I wonder if that was done to offer a little more protection from potential bumps and bruises it may encounter on the handle bar? Seems more exposed on the handle bar the way it is placed.

No, I don't think so. I don't think it was made like that, because of protection. It's rather a matter of simplicity: No outer cable, just the inside one.
And probably, adding to the "feel" of changing gears, with the small three speed trigger.
By the way, this is one of my favourite threads. Thanks SixtyFiver, for starting it, and thanks to everybody, who keeps it going/evolving!

Ahhh. that makes sense...a little more simplicity.

Seems that a bar placement is the safer one... top tube mounted shifters are strategically placed to make one sing a few octaves higher should you come off the saddle a little too vigorously.

On drop bars the trigger was often mounted below the brake lever which is a very convenient place and is like using a modern brifter as you can brake and shift at the same time.

Thanks to everyone for making this thread about as interesting as it gets here on Bike Forums... it was my love of English three speeds and vintage bicycles that drew me here in the first place.

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/basil1.JPG
1977 Raleigh Folder

Musing...

Although I can't ride the new Twenty as far or at the same speed I can with the Raleigh Sports or my modified P20 folder I have really been enjoying it and have been riding it daily for over a week... mostly for short trips around the neighborhood and as far as the bike co-op which is a 14km return trip.

For any longer trips I need drop bars as this whole sitting upright still isn't all it can be but has been a little better of late and I can still ride farther on the twenty than I can walk.

It has gotten me to thinking why we have such affection for these bicycles and think much of it comes down to their relative simplicity... a Sturmey Archer 3 speed is a complex mechanical device but designed in such a way that we rarely have to think about what it actually does. Only a coaster bike is simpler.

There is something about riding along on a crisp fall-like day and hearing the tick tick tick of that hub as it does what it does so well and despite one's desire to go faster the bike politely reminds us that sometimes, faster is not better, and that there is nothing wrong with pootling and enjoying the sights and smells of the season.

These bikes have soul and character and until recently were relatively unwanted, gathering dust, or being unceremoniously tossed in favour of newer more technologically advanced machines and it is so good to see that people are out there saving them and giving them some love.

And we seem to be doing a good job of spreading the gospel of simpler is better and that riding a three speed can be good for one's soul.

:)

You make some good points there. Is the Pashley as difficult to climb hills on as an old Raleigh?

Thank you, Sixty Fiver, for this thread, too. You're right that this is about as good as it gets.

I've decided to sell my Hercules. I'll shine it up. I'm not much into collecting bikes for looks, so let someone else have it. I'd rather modify bikes for my needs. The Rudge I got recently is a slightly nicer bike, and the paint and such might not shine up as well, so that will be mine. I finally scraped all the "garage schmutz" off the rear hub to reveal the date: 1962. I had estimated it to be 1960, so not bad. It needs work, and I look forward to it.

And jedge76, maybe you can think of a reason to visit us here on the right coast, a non-bicycle-purchase reason. Then you'll have combined purposes, and it won't seem so expensive. New York and Boston are both great cities for cycling these days, and they're both full of old Raleighs. I swear, I've been tempted to leave notes on some Raleighs I see in NYC chained to parking meters. It seems some of the owners merely see their bikes as transportation.

People don't buy a Pashley to climb hills either... :)

Funny you should mention that. I've lived in several places growing up and into my adulthood. I lived in South Jersey from '89 to '97. I graduated from Camden Catholic in Cherry Hill in 1995. I have a lot of friends back there and hope to get back. It's strange, but I miss the place. I miss the crazy-nuts on the traffic circles!!! I see your point--most of the CL and Ebay ads I've seen are of that general area. There's a scarcity out here from my search results.

I'd agree with this. I spent $170.00 for my Raleigh DL-1.... and felt a little embarrassed for spending so much on it. After fixing it up and riding it I would do it all over again.

jedge76, I'm north of that, and we'd be happy to put you up if you make it here. NYC is a fun place and a short train ride from here.

I take that as a "yes". ;)

This is a lovely piece of prose. Absoloutely lovely.

Sunday Morning:

Attachment 168660

MPLSBikeLove 3-Speed Ride

Wow, wow, wow...that is a beautiful bike. Is that for real though--I thought those quadrant shifters were done with circa 1935? I have on on my '32 Raleigh and it's also fastened to the top-tube. Love the colors on this bike. I had a Humber back in college but it was a pretty average-looking "old black bike" and I regret to say I treated it like a beater and it was eventually stolen from some lamp-post in Cambridge.

Can you see the skyline from where you're at? I remember playing baseball night games in high school and you could see the Philly skyline. Kind of cool, even though it's Philly!!

I will definitely take you up on that if I get out there. I've tentatively set my sights on next spring or fall (summer is real busy at my work). We'll keep in touch like we are and see what happens.

BTW, just saw a report on the new towers at the Ground Zero site...looks like something to behold. I've been the NYC and not sure what it'd be like crossing that bridge and not seeing those towers. When I was there, it was a bit, well, dirty I guess? But I've heard it's cleaned up ALOT. My boss was back that way last year and told me he loved it and he's a west coast "wuss." Ha!

Hope to get there soon!

P.S. I should clarify...the new towers that are in the process of being built, as you well know I'm sure.

You can see the NYC skyline from nearby but not from my house.

Gazelle Sports Model
 

Just picked up this little honey today...I think it's been sitting a basement for a loooong time...Haven't had a chance to really inspect it closer, will check the SN on the S/A rear hub tomorrow....underneath all of the dust and grime is a beautiful little bike...she's going to clean up very nicely...here are some crude pics taken in the dark this evening....

I know this may be over-paying, but considering I sold my Giant road bike for an arm and a leg (as well as some money), I think I can go out and get exactly what I want. The guy said he will ship and is very nice. He is in New Jersey, so it's coming from a ways away. Have to see what the final tally on the S&H from the bike shop, which I have talked with, comes out to before making a final decision. We'll see, but this may be the one...

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/bik/1924504388.html

It's not cheap... but it's not really that terrible either. The Superbes bring in big money it seems and that one appears to be in great shape. Make sure to get better quality photos from the seller if you can.

Spot on mkeller...I called him about some higher resolution photos and he's going to send some tomorrow. I'll see what comes of that as well...good point.

Yeah, see if you can snag that one. It does look good.

Yes. And that's a fine price for a mint Superbe. I'm jealous as heck.

Thanks for all your info and advice Tom. Hopefully, in a week or so, I'll be posting pics of my new ride. Just hope I have time to take photos cause I'll be riding the hell out of that thing!

Called the bike shop in Lambertville. They were really nice and helpful and have great online reviews. They quoted me a price that was a lot lower than expected (it's still a quote) and have subsided my worries on the shipping side of things.

Banjo, I'm still searching for that 21" Raleigh for you. I'm keeping my eyes open here in the central Valley craigslist and checking Ebay for all English 3 speeds. If I run across anything that is clean or can be cleaned fairly easily, I'll send it your way. I'm still at a loss as to why these bikes are so rare in our area. But you'll find something. What was your budget again?

--Joe

Hey Joe!

I'm pleased you're offering help. My budget is variable, but I'm definitely trying to stay on the "affordable" side of things. Let me know what comes up. And yes! It's so bizarre that the central coast is a 3-speed black hole! Maybe they all fall into a wormhole and wind up back on the east coast. :)

-Nick

Right up '5' from you... http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik/1945223736.html
two antike bike century and ralehg - $150 (tracy)

Date: 2010-09-09, 12:51PM PDT
Reply to: sale-r8q7d-1945223736@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]



antikes 2x 150

• Location: tracy
• it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

http://images.craigslist.org/3n03m53...c8ef5b10a6.jpghttp://images.craigslist.org/3k43mb3...df4ffe143a.jpg

Looks the whole fam damily!

Still missing one...