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-   -   For the love of English 3 speeds... (https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=623699)

BigChief 01-27-18 08:42 AM

In the US catalogs, the Sports DL-22 came standard with a Brooks B66 until sometime in the late 50s or early 60s when they changed to B72. All Sports models had Brooks leather saddles except the lower priced S-22 Sports models and they were only offered for a few years in the mid 60s. In the US, it wasn't until the late 70s that the Sports model lost it's leather saddles.

nlerner 01-27-18 08:49 AM

I'd also suggest that many of the Sports you see now that came with leather Brooks B.72s were subject to being left out in the rain or snow (they're just 3-speeds after all!), and as a result those saddles were ruined long ago.

gster 01-27-18 04:58 PM


Originally Posted by ddeand (Post 20128215)
More amazing stuff from my rebuild. I started work on the wheels of my Raleigh Sports project today and found some interesting things. The bike had the original tires and tubes (1965), but the rubber was dried out with the typical “bubblibg” on the sidewalls that are a fact of life with old tires. The bike came with a new set of tires, so those are going on. The tubes were fine, but I’ll likely replace them, too. What got me was the rim tape on the wheels. Obviously, the deterioration of the wheels has rendered the original tape useless, but I was struck by the manner the rim tape was installed. The tube stem runs through a grommet-like washer that has the rim tape threaded through a couple slots, folded back underneath, and literally stitched together. Never seen anything like this before. I hope the pics show what I’m describing. After I clean the wheels, I’ll probably try to do the rim tape exactly as it was originally, stitches and all. This is turning into a pretty fun project!

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL41.../413746401.jpg

Side view od rim tape

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL41.../413746400.jpg

I just clean up the insides with a wire brush and wrap the rim with 3/4 layers of electrical tape and poke a hole with an awl.

SirMike1983 01-27-18 09:12 PM

I received for Christmas a brand new Banjo Brothers Rack Top bag. With 62 degrees and sunny as the weather for today, it was a good chance to try the bag out with the Raleigh bike. I specifically asked for this item because I thought it might go well on my Raleigh Twenty. Many of the old Raleigh folding bikes had "carry-all" bags strapped to the rear rack. I figured this could be something like that. The bag fits nicely and I'm really happy with how it worked out. It has plenty of space, but is not overly large. These are not as good as a Carradice bag, but they are still a really good value because the price is so reasonable on them.

https://bikeshedva.blogspot.com/2018...d-raleigh.html

https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YUS5stNWD...127_131310.jpg

https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-08SIxFmsD...127_131349.jpg

https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H4lRMzWKl...127_145305.jpg

https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K3UBT839A...127_145256.jpg

gster 01-28-18 12:03 AM


Originally Posted by SirMike1983 (Post 20135786)
I received for Christmas a brand new Banjo Brothers Rack Top bag. With 62 degrees and sunny as the weather for today, it was a good chance to try the bag out with the Raleigh bike. I specifically asked for this item because I thought it might go well on my Raleigh Twenty. Many of the old Raleigh folding bikes had "carry-all" bags strapped to the rear rack. I figured this could be something like that. The bag fits nicely and I'm really happy with how it worked out. It has plenty of space, but is not overly large. These are not as good as a Carradice bag, but they are still a really good value because the price is so reasonable on them.

https://bikeshedva.blogspot.com/2018...d-raleigh.html

https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YUS5stNWD...127_131310.jpg

https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-08SIxFmsD...127_131349.jpg

https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H4lRMzWKl...127_145305.jpg

https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K3UBT839A...127_145256.jpg

Red Lines!

johnnyspaghetti 01-28-18 02:57 AM


Originally Posted by BigChief (Post 20130624)
It does have a lot going for it. 23" frame, the nicer single bolt brake levers, good looking paint. Hard to see in the photo, but the chrome parts look pretty good. Odd that it's missing all the shifting gear. Is it a Robin Hood? I always liked the Robin Hood head badge.

I took the ride to Lacrosse Wis. & picked it up this Robin hood and it is better than I expected. A 1969 it ends up being. The paint is dusty with very light oxidation close to perfect and should cleanup nicely. All the pin striping is good. Although it is apparent it has a lesser bling than than a Raleigh Sports, it is in phenomenal condition.
https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&i...6544-local0&zw

https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&i...6544-local1&zw

johnnyspaghetti 01-28-18 03:16 AM


Originally Posted by ddeand (Post 20128215)
More amazing stuff from my rebuild. I started work on the wheels of my Raleigh Sports project today and found some interesting things. The bike had the original tires and tubes (1965), but the rubber was dried out with the typical “bubblibg” on the sidewalls that are a fact of life with old tires. The bike came with a new set of tires, so those are going on. The tubes were fine, but I’ll likely replace them, too. What got me was the rim tape on the wheels. Obviously, the deterioration of the wheels has rendered the original tape useless, but I was struck by the manner the rim tape was installed. The tube stem runs through a grommet-like washer that has the rim tape threaded through a couple slots, folded back underneath, and literally stitched together. Never seen anything like this before. I hope the pics show what I’m describing. After I clean the wheels, I’ll probably try to do the rim tape exactly as it was originally, stitches and all. This is turning into a pretty fun proje

If the tubes are the original steel valve stem w/thumb screw down & they hold air well, I would want to hang on to those & reuse if possible. They don't deteriorate like the tires being protected by the old tire from UV & ozone. I think the original tubes were Dunlap.

BigChief 01-28-18 07:34 AM


Originally Posted by johnnyspaghetti (Post 20136054)
I took the ride to Lacrosse Wis. & picked it up this Robin hood and it is better than I expected. A 1969 it ends up being. The paint is dusty with very light oxidation close to perfect and should cleanup nicely. All the pin striping is good. Although it is apparent it has a lesser bling than than a Raleigh Sports, it is in phenomenal condition.
https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&i...6544-local0&zw

https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&i...6544-local1&zw

I think I would have gone for that one too. Even in that grainy picture I could see that the paint looked to be very good. A polish and wax should make it gleam. Now...this is just me, but since the shifting gear is missing anyway, I wouldn't go period correct. I'd replace it with 50s parts. Steel cable stop, steel guide wheel and a nice long lever trigger:rolleyes:

gster 01-28-18 03:22 PM

Old Faithful
 
1 Attachment(s)
I had my 1977 Canadian built Superbe out today and I have to say that swapping out the rear cog with a 22T has been a major improvement all around.
I've got 3 more 22T cogs in the garage and will install on my other "riders" come spring.
Attachment 597241

ddeand 01-28-18 06:23 PM

johnnyspaghetti wrote:

If the tubes are the original steel valve stem w/thumb screw down & they hold air well, I would want to hang on to those & reuse if possible. They don't deteriorate like the tires being protected by the old tire from UV & ozone. I think the original tubes were Dunlap.
I think the tubes are original. They are steel with the screw-down washers plus they have an interesting cap on the stems. I pumped a little air in the tubes last week, and they're still holding air well, so I'll maybe go ahead and use them with the new tires. I got the rear wheel and hub cleaned and reassembled today - hope everything got back in the correct order. Just need to clean spokes, now.

Glad you made the trip to get the Robin Hood. If I hadn't got the Raleigh, I probably would have made that trip myself. I'm sure you'll have fun with it. Looking forward to seeing pics.

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL41.../413753197.jpg

browngw 01-28-18 06:59 PM

1 Attachment(s)

Originally Posted by gster (Post 20136926)
I had my 1977 Canadian built Superbe out today and I have to say that swapping out the rear cog with a 22T has been a major improvement all around.
I've got 3 more 22T cogs in the garage and will install on my other "riders" come spring.
Attachment 597241


Looking good @gster . I agree with the 22T arrangement for sure. I have not found any more 22T but I did find a 21T for the Robin Hood and a 20T for the "Golden Glow Express" Supercycle. The 79 DL1 came with a 22T. My preference is to be able to ride nicely in third, 2nd for headwinds and grades, and 1st for hills. Jamie MacGregor dubbed the Supercycle after the famous in Port Dover drink, "Golden Glow". The RH and SC both came with 18T cogs.

BigChief 01-28-18 07:27 PM


Originally Posted by gster (Post 20136926)
I had my 1977 Canadian built Superbe out today and I have to say that swapping out the rear cog with a 22T has been a major improvement all around.
I've got 3 more 22T cogs in the garage and will install on my other "riders" come spring.
Attachment 597241

It sure is nice to be able to use these interchangeable splined cogs to suit our individual preferences. We can go between 16T to 24T, all easily available. Right now, I like 20T for my 70s bikes with 46T chainwheels and 22T for the older 48T. I'm happy with the original 18T on my S5 Sprite.

gster 01-28-18 07:45 PM

1 Attachment(s)

Originally Posted by BigChief (Post 20137383)
It sure is nice to be able to use these interchangeable splined cogs to suit our individual preferences. We can go between 16T to 24T, all easily available. Right now, I like 20T for my 70s bikes with 46T chainwheels and 22T for the older 48T. I'm happy with the original 18T on my S5 Sprite.

I should start counting chain ring teeth as well.
This one has a 20T on the hub but will check the ring as well.
The ring has a stamped eye on the heron, 1960/61.
Attachment 597276

BigChief 01-28-18 08:58 PM


Originally Posted by gster (Post 20137433)
I should start counting chain ring teeth as well.
This one has a 20T on the hub but will check the ring as well.
The ring has a stamped eye on the heron, 1960/61.
Attachment 597276

I Really like that scorcher. That would be a 48T. A 20x48T gearing sounds about right to me for a true scorcher. You wouldn't want to be able to spin out top gear too easily:innocent:

gster 01-28-18 09:04 PM

1 Attachment(s)

Originally Posted by BigChief (Post 20137564)
I Really like that scorcher. That would be a 48T. A 20x48T gearing sounds about right to me for a true scorcher. You wouldn't want to be able to spin out top gear too easily:innocent:

Thanks. This was an unexpected purchase. A friend of mine bought it and took a few parts off then brought it over to my house and offered it for $50.00.
I couldn't say no.
The front forks have a small twist to them but I'll try to straighten them out come spring
As purchased below.
Attachment 597286

markk900 01-29-18 09:54 AM


Originally Posted by gster (Post 20137573)
Thanks. This was an unexpected purchase. A friend of mine bought it and took a few parts off then brought it over to my house and offered it for $50.00.
I couldn't say no.
The front forks have a small twist to them but I'll try to straighten them out come spring
As purchased below.
Attachment 597286

Wow - chrome socks on the forks. I can’t recall seeing that before.

Super.bee 01-29-18 10:33 AM

[QUOTE=oldspokes;20132291]The coaster brake arm clamp has an odd looking piece under it, sort of football shaped. I don't think its original. It looks like the clamp was too big for the tubing.

I've seen these football shaped pieces before under reaction arms. I wish I could remember what bike. I didn't know whether they were to protect the finish or reinforce the tubing. Shim is another possibility though!

johnnyspaghetti 01-29-18 10:39 AM


Originally Posted by markk900 (Post 20138291)
Wow - chrome socks on the forks. I can’t recall seeing that before.

The paint schemes & trim to me seems more interesting on the Canadian models than the US. That bike looks real nice but I cant tell what model or year other than a pre 74' crank sprocket. The tires if original are early 70's. No white blaze on the rear fender but white paint accent in the HB tube. The bike looks complete.

Super.bee 01-29-18 10:42 AM


Originally Posted by ddeand (Post 20129697)
Yup. One of the wheels was dry as a bone but covered with the deteriorated rubber of the tire while the other was wet and nessy. I haven’t started to rehab the tires yet, so I really don’t know if there’s any corrosion. Hope not! I’ll use Velox on these and will stitch them like the originals. I’ll also check the spoke ends.

+1 on both the old cotton rim tape holding moisture and contributing to rust, and this metal clip at the valve stem. I now have a couple of these and never know what to do with them. I take em off to stop the rust problem, but they're kind of interesting and I hate to chuck em. As with the old Dunlop tubes which I sometimes replace since they just seem so heavy.

Also glad to see others checking for protruding spokes. Thought maybe OCD on my part. Guess the rim tape was thick enough not to worry?

BigChief 01-29-18 12:15 PM

A little OCD in this case if fine with me. It's a hobby. I always take the time to stone off sharp edges, remove rust and paint the inside of these old steel rims.
I can't say myself if there is any advantage rust wise to rubber over Velox. I've only been using rubber strips the last few years, but so far, I've had no problems using rubber rim strips with my 3 speeds.

Ballenxj 01-29-18 12:25 PM

Speaking of three speed wheels and tires, are there any good tires out there for them? I get that they are 26 x 1&3/8", but there doesn't seem to be a lot of options. Has anybody re-laced other size rims onto the hub? Or is it best to stick with original and grin and bear the limited tire selection?

BigChief 01-29-18 01:55 PM

Might not be a big selection in 590mm , but it is a good one.
Continental City Ride
Schwalbe Delta Cruiser
Panaracer
Kenda black wall and gum wall

Cute Boy Horse 01-29-18 03:22 PM

They still make Raleigh record tyres in 590, both black and white walls.

browngw 01-29-18 06:18 PM

1 Attachment(s)
Home Hardware in Canada has a Damco tire in blackwall that looks old school. $16.99 CDN.
I like the Schwalbe Delta Cruisers on my "pampered" bikes.
Damco Tire:

Ballenxj 01-29-18 06:25 PM

All of the above will fit the 26x1&3/8 three speed wheels? My google-fu must be lacking, as I turned none of those up in my search. :crash:

BigChief 01-29-18 07:19 PM

To make sure you get the right tires for these old English 3 speeds, make sure they use the modern ISO name 590mm. In fact, you may get better search results with "590mm tires".
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/tires/590.html

nlerner 01-29-18 07:45 PM

https://www.biketiresdirect.com/prod...hoCK8kQAvD_BwE
https://www.niagaracycle.com/categor...BoC8MgQAvD_BwE
https://www.niagaracycle.com/categor...BoCCW0QAvD_BwE
https://www.ebay.com/p/Pair-2-KENDA-...lack/929476988
https://jet.com/product/detail/0f537...RoCg60QAvD_BwE
https://www.bikesxpress.com/Tire-Dur...hoCB0oQAvD_BwE

gster 01-29-18 07:46 PM


Originally Posted by johnnyspaghetti (Post 20138398)
The paint schemes & trim to me seems more interesting on the Canadian models than the US. That bike looks real nice but I cant tell what model or year other than a pre 74' crank sprocket. The tires if original are early 70's. No white blaze on the rear fender but white paint accent in the HB tube. The bike looks complete.

It's a somewhat messed with 61' Superbe.
It's been poorly repainted and they guy I got it from had salvaged the Dynohub.
Still, a nice tall bike for the money.
https://threespeedmania.wordpress.co...leigh-superbe/

https://threespeedmania.wordpress.co...uperbe-update/

https://threespeedmania.wordpress.co...uperbe-update/

BigChief 01-29-18 09:17 PM

The chrome fork socks look to be in excellent shape. Since the original finish is messed up, I think this would be a great candidate for a strip down and repaint.

JohnDThompson 01-29-18 10:30 PM


Originally Posted by Ballenxj (Post 20138692)
Speaking of three speed wheels and tires, are there any good tires out there for them? I get that they are 26 x 1&3/8", but there doesn't seem to be a lot of options. Has anybody re-laced other size rims onto the hub? Or is it best to stick with original and grin and bear the limited tire selection?

The Panaracer "Col de la Vie" 650A tire is probably the best tire available for British 3-speeds, and not too expensive (usually less than US$30/ea):

http://www.os2.dhs.org/~john/coldelavie.jpg


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