Windsor with hybrid drive

This was build by me in about 1981 or so. It features a Sturmey Archer 3 speed hub with an alloy shell with 40 spoke holes. I did the paint myself with some leftover spray paint cans and gave it a fade paint job. I picked up the frame for little or no money because it had been in an accident. I got it because I wanted to try the hybrid drive concept out on something then move the components to a better frame. It was originally set up with two cogs on the rear, two chainrings in the front and the three speed internal geared hub. It was too much effort to figure out what gear to shift to next, so I simpified it by having only a single chainring in the front. This worked out perfect. If I remember correctly, it has an 16 and an 18 tooth cog in the rear. The Shimano 105 derailleur was added later. The original, proof of concept derailleur was a SunTour Honor. It shifted great, but I wanted something a little more upmarket.

The concept work great. It is a fun bike to ride. I have since cut up the frame because it is damaged and have the components in boxes. I alsways have an eye out for a frame that I think may work with this set up. One thing that was an issue that was resolved on this frame is that I did not have enough thread engagement of the nut on the axle. I think I will either need a new long axle or maybe I will be better off if I can use a narrower dropout spacing on my next frame. I have a Trek 700 that would be good except for the rear dropout spacing. I will have to get through some other projects before I try that. Read more »