![]() |
Originally Posted by Sixty Fiver
(Post 11414170)
The top mounted shifter was very common on bikes from this era... the old Cyclo 2 and three speed kits also used a top mounted shifter.
|
Originally Posted by jedge76
(Post 11414298)
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.
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! |
Originally Posted by Athens runner
(Post 11414346)
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! |
Originally Posted by jedge76
(Post 11414298)
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.
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. :) |
Originally Posted by Sixty Fiver
(Post 11411684)
Sold my Superbe for $275.00 some years ago... I see it's owner quite often and he figures the bike was worth very penny he paid.
Think that with the price of a Pashley running at roughly $1000.00, $325.00 for a Superbe in near perfect or perhaps NOS condition is not a bad deal. You could buy it and ride it for 100 years if you wanted to. |
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.
|
Originally Posted by noglider
(Post 11415948)
You make some good points there. Is the Pashley as difficult to climb hills on as an old Raleigh?
|
Originally Posted by noglider
(Post 11416003)
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.
|
Originally Posted by Sixty Fiver
(Post 11414234)
I will also say that in many cases these bikes sell for much less than what they are actually worth... in many cases you can get a rock solid and dependable bike for very little money and with a little work will have a bike you can ride for decades.
|
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.
|
Originally Posted by noglider
Is the Pashley as difficult to climb hills on as an old Raleigh?
Originally Posted by Sixty Fiver
(Post 11416052)
People don't buy a Pashley to climb hills either... :)
|
Originally Posted by Sixty Fiver
(Post 11415923)
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.
|
1 Attachment(s)
Originally Posted by Sixty Fiver
(Post 11415923)
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.
:) 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.
Originally Posted by gna
(Post 11401209)
I've seen a few Humbers. Here's a '51--note the fork:
http://photos.imageevent.com/abce/20...e/CIMG5251.JPG From Lake Pepin 3-Speed Tour There was also a gentleman from Winnipeg, Jeff (Geoff?) who had a blue Humber. |
Originally Posted by noglider
(Post 11420328)
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 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
3 Attachment(s)
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 |
Originally Posted by jedge76
(Post 11426557)
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 |
Originally Posted by mkeller234
(Post 11426673)
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.
|
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.
|
Originally Posted by noglider
(Post 11427772)
Yeah, see if you can snag that one. It does look good.
Originally Posted by banjo_mole
(Post 11428405)
Yes. And that's a fine price for a mint Superbe. I'm jealous as heck.
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 |
Originally Posted by jedge76
(Post 11429749)
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 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
|
Originally Posted by Sixty Fiver
(Post 11436141)
|
Originally Posted by kingfish254
(Post 11437889)
Looks the whole fam damily!
|
All times are GMT -6. The time now is 08:04 PM. |
Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.