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

3speedslow 12-14-15 02:38 PM


Originally Posted by Salubrious (Post 18389047)
Yes- you are up against that seat mounting problem. So you have to find the right part. A LBS coop-type place will likely have what you need laying around in a bin.

Thought so but wanted to check.

Might take the side plates off the clamp and see if I can locate some single clamping plates in my bin.

gster 12-14-15 05:19 PM


Originally Posted by 3speedslow (Post 18388994)
Me again.

Question time. The saddle that is torn has the double rails(B72) on it. The one I plan on replacing it with is a brand new B68 I have had for quite a while. Problem is this saddle has the one rail system.

Can I use the seat clamp from the double rail for my single rail saddle ? Who has tried this and was it successful ? Do I need to hunt for a Made In England single rail clamp now?

Thanks !

Most bike shops should have a single rail seat clamp for $5.00

BigChief 12-15-15 07:52 AM

Those nice chromed double rail clamps are what's harder to find these days. Hang on to them when you find them. They're like 25 bucks new

Velocivixen 12-15-15 09:18 AM

@3speedslow - I can't wait to see the finished photos. I rarely find bikes with such nice paint.

BigChief 12-15-15 09:37 AM


Originally Posted by thumpism (Post 18382056)
Sad, sad. I went to a nearby antique shop today and browsed their bikes, mostly junk and/or overpriced. I did see this ladies' Phillips with hub date '60, but nothing on it that isn't bent, bucked, corroded or rotted away. The Phillips-branded RH crankarm looks to be okay and the 40H Sturmey hub could be salvaged, but you'd really have to want both of them to mess with it. Maybe the kickstand, too. No price. The original paint is silver, pretty rare in my experience for an old English 3-speed.

Sometimes bikes like this will fool you and yield lots of good parts. I'd pay $20 for this bike, if the crankset looked salvageable.

3speedslow 12-15-15 10:17 AM


Originally Posted by Velocivixen (Post 18390862)
@3speedslow - I can't wait to see the finished photos. I rarely find bikes with such nice paint.


thanks, I'm certainly having to bring it back out but the results so far are well worth it. Now if I can blend the spot where PO scribed his numbers.

Just sent off for one of the SS fulcrum sleeves from Jon S. Checking the list off...

3speedslow 12-15-15 10:31 AM

1 Attachment(s)

Originally Posted by BigChief (Post 18390712)
Those nice chromed double rail clamps are what's harder to find these days. Hang on to them when you find them. They're like 25 bucks new

It really is in like new condition and thought to hold on to it. One day if I ever get another 2 rail saddle.

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=493438

thumpism 12-15-15 10:38 AM

Seriously, Chief, your $20 might be an extravagance. The frame, fork, wheels, bars, LH crankarm and probably both pedals are bent. The drive chain and indicator chain are rusted solid. You could reap the hubs, headset, maybe the BB, and maybe the SA trigger, but that would be a lot of work unless you really wanted just those parts. If I were in the business of running 3-speeds through here regularly I might be able to convince myself I needed to harvest those parts, but such is not the case.

BigChief 12-15-15 11:23 AM

I do regularly buy, but mostly get for free, old 3 speed junkers and salvage the parts. On this Phillips, everything depends on the condition of the chainwheel and attached crank arm. If the chrome is in usable condition, good enough to match the patina of a restoration bike, the Phillips chainwheel is a highly desirable part. Mostly because people with the later bikes with the standard Raleigh spoked chainwheel like to upgrade. In decent shape and if the arm can be straightened, it's a $40 part.

dweenk 12-15-15 01:24 PM


Originally Posted by dweenk (Post 18384587)
I came across a couple of long term projects today - two Raleigh sports and some brakes. One is a 1970 23" men's frame and the other is a later 19" camel back model. Both will need repainting, and the 21" needs to have the stem unstuck (I've been able to get it to move a bit though).

The 23" was black at one time but most of the top coat is gone and all you can see is a dull red primer. The 19" was gold and still is with the addition of the rust patina.

I bought them mainly because of the price and 4 Westrick rims that look to be salvageable. If I never get around to the frames, I still have quite a few parts to play with.

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=493011http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=493012http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=493013

I was in a hurry and neglected to take a before photo of the 23" before dismantling it. Also, I've never had to use a hammer to remove a tube before, but the owner decided to use electrical tape as a rim strip.

I am quoting myself here> I was able to clean both bikes today and found that the 23" Sports that I thought was black (weathered down to red primer) is actually coffee. The 19" camel back Sports is silver.

The camel back had a reluctant seat post, but all that it needed to free it was a firmly clamped seat and a rubber mallet - what more can I say, the problem looked like a nail and I had a hammer (mallet).

The paint is much better than I had imagined. I'm not sure that the paint on the chain guard and fenders can be salvaged though. I am considering repainting the 23", and using the 19" fenders and chain guard on it (it had neither), or I may not paint it and turn it into a "path racer" without chain guard and fenders.

The wheels are cleaning up to be functional and presentable, as are the other bright parts.

dim 12-15-15 01:37 PM

quick question .... if you could have only 1 old english 3 speed, which would you have?

dweenk 12-15-15 01:51 PM


Originally Posted by dim (Post 18391560)
quick question .... if you could have only 1 old english 3 speed, which would you have?

Probably a Sports. I think that the DL-1 is much cooler (I have one BTW), but with the Sports it is easier to find parts and easier to do simple things like change a tire.

When there is a family ride in town, I ride the DL-1 wearing a tweed sports coat etc. The DL-1 is for show, and the Sports is for go - it is my main errand bike.

Salubrious 12-15-15 02:25 PM


Originally Posted by dim (Post 18391560)
quick question .... if you could have only 1 old english 3 speed, which would you have?

I'd go for an enclosed chain model with a locking fork and Dynohub. Has to have a rack too. Like about a 1950 Raleigh Superbe.

3speedslow 12-15-15 02:27 PM

1 Attachment(s)
Work in progress.

Cobbled a decent set of one rail clamp plates to the England wrap around. Was then able to attach the B68 saddle to the bike.

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=493472 Rims are done while the paint is still getting polish time to the nooks.

gster 12-15-15 05:43 PM


Originally Posted by dim (Post 18391560)
quick question .... if you could have only 1 old english 3 speed, which would you have?

I quite like a fully equipped late 60's Superbe.

gster 12-15-15 05:45 PM

I always like a black English Roadster.

markk900 12-15-15 05:53 PM


Originally Posted by 3speedslow (Post 18391715)
Work in progress.

Cobbled a decent set of one rail clamp plates to the England wrap around. Was then able to attach the B68 saddle to the bike.

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=493472 Rims are done while the paint is still getting polish time to the nooks.

Beautiful! I'll send you a couple of mine for "finishing school"... :)

BTW: 3 of my bikes also have DL or SSN numbers scribed into them in obvious areas. Pain in the but but if you can polish out consider it part of the history!

nlerner 12-15-15 06:11 PM


Originally Posted by dim (Post 18391560)
quick question .... if you could have only 1 old english 3 speed, which would you have?

Raleigh Clubman!

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C...2/IMG_5560.JPG

clubman 12-15-15 06:19 PM

I like Mr Lerners as well.

But current fave is a 50's Sports in fixed wheel mode.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t...nadianclub.jpg

BigChief 12-15-15 08:16 PM


Originally Posted by dim (Post 18391560)
quick question .... if you could have only 1 old english 3 speed, which would you have?

I always liked the 531 framed bikes, but since I have trouble riding drop bars in my old age, I'll say a DL-1. Putting all rounders on a Clubman just ain't right.

3speedslow 12-15-15 08:18 PM


Originally Posted by clubman (Post 18392238)
I like Mr Lerners as well.

But current fave is a 50's Sports in fixed wheel mode.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t...nadianclub.jpg

I can understand why!

markk900 12-15-15 08:37 PM


Originally Posted by BigChief (Post 18392490)
I always liked the 531 framed bikes, but since I have trouble riding drop bars in my old age, I'll say a DL-1. Putting all rounders on a Clubman just ain't right.

I am with @BigChief about both 531 and drop bars right now....I think I have my one and only - the Humber. Feels great to ride just as it is, and the interesting chainring and fork elevate it above the "normal" Light Sports style models. If I could only have the one I'd probably updates some of the more worn bits...

browngw 12-15-15 10:21 PM


Originally Posted by dim (Post 18391560)
quick question .... if you could have only 1 old english 3 speed, which would you have?

It would have to be the '71 Robin Hood.

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment...6&d=1446146314

3speedslow 12-15-15 11:01 PM

Again, thank you for another look at the Robin Hood !

Have you changed out the kickstand ?

thumpism 12-16-15 06:39 AM

I'm no fan of coaster brakes, but here's a nice Raleigh that might be perfect for the right buyer.

1974 Raleigh Sport Ladies Bicycle

1974 Raleigh Sport Ladies Bicycle - $165 (1407 Sauer Avenue Richmond VA)

http://images.craigslist.org/01212_2...hk_600x450.jpg

1407 Sauer Avenue


make / manufacturer: Raleigh
model name / number: Sport
size / dimensions: 26 inch


Vintage 1974 Raleigh Sport Ladies Bike
Excellent working condition
New 26 inch tires
Medium frame
3 speed gears
Coaster brakes plus hand emergency brake
All original
Made in Nottingham England
Saddle Bag and Original Brooks Saddle
All decals and head badge complete
$165 OBO
Will look great under someone's tree.


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