Where can I get replacement shifter cable for 1964 Hercules 3-Speed?
11-09-19, 09:51 PM
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Where can I get replacement shifter cable for 1964 Hercules 3-Speed?
Took the shifter grip apart and the cable off to clean and lubricate in hopes in would shift better. Put it back together and with the first twist of the grip shifter the cable snapped. I see any number of places online with replacement cables for Sturney Archer 3-speed but how do I know which one would be compatible with my particular model? Or, alternately, I'm in the Chicago suburbs — would anyone know of a brick and mortar shop that would stock such things? Or at least help me order? Thanks much if anyone can help.
11-09-19, 10:06 PM
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Have you thought to call your local shops and ask them directly? Andy
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11-09-19, 10:10 PM
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The shops near me tend to be along the lines of Trek dealerships and the like. Think a place like that would carry parts for, or have technical knowledge of, old obscure British bikes?
11-09-19, 10:43 PM
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If you can't find a way to remove the original cable to see if it's compatible with modern ones, then maybe you can use the SRAM MRX comp gripshift. it has 10 micro index. 1-4 is labeled 1st to 2nd gear. 5-8 is 2nd to 3rd gear. 9-10 is after 3rd gear. Each micro index is around 2.9-3mm of cable length. You could measure your shifters cable pull to see if the index positions on the MRX comp would work for you.
11-09-19, 11:38 PM
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In the day, Sturmey Archer was very good about having a parts list for everything they made. And some online sources still stock parts, such as SJS Cycle in England. Does your shifter look like this?
Sturmey-Archer Heritage :: History
If so, then the cable is HSJ585. Now, my own cursory search turns up no such thing. eBay tends to be more fruitful than Amazon, but still, nothing. The twist shifter was less common than the trigger shifter. One option is to install a trigger shifter and cable, which would certainly be compatible with your hub, and then find an old grip that you can use. There's also a small chance that a standard modern derailleur cable will fit your shifter if you file the ball end down a bit.
Sturmey-Archer Heritage :: History
If so, then the cable is HSJ585. Now, my own cursory search turns up no such thing. eBay tends to be more fruitful than Amazon, but still, nothing. The twist shifter was less common than the trigger shifter. One option is to install a trigger shifter and cable, which would certainly be compatible with your hub, and then find an old grip that you can use. There's also a small chance that a standard modern derailleur cable will fit your shifter if you file the ball end down a bit.
11-10-19, 04:17 AM
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Took the shifter grip apart and the cable off to clean and lubricate in hopes in would shift better. Put it back together and with the first twist of the grip shifter the cable snapped. I see any number of places online with replacement cables for Sturney Archer 3-speed but how do I know which one would be compatible with my particular model? Or, alternately, I'm in the Chicago suburbs — would anyone know of a brick and mortar shop that would stock such things? Or at least help me order? Thanks much if anyone can help.
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11-10-19, 07:43 AM
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Available everywhere.
Original cable was double ended and you replace the whole 9 yards. New cables use a separate anchorage at the hub to a single ended cable. Worst case you switch to a trigger shifter which are a dime a dozen at any coop
You're in Chicago, surely Lickton's or Kozy has one of these.
Or try one of the coops. https://www.workingbikes.org/
https://www.therecyclery.org/
https://www.benscycle.com/sun-lite-3...72-101/product
https://www.amazon.com/Sturmey-Arche.../dp/B002K2HAN6
https://www.treefortbikes.com/Sturme...BoCwDsQAvD_BwE
Original cable was double ended and you replace the whole 9 yards. New cables use a separate anchorage at the hub to a single ended cable. Worst case you switch to a trigger shifter which are a dime a dozen at any coop
You're in Chicago, surely Lickton's or Kozy has one of these.
Or try one of the coops. https://www.workingbikes.org/
https://www.therecyclery.org/
https://www.benscycle.com/sun-lite-3...72-101/product
https://www.amazon.com/Sturmey-Arche.../dp/B002K2HAN6
https://www.treefortbikes.com/Sturme...BoCwDsQAvD_BwE
Last edited by dedhed; 11-10-19 at 07:53 AM.
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11-10-19, 08:57 AM
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"Does your shifter look like this?"
Yep, pretty much identical. Thanks for the information.
Yep, pretty much identical. Thanks for the information.
11-10-19, 08:59 AM
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"Not familiar with this bike, what does the end look like that fits into the control"
Its 99% identical to Gresp15C's link above.
Its 99% identical to Gresp15C's link above.
11-10-19, 08:59 AM
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Thanks much for the links dedhed.
11-10-19, 09:03 AM
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Thanks all very much for the help. Looks like I'm off to a good start. While I'm a long time recreational rider I'm new to DIY bike maintenance beyond changing tubes/tires. Much appreciated!
11-10-19, 09:42 AM
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11-15-19, 08:18 PM
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Well, found a bike shop a few suburbs over that had a Sunlite brand 3-speed cable kit in stock. Installed it tonight - just had to file down the little metal bit at the end that connects to the shifter so it would fit. Oddly enough, despite everything the internet tells me, it seems to shift better when the cable is a bit slack, instead of tightened up. The gearhub still slips a bit under steam, but that's a problem for the next owner...
11-15-19, 08:22 PM
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11-15-19, 09:16 PM
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Well, found a bike shop a few suburbs over that had a Sunlite brand 3-speed cable kit in stock. Installed it tonight - just had to file down the little metal bit at the end that connects to the shifter so it would fit. Oddly enough, despite everything the internet tells me, it seems to shift better when the cable is a bit slack, instead of tightened up. The gearhub still slips a bit under steam, but that's a problem for the next owner...
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