For the love of English 3 speeds...
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Went out to the barn and checked my 72 roadster. It has gold bands. For some reason I thought they changed to silver at some point. Still, the 23" frame could be as old as 1969 judging from the transfers I see in the picture.
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It would be cool to find a bike with a similar dropout and serial number stamping, but so far no dice.
https://www.bikeforums.net/19080218-post11590.html

Last edited by 9volt; 11-02-16 at 07:55 PM.
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Heck, A 69 would be fine with me too ! I already had a good bit of miles on a bike by that year.
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I estimate this job at around 10 hours. (that's with the shop I have) I love a challenge but if I were you, I'd go for this one, that's going begging at $40 on fleabay. Ends tomorrow 9:00 est
Antique Raleigh Sturmey Archer 2 speed antique bicycle shifter | eBay
Antique Raleigh Sturmey Archer 2 speed antique bicycle shifter | eBay
I missed that one, along with the other one the same seller had, but I did win this one this afternoon:
I'll probably still try to build one, though

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Wow, that one's perfect. You got a good deal. As cool as a hand made one would be, an original would be preferable for a restoration IMO.
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Agreed, but I'm not doing a restoration. This is a frame that was built locally less than 3 years ago. I'm just building it up with a lot of influence taken from my old Raleigh, and I just like how the quadrant shifter looks, and I've gotten comfortable with actually using it while riding.
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I found a Raleigh Lenton Grand Prix today. It has an SA FM 4 speed. Do these 4 speeds take the same oil as SA 3 speeds?
The hub is dated 1958, but the graphics on this bike don't match other 58s that I've found. Were these graphics available in 58?
Here are some pics:



The hub is dated 1958, but the graphics on this bike don't match other 58s that I've found. Were these graphics available in 58?
Here are some pics:
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Wow, that's quite the find! Hope you remove that chain stay crushing kickstand and put a proper one on it.
The paint is well preserved, so are the decals. Look forward to more pics and info when you find out.
The paint is well preserved, so are the decals. Look forward to more pics and info when you find out.
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That's a pretty special bike, @9volt. But as it's a 4-speed, you have to start your own thread. (Just kidding.)
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Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
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It seemed close enough, I was hoping no one would mind
Isn't it technically a 10 speed though? There is an empty downtube shifter boss and from what I've read these would have come with F/R derailleurs.
The kickstand is going away asap.

The kickstand is going away asap.
Last edited by 9volt; 11-03-16 at 05:45 PM.
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Now that I look over the frame, it does look like it has been changed around. Still a nice find !
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Beautiful bike! I think the FM hub is a perfect fit here. My experience with those old time derailleurs is pretty limited, but not good. Especially the ones with the seat tube mounted rods for the front. If I had a 10 speed bike like this, I'd change it to an FM...if I could find one. Congrats on a super find
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Just showed up on CL this morning, a rare ladies' 23" Sports. I already have one like it but this one is older and has the rack and the neat pedals, plus sparkly grips!
Women's Vintage Raleigh Road Bike
Women's Vintage Raleigh Road Bike - $80

make / manufacturer: Raleigh
This is a Women's vintage Raleigh three speed road bike. It is super cute and fun to ride around town. It does need a new rear tire and tube (or maybe just a patch), but as soon as that's done, it's ready to get on the road!!
$80 obo
Women's Vintage Raleigh Road Bike
Women's Vintage Raleigh Road Bike - $80

make / manufacturer: Raleigh
This is a Women's vintage Raleigh three speed road bike. It is super cute and fun to ride around town. It does need a new rear tire and tube (or maybe just a patch), but as soon as that's done, it's ready to get on the road!!
$80 obo
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Whoa! I'm seeing a cable and bell crank on the NDS of that hub. And I think I see the 5 speed transfer on the downtube. That's a lady's Sprite. If I lived anywhere near close, I'd be on my way there with 80 bucks right now. The hub alone is worth twice the price.
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Damn, dude, don't make me buy another bike.
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I would not buy it to part out. I'll leave that for others to do. I'd buy it to have intact, and simply brought up to ride-ready status. Black grips, maybe.
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4-speed use the same oil as 3 speeds.
The best way to set the toggle chain is in first gear. There should be no slack but not exceptionally tight either- low should be easy to get into. You might have to pedal it to go into low, but it should go easily and the shifter should be able to hold it there. The setting is a bit trickier than the usual AW. But the hubs hold up well.
BTW- beware that the indicator rod exiting the hub on the left side is not loose!! If it goes missing you're really going to hate it.