
Liked 158 Times
in
60 Posts
Welcome 'Small cog'.
You are entering a world of genteel cyclists, happily sharing a common experience.
I'm from Yorkshire, yet find this thread relevant to my personal views and interests.
I haven't found a comparable UK site with this level of 3-speed enthusiasm, though our US friends have some odd perspectives on 'Blighty' ways of living and history, one can sympathise and forgive them the error of their ways.
Hope your involvement here is just as rewarding as mine has been.
You are entering a world of genteel cyclists, happily sharing a common experience.
I'm from Yorkshire, yet find this thread relevant to my personal views and interests.
I haven't found a comparable UK site with this level of 3-speed enthusiasm, though our US friends have some odd perspectives on 'Blighty' ways of living and history, one can sympathise and forgive them the error of their ways.
Hope your involvement here is just as rewarding as mine has been.
Last edited by Small cog; 11-22-23 at 08:26 AM. Reason: More info
Likes For Small cog:
11-22-23, 08:47 AM
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: NW Ohio
Posts: 3,443
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
Mentioned: 24 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 540 Post(s)
Liked 1,034 Times
in
530 Posts
My newest acquisition, a '65 Hercules, was abandoned. It needs a new rear tire and tube, and some tuning of the shifter/cable, but after that, it will be offered for sale as a pair with a ladies '55 Elswick. The bars are narrower (49cm) on the Hercules than they are on my Rudge Sports. Maybe the bike is a juvenile model.
The fan is two years newer than the bike.
The fan is two years newer than the bike.
Likes For Pompiere:
11-22-23, 10:02 AM
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2023
Location: Yorkshire
Posts: 179
Bikes: Several
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 74 Post(s)
Liked 166 Times
in
92 Posts
Just popped up on UK ebay, 3 veteran English 3 speeds making my heart ache.
Not expensive either.£395 each (open to offers) All in working order.
A Sunbeam and 2 Rudge's. Pedigree patina, the Sunbeam comes with it's original tool bag and tools and even has the original gold lining.
Not expensive either.£395 each (open to offers) All in working order.
A Sunbeam and 2 Rudge's. Pedigree patina, the Sunbeam comes with it's original tool bag and tools and even has the original gold lining.
Last edited by Cyclespanner; 11-22-23 at 10:11 AM. Reason: additions
Likes For Cyclespanner:
11-22-23, 10:12 AM
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Ontario
Posts: 2,654
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 479 Post(s)
Liked 637 Times
in
338 Posts
That sunbeam has quite the interesting cantilever brake system….
Likes For markk900:
11-22-23, 10:15 AM
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2023
Location: Yorkshire
Posts: 179
Bikes: Several
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 74 Post(s)
Liked 166 Times
in
92 Posts
11-22-23, 10:47 AM
Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2023
Location: Wessex UK
Posts: 111
Bikes: Vintage Raleigh and more modern Roberts
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 55 Post(s)
Liked 158 Times
in
60 Posts
I did upload a photo of my Raleigh Lenton restomod before I found out I could not post it, if anyone wants a preview they can apparently see it by going into my profile and looking around but I am not sure how that works.
Likes For Small cog:
11-22-23, 11:56 AM
On the road
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: New England
Posts: 2,188
Bikes: Old Schwinns and old Raleighs
Mentioned: 36 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 375 Post(s)
Liked 886 Times
in
336 Posts
Those Sunbeams are killer. Nice pair of bikes for someone.
__________________
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/
Likes For SirMike1983:
11-22-23, 01:13 PM
Learning To Fly
Here is a nice example (my biased opinion) of a 1950s Raleigh “Sports Light Roadster” model 22. Approximate vintage is 1955-1957 based on the excellent visual identification chart available
on the headbadge site. The model name variation is also lifted from this chart but can’t independently confirm. Alas, this one has a single speed SA freewheel rather than 3 speed.
on the headbadge site. The model name variation is also lifted from this chart but can’t independently confirm. Alas, this one has a single speed SA freewheel rather than 3 speed.
Likes For cjefferds:
11-22-23, 01:39 PM
Learning To Fly
And here is my 3 speed contribution. 1969.
11-22-23, 03:13 PM
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2023
Location: Yorkshire
Posts: 179
Bikes: Several
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 74 Post(s)
Liked 166 Times
in
92 Posts
Here is a nice example (my biased opinion) of a 1950s Raleigh “Sports Light Roadster” model 22. Approximate vintage is 1955-1957 based on the excellent visual identification chart available
on the headbadge site. The model name variation is also lifted from this chart but can’t independently confirm. Alas, this one has a single speed SA freewheel rather than 3 speed.
on the headbadge site. The model name variation is also lifted from this chart but can’t independently confirm. Alas, this one has a single speed SA freewheel rather than 3 speed.
Eh, what? where?
Likes For Cyclespanner:
11-22-23, 03:23 PM
Palmer
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 8,641
Bikes: Mike Melton custom, Alex Moulton AM, Dahon Curl
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1681 Post(s)
Liked 1,840 Times
in
1,069 Posts
A "Golden Sunbeam" rang a long unused bell. Yeah, desirable bike. Lotsa info on the web I won't regurgitate here.
11-22-23, 03:26 PM
Learning To Fly
Likes For cjefferds:
11-22-23, 04:33 PM
Standard Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Brunswick, Maine
Posts: 4,280
Bikes: 1948 P. Barnard & Son, 1962 Rudge Sports, 1963 Freddie Grubb Routier, 1980 Manufrance Hirondelle, 1983 F. Moser Sprint, 1989 Raleigh Technium Pre, 2001 Raleigh M80
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1301 Post(s)
Liked 942 Times
in
490 Posts
Pompiere, thanks for sharing that with us. I'm glad you still have and ride it.
__________________
"In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun, and - SNAP - the job's a game!"
"In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun, and - SNAP - the job's a game!"
Likes For 1989Pre:
11-23-23, 10:24 AM
Count Orlok Member
Likes For gna:
11-23-23, 10:32 AM
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2023
Location: Yorkshire
Posts: 179
Bikes: Several
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 74 Post(s)
Liked 166 Times
in
92 Posts
Again, from UK ebay, a Dawn Tourist; ex shop display with minimal use.
£3,500 GULP!
£3,500 GULP!
Likes For Cyclespanner:
11-23-23, 10:39 AM
Count Orlok Member
Just popped up on UK ebay, 3 veteran English 3 speeds making my heart ache.
Not expensive either.£395 each (open to offers) All in working order.
A Sunbeam and 2 Rudge's. Pedigree patina, the Sunbeam comes with it's original tool bag and tools and even has the original gold lining.
Not expensive either.£395 each (open to offers) All in working order.
A Sunbeam and 2 Rudge's. Pedigree patina, the Sunbeam comes with it's original tool bag and tools and even has the original gold lining.
Likes For gna:
11-23-23, 12:01 PM
Not so New
Likes For John D:
11-23-23, 12:17 PM
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2023
Location: Yorkshire
Posts: 179
Bikes: Several
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 74 Post(s)
Liked 166 Times
in
92 Posts
If my posting of 'interesting' 3 speeds appearing on UK ebay is wanted, I'm happy to bring them to you from the real 'Land of the 3 speeds'.
Hot linking UK ebay items doesn't work but I can copy plum examples which may be of interest.
If this is useful and you want more, please let me know.
Hot linking UK ebay items doesn't work but I can copy plum examples which may be of interest.
If this is useful and you want more, please let me know.
11-23-23, 12:27 PM
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2023
Location: Yorkshire
Posts: 179
Bikes: Several
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 74 Post(s)
Liked 166 Times
in
92 Posts
11-23-23, 01:03 PM
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Chicago
Posts: 1,084
Bikes: '72 Peugeot PX-10 '78 Motobecane Le Champion '83 Motobecane Grand Jubile '85 Trek 830 '88 Merckx Team ADR Corsa Extra
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 472 Post(s)
Liked 1,215 Times
in
652 Posts
If my posting of 'interesting' 3 speeds appearing on UK ebay is wanted, I'm happy to bring them to you from the real 'Land of the 3 speeds'.
Hot linking UK ebay items doesn't work but I can copy plum examples which may be of interest.
If this is useful and you want more, please let me know.
Hot linking UK ebay items doesn't work but I can copy plum examples which may be of interest.
If this is useful and you want more, please let me know.
__________________
11-23-23, 01:18 PM
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2023
Location: Yorkshire
Posts: 179
Bikes: Several
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 74 Post(s)
Liked 166 Times
in
92 Posts
11-23-23, 03:29 PM
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Chicago
Posts: 1,084
Bikes: '72 Peugeot PX-10 '78 Motobecane Le Champion '83 Motobecane Grand Jubile '85 Trek 830 '88 Merckx Team ADR Corsa Extra
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 472 Post(s)
Liked 1,215 Times
in
652 Posts
11-24-23, 09:19 AM
Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2023
Location: Wessex UK
Posts: 111
Bikes: Vintage Raleigh and more modern Roberts
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 55 Post(s)
Liked 158 Times
in
60 Posts
This is my current favourite three speed, not for the purist it is something of a restomod, a 1950 Raleigh Lenton that was picked up from the scrap pile at my local bike shop, my friend who owns the shop said "if you don't take it today the scrapman will take it tomorrow" I was on my motorcycle at the time and had a couple of straps so home it came. There was not much of any use, even the SA four speed was a solid lump of rust inside unfortunately but the frame and forks were still sound so I had them sand blasted and resprayed them with aerosols, it is not a standard colour but I like it and have badged it as a Clubman although it is not.
It has a lot of 1970s updates with a compliment of Sakae Ringyo components mostly bought cheap in poor condition and restored on my polishing wheel, a nos Shimano 3 speed hub and Bluemels mudguards from the same bike shop and a Brooks plastic saddle which is ok but get a bit firm after 30 miles. This has taken the weight down from about 35 lbs down to 27 so quite a reduction.
It has a lot of 1970s updates with a compliment of Sakae Ringyo components mostly bought cheap in poor condition and restored on my polishing wheel, a nos Shimano 3 speed hub and Bluemels mudguards from the same bike shop and a Brooks plastic saddle which is ok but get a bit firm after 30 miles. This has taken the weight down from about 35 lbs down to 27 so quite a reduction.
Likes For Small cog:
