For the love of English 3 speeds...
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The greatest advancement in engineering England ever saw was getting rid of feet and inches. Whoever came up with the idea of measuring lengths using fractions is surely burning in hell.
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Here's something interesting if you live in Vermont. They want 100 bucks for an old 3 speed with a sawed off front mudguard. Look closer and you'll see it's a 1956 Rudge. Now if that basket is saleable, talk them down to 80, sell the baskets for 30, and there's no bad rust damage, it's possible to end up with a pre TI 21" frameset, 2 wheels, mid 50s AW hub, a nifty 48T Hand of Ulster crank, silver cable housings, window shifter, and maybe more for 50 bucks. Hard to see condition in that bad photo though.
56 rudge
56 rudge
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No!! I hate all that geeky, bow tie metric stuff. When I go to the deli, I don't want to be bothered saying " gimme .22076 Kilograms of salami. I want to just say a half pound please...thin slices.
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Last edited by BigChief; 08-09-18 at 10:32 AM.
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Here's something interesting if you live in Vermont. They want 100 bucks for an old 3 speed with a sawed off front mudguard. Look closer and you'll see it's a 1956 Rudge. Now if that basket is saleable, talk them down to 80, sell the baskets for 30, and there's no bad rust damage, it's possible to end up with a pre TI 21" frameset, 2 wheels, mid 50s AW hub, a nifty 48T Hand of Ulster crank, silver cable housings, window shifter, and maybe more for 50 bucks. Hard to see condition in that bad photo though.
56 rudge
56 rudge
Stripped off some parts I didn't want and listed them on Kijiji.
The original seller then came over and bought the discards
back for $30.00...
Go figure....
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1953 Raleigh Superbe Sports Unearthed
I lucked into this bike today. I think it's a 1953 Raleigh Superbe Sports.
I'm amazed that it's so original (even has the color matched Raleigh branded factory pump). It also has what I suspect is an SA 4-Speed FG Dynohub with all of the original bits and bobs, lamps, clips, battery and so on. Any experts here able to confirm if this is an SA FG Dynohub? It's dated 53. 5.
Regardless, once cleaned up and with an appropriate saddle, I think this will be a joy.
More photos in this thread.
I'm amazed that it's so original (even has the color matched Raleigh branded factory pump). It also has what I suspect is an SA 4-Speed FG Dynohub with all of the original bits and bobs, lamps, clips, battery and so on. Any experts here able to confirm if this is an SA FG Dynohub? It's dated 53. 5.
Regardless, once cleaned up and with an appropriate saddle, I think this will be a joy.
More photos in this thread.
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I'm a fan of metrification although not a warrior. It's hard to go full metal metric in the U.S. when you go to the hardware store or lumber yard and everything is listed in ft, in, and fractions. But, when you bring home a sheet of 3/4" plywood, it's nice to have metric measuring tools when you go to laying everything out, because it's probably real close to 18 mm. And, it's easy to get used to making measurements in mm and dividing it up. Dividing up 1/2", for example, into thirds and fifths, if you're using tools with base 2 divisions (1/2, 1/4, ... 1/64) gets troublesome. Gets harder all the time as I get older and the math doesn't come as easy. Also, consider calculating how much concrete you need for a project when the project is measured in ft and in and concrete is in cubic yards. In metric, everything is measured in meters and concrete is in cubic meters.
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I lucked into this bike today. I think it's a 1953 Raleigh Superbe Sports.
I'm amazed that it's so original (even has the color matched Raleigh branded factory pump). It also has what I suspect is an SA 4-Speed FG Dynohub with all of the original bits and bobs, lamps, clips, battery and so on. Any experts here able to confirm if this is an SA FG Dynohub? It's dated 53. 5.
Regardless, once cleaned up and with an appropriate saddle, I think this will be a joy.
More photos in this thread.
I'm amazed that it's so original (even has the color matched Raleigh branded factory pump). It also has what I suspect is an SA 4-Speed FG Dynohub with all of the original bits and bobs, lamps, clips, battery and so on. Any experts here able to confirm if this is an SA FG Dynohub? It's dated 53. 5.
Regardless, once cleaned up and with an appropriate saddle, I think this will be a joy.
More photos in this thread.
Looks like it might be the FG. As far as I know, the FG is the only 4 speed dyno hub. Should say 4 speed on it and FG, too, I think. Has the 3 or 4 speed shifter.
edit: from what I know, almost all the 4 speed hubs are FW and the FG used the same gears.
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I lucked into this bike today. I think it's a 1953 Raleigh Superbe Sports.
I'm amazed that it's so original (even has the color matched Raleigh branded factory pump). It also has what I suspect is an SA 4-Speed FG Dynohub with all of the original bits and bobs, lamps, clips, battery and so on. Any experts here able to confirm if this is an SA FG Dynohub? It's dated 53. 5.
Regardless, once cleaned up and with an appropriate saddle, I think this will be a joy.
More photos in this thread.
I'm amazed that it's so original (even has the color matched Raleigh branded factory pump). It also has what I suspect is an SA 4-Speed FG Dynohub with all of the original bits and bobs, lamps, clips, battery and so on. Any experts here able to confirm if this is an SA FG Dynohub? It's dated 53. 5.
Regardless, once cleaned up and with an appropriate saddle, I think this will be a joy.
More photos in this thread.
edit: From the catalog the Superbe Sports Tourist didn't get the Raleigh Sports transfer on the downtube. I thought it might be worn off, but no. Never had one.
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Last edited by BigChief; 08-09-18 at 07:23 PM.
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Good Bye to an Old Friend
My goal to cull the herd has started.
This 1972, 21" Superbe is going to a new home tomorrow.
This hub had a mangled sun gear that I replaced.
I can only conclude that someone had reefed on the hub thinking
tighter was better.
I haven't re packed the BB as I didn't want to disturb/ruin the "R"
nuts on the cotters.
I DID pour some heavy oil down the seat tube and all seems well.
A somewhat worn Japanese leather saddle.
The tires are old but seem good.
New brake pads and cables.
Plastic trigger face is good.
Working Dynohub.
No key.
At the selling price it does't make sense for me to spend any more $$
Sold for cost to a friend's girlfriend.
She likes a men's bike.
My goal to cull the herd has started.
This 1972, 21" Superbe is going to a new home tomorrow.
This hub had a mangled sun gear that I replaced.
I can only conclude that someone had reefed on the hub thinking
tighter was better.
I haven't re packed the BB as I didn't want to disturb/ruin the "R"
nuts on the cotters.
I DID pour some heavy oil down the seat tube and all seems well.
A somewhat worn Japanese leather saddle.
The tires are old but seem good.
New brake pads and cables.
Plastic trigger face is good.
Working Dynohub.
No key.
At the selling price it does't make sense for me to spend any more $$
Sold for cost to a friend's girlfriend.
She likes a men's bike.
Last edited by gster; 08-10-18 at 08:43 AM.
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I find myself at an impass...
I was able to get a pair of calipers to my 4 speed hub and it looks to be a 110mm.
My Harding bike mentioned earlier was my initial conversion plan but it had its spacing cold pressed to 130mm. At the time I was building it up with a modern gear set and didnt plan to convert. I could have it cold pressed back but it would be quite a jump to do nearly a cm on each side.
I did find myself the owner of a nice raliegh super course frame. It is a little too large for me coming in at a hefty 25". I'm 62 so it's not way too big but it's a little much. Its spacing is likley just right, but the frame is a little worse for wear. I'm not a stickler for looks but I like a clean bike.
I'm stuck between cold pressing the Harding back and hoping for the best and building up the super course and hoping for a nice paint job some day.
thoughts?
I was able to get a pair of calipers to my 4 speed hub and it looks to be a 110mm.
My Harding bike mentioned earlier was my initial conversion plan but it had its spacing cold pressed to 130mm. At the time I was building it up with a modern gear set and didnt plan to convert. I could have it cold pressed back but it would be quite a jump to do nearly a cm on each side.
I did find myself the owner of a nice raliegh super course frame. It is a little too large for me coming in at a hefty 25". I'm 62 so it's not way too big but it's a little much. Its spacing is likley just right, but the frame is a little worse for wear. I'm not a stickler for looks but I like a clean bike.
I'm stuck between cold pressing the Harding back and hoping for the best and building up the super course and hoping for a nice paint job some day.
thoughts?
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The Super Course seems to be the favored frame for road bike to internal gear roadster or club bike conversions. A few really beautiful ones have been posted here. It takes me at least a month to strip and paint a bike frameset in my backyard with rattle cans. What I lack in skill and equipment I make up for with lots of time wet sanding and polishing. In the end, I do end up with a professional looking paint job. Personally, I would use the SC or save the hub for a nice 23" Sports frame.
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The Super Course seems to be the favored frame for road bike to internal gear roadster or club bike conversions. A few really beautiful ones have been posted here. It takes me at least a month to strip and paint a bike frameset in my backyard with rattle cans. What I lack in skill and equipment I make up for with lots of time wet sanding and polishing. In the end, I do end up with a professional looking paint job. Personally, I would use the SC or save the hub for a nice 23" Sports frame.
This sports is my daily rider right now. The seat is from another bike because the seatpost clamp it came with is busted. I just need the right size sest clamp to fit in between the old rails on the original seat and I will be good to go.
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pictures for refrence to the other two I keep mentioning
Super Course, its a monstrous 25\" Its about 2cm too tall for me so with the sestpost down as it is it rides fine
The harding (pictured previously). I love the look of this bike and another big perk is it has a ludriocus amount of clearance for tires. Right now its running 700cx40!
Super Course, its a monstrous 25\" Its about 2cm too tall for me so with the sestpost down as it is it rides fine
The harding (pictured previously). I love the look of this bike and another big perk is it has a ludriocus amount of clearance for tires. Right now its running 700cx40!
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pictures for refrence to the other two I keep mentioning Super Course, its a monstrous 25" Its about 2cm too tall for me so with the sestpost down as it is it rides finThe harding (pictured previously). I love the look of this bike and another big perk is it has a ludriocus amount of clearance for tires. Right now its running 700cx40!
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Last edited by BigChief; 08-11-18 at 11:25 AM.
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I would definitely repaint it if I went with the Super Course. I am going to call around today and ask some shops, a single color powder coat may cost me under a hundred bucks if I strip the frame myself, which I'll be doing anyway for its parts. I am leaning towards the SC, but I did pick up that sports mentioned before. It is a wonderful ride but I think I was looking for something a little lighter for the 4 speed hub. I think my simplest option is to build a 26 3/4 wheel around the 4 speed and drop it in the sports.
This sports is my daily rider right now. The seat is from another bike because the seatpost clamp it came with is busted. I just need the right size sest clamp to fit in between the old rails on the original seat and I will be good to go.
This sports is my daily rider right now. The seat is from another bike because the seatpost clamp it came with is busted. I just need the right size sest clamp to fit in between the old rails on the original seat and I will be good to go.
If you put the hub into that Sports (and that's a good idea if you like the bike) you'll need a 36h rim as the new hub, if the box is correct, is 36h.
Could get a 36h Dynohub and a pair of CR18s (if you don't mind the look) and have a nice 4 speed to cruise around the neighborhood in the middle of the night.
I've been reading your posts but didn't pick up on the fact that you had scored that pretty greenie. Very nice.
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@Buellster My vote goes to the Harding to receive the hub. Fit trumps weight every time! I recently sold a gorgeous Holdsworth that I restored for myself. I could ride it, but felt too tall. That nice green sports is a fine bike as is. I'm pretty sure the steel in the Harding can be re-spaced and it would be a really unique and good looking bike.
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One bolt quill stem?
I have a 1969 Armstrong 3 speed that has a single bolt quill stem securing both the stem and the handle bar. I have never seen this arrangement before. Was it ever common? Sorry about the flash glare, but I hope you get the idea.
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@Buellster My vote goes to the Harding to receive the hub. Fit trumps weight every time! I recently sold a gorgeous Holdsworth that I restored for myself. I could ride it, but felt too tall. That nice green sports is a fine bike as is. I'm pretty sure the steel in the Harding can be re-spaced and it would be a really unique and good looking bike.
The funny thing about the fit is that the Harding is a tad too small. Its 58 CM and I'm more fit for a 60-62 while the SC is a tad too big coming it at 64cm.
They can both be made to work bit I'm trying to decide weather a little too big or a little too small is better Haha
Edit:
the sports is also a 58cm and it's a great fit so perhaps thats my answer
Last edited by Buellster; 08-11-18 at 01:55 PM.
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some day though.
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I am really feeling that combo. I would love to build it into a one of a kind of roadster!
The funny thing about the fit is that the Harding is a tad too small. Its 58 CM and I'm more fit for a 60-62 while the SC is a tad too big coming it at 64cm.
They can both be made to work bit I'm trying to decide weather a little too big or a little too small is better Haha
The funny thing about the fit is that the Harding is a tad too small. Its 58 CM and I'm more fit for a 60-62 while the SC is a tad too big coming it at 64cm.
They can both be made to work bit I'm trying to decide weather a little too big or a little too small is better Haha
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That Sports is really nice. John D Thompson has a Superbe of about the same vintage that looks a lot like it. Beautiful bikes, both.
If you put the hub into that Sports (and that's a good idea if you like the bike) you'll need a 36h rim as the new hub, if the box is correct, is 36h.
Could get a 36h Dynohub and a pair of CR18s (if you don't mind the look) and have a nice 4 speed to cruise around the neighborhood in the middle of the night.
I've been reading your posts but didn't pick up on the fact that you had scored that pretty greenie. Very nice.
If you put the hub into that Sports (and that's a good idea if you like the bike) you'll need a 36h rim as the new hub, if the box is correct, is 36h.
Could get a 36h Dynohub and a pair of CR18s (if you don't mind the look) and have a nice 4 speed to cruise around the neighborhood in the middle of the night.
I've been reading your posts but didn't pick up on the fact that you had scored that pretty greenie. Very nice.
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Interesting. Would the wedge/bolt need to be dialed in to apply the right tension for both stem and bar or is it self adjusting? I suspect the latter. This reminds me of much older stems from the early 20th century.
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The only way that it is self-adjusting is by myself. In other words -no. When the quill is tight the bars are tight, and that is it.
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That's kinda what I mean't. One torque does it all.