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

erileykc 04-03-23 05:49 AM

I bought my 79 Raleigh Tourist new from a dealer near Washington DC.


Originally Posted by 1989Pre (Post 22847314)
I was just thinking it might be a nice idea to ask members who have already posted to this string to give us an update on a bike they may have posted photos of years ago. I am also wondering who, among us, has owned their complete 3-speed the longest.


Salubrious 04-03-23 12:22 PM


Originally Posted by thumpism (Post 22846751)

That's a nice price on that. Second version, from the 50s.

1989Pre 04-03-23 12:30 PM


Originally Posted by erileykc (Post 22848581)
I bought my 79 Raleigh Tourist new from a dealer near Washington DC.

That's cool. What led you to buying a Raleigh at that time, and why did you pick the Tourist?

Commando 04-04-23 10:21 PM


Originally Posted by 1989Pre (Post 22847314)
I was just thinking it might be a nice idea to ask members who have already posted to this string to give us an update on a bike they may have posted photos of years ago. I am also wondering who, among us, has owned their complete 3-speed the longest.

Well, kinda. My grandad bought my Raleigh Superbe new in 1975, rode it while on various diplomatic postings through Asia and the Caribbean until his retirement in the mid-90's. He then gave it to me to use as my commuter in Toronto, and now it lives in Australia where it has served as the kid-hauler until she outgrew it, and now it enjoys retirement with me while I take it on leisurely jaunts along bike paths and around the countryside.

1989Pre 04-05-23 04:54 AM

That's a great story, Commando! This bike has been in your life a long time.

gster 04-08-23 03:38 PM


Originally Posted by 1989Pre (Post 22847314)
I was just thinking it might be a nice idea to ask members who have already posted to this string to give us an update on a bike they may have posted photos of years ago. I am also wondering who, among us, has owned their complete 3-speed the longest.

This is my trusty 1978 Canadian built/assembled Raleigh Superbe.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...8256383924.jpg
This bike was purchased from a guy up the street around 2010 for $160.00 (CDN) and was my first 3 speed. Since then I've aquired other Superbes in better condition but this remains my main go to bike. Currently has a 22T cog but I may go down to a 21. At one point I sold this bike but luckily, the new owner didn't like it and brought it back. New chain installed today, oiled and tuned up. The tires are looking a bit old but I'm not seeing 26" x 1 3/8" in the shops anymore.....
I can fit 12 tall boy beer cans in the saddle bags and a big sandwich in the tool bag.
https://threespeedmania.files.wordpr...pg?w=590&h=443
This is my other 72 Superbe that doesn't see as much use. English built and quite original. I use this one as a template
for fitting cables/pulleys etc. to other bikes.

vintagebicycle 04-10-23 12:32 AM

2 Rough Phillips in NJ

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/582028023611816

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1362329837946037

El Segundo 04-10-23 07:37 AM


Originally Posted by 1989Pre (Post 22847314)
I was just thinking it might be a nice idea to ask members who have already posted to this string to give us an update on a bike they may have posted photos of years ago. I am also wondering who, among us, has owned their complete 3-speed the longest.

We purchased my wife's Hercules bicycle new in summer of 1971 just a few months after our wedding. Bike is original except for tires, seat and brake pads. Always stored inside and regular maintenance by me. Most recent outing was Easter afternoon when we rode around the neighborhood with our two youngest grandchildren.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...dcfb656b05.jpg

RustyJames 04-10-23 09:02 AM

ISO - BSA Snap Control
 
I thought this might more traction here than the regular ISO or C&V Sales section.

I have been told the item I seek looks like this;


https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...b48da9333.jpeg

Yes, I’ve seen various bits on eBay but I would prefer to buy from someone here.

Thx!

1989Pre 04-10-23 04:07 PM

That's a nice-looking bike, El Segundo. Is the replacement saddle the same make and model?

El Segundo 04-10-23 09:06 PM

Bike came with a white saddle which after a few years was coming apart and was replaced with black saddle off donor bike.

SirMike1983 04-13-23 08:16 AM

We're having very warm, dry weather here this week. Our riding season is starting up in earnest.

1942 Schwinn New World:

https://blogger.googleusercontent.co...412_182425.jpg

1958 Raleigh Sports:

https://blogger.googleusercontent.co...410_164441.jpg

gna 04-14-23 07:34 AM

Picked up this 22" tourist from Craigslist. I've been looking for one for years--the 24" model is more common, but too big for me. Serial indicates January of 1980.

Was missing shifter, shift cable, and indicator. I took some replacements from my parts bin, oil in the hub, and an old Brooks saddle, and rode it around the alley last night:
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...df45d5d3f6.jpg
The brakes need some adjustment, and the wheels need to be cleaned up a little. Once it's up to speed it's great.

SirMike1983 04-14-23 08:58 AM

That almost looks to me like the rear rim is a 28 inch Westrick type. I'm like you in that I have to ride the 22 inch frame on 28 inch wheels. The 24 is too big for me. Though with 26 inch wheels, the 23 inch frame is great for me. I'm kind of an "in-betweener" in that regard. Nice find.

gna 04-14-23 09:53 AM


Originally Posted by SirMike1983 (Post 22859437)
That almost looks to me like the rear rim is a 28 inch Westrick type. I'm like you in that I have to ride the 22 inch frame on 28 inch wheels. The 24 is too big for me. Though with 26 inch wheels, the 23 inch frame is great for me. I'm kind of an "in-betweener" in that regard. Nice find.

I too ride a 23" sports. I briefly had a 24" DL1 but sold it.

They sure look like Westrick rims, rather than Westwood rims. I can take some better pictures.
It's supposed to be cold and rainy this weekend, so maybe I'll work on this bike.

thumpism 04-15-23 06:02 PM

Five for FREE in VT.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...65977304646829

https://scontent.fric1-1.fna.fbcdn.n...EA&oe=643FC197

Tyres 04-17-23 09:08 AM

Nice tan leatherSaddlebags
 
I think l,m the owner of those leather saddlebags now. There can't be 2 pairs with the same markings in Toronto. Did you sell them to some guy on Simpson ave?


​​​​​​

Originally Posted by gster (Post 22854033)
This is my trusty 1978 Canadian built/assembled Raleigh Superbe.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...8256383924.jpg
This bike was purchased from a guy up the street around 2010 for $160.00 (CDN) and was my first 3 speed. Since then I've aquired other Superbes in better condition but this remains my main go to bike. Currently has a 22T cog but I may go down to a 21. At one point I sold this bike but luckily, the new owner didn't like it and brought it back. New chain installed today, oiled and tuned up. The tires are looking a bit old but I'm not seeing 26" x 1 3/8" in the shops anymore.....
I can fit 12 tall boy beer cans in the saddle bags and a big sandwich in the tool bag.
https://threespeedmania.files.wordpr...pg?w=590&h=443
This is my other 72 Superbe that doesn't see as much use. English built and quite original. I use this one as a template
for fitting cables/pulleys etc. to other bikes.

sadd

1989Pre 04-17-23 01:12 PM

I was on the return leg of my trip to the market on my Rudge Sports, loaded with food-stuffs, when I cruised past the L.B.S. and spotted some bikes out back. Sometimes, people leave things there, and even I have left a few bicycle-oriented odds-and-ends. I spotted two bikes and actually stopped and turned around. I figured if I saw anything British, I'd ask Tim, the manager about it. I pulled up and saw one apparently American bike with a down-ward curving top tube, which I did not inspect. Then, I looked at the other, a ladies model, and saw the name Elswick. I was very pleased and excited. The bike appears to be completely original, down to its Elswick rubber pedals. The Sturmey/Archer AW hub and the front Dynohub both have date code for February of 1955. I had to scrape the muck off the hubs to see the numbers. The Dynohub on the front has a oiler-port compression clip on it. I had not seen that before. Also of note is the nice box-lining on the fork and frame. The serial number is stamped on the front side of the lug at the top of the seat tube. I am thinking strongly about storing this bike for next winter's project, or one of them, at least:
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...1f48463ab1.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...86bc0de269.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...bf0431aacb.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...bc9ed1fd17.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...a4dda4d791.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...2f438320be.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...e94e4cd585.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...534ad89bc5.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...0c51b2401e.jpg

clubman 04-17-23 01:16 PM

A very nice 3-speed in great original condition.

1989Pre 04-17-23 01:31 PM

Forty-five degrees farenheit with a mist and a beautiful 8-mile ride on a local loop on the Rudge, with some food shopping on the way. Thank heaven for Carradice bags!
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...4fe34de243.jpg

gna 04-17-23 02:50 PM


Originally Posted by 1989Pre (Post 22862763)
I am thinking strongly about storing this bike for next winter's project, or one of them, at least.

Do it. Elswick never got absorbed by Raleigh, to the best of my knowledge. They are rare.

I met a young woman with an Elswick at the Lake Pepin Ride a few years ago. Her chainring had seahorses stamped in it. It looks like this one spells Elswick, which is still nice, but c'mon!

gster 04-17-23 03:05 PM


Originally Posted by Tyres (Post 22862422)
I think l,m the owner of those leather saddlebags now. There can't be 2 pairs with the same markings in Toronto. Did you sell them to some guy on Simpson ave?


​​​​​​
sadd

Both sets of bags are still on the bikes so you must have gotten a similar set.

1989Pre 04-17-23 04:11 PM


Originally Posted by gna (Post 22862909)
Do it. Elswick never got absorbed by Raleigh, to the best of my knowledge. They are rare.

I met a young woman with an Elswick at the Lake Pepin Ride a few years ago. Her chainring had seahorses stamped in it. It looks like this one spells Elswick, which is still nice, but c'mon!

I got it.

1989Pre 04-17-23 04:50 PM

I walked over in a light rain and got it. I brought an adjustable wrench, vice-grips and the schraeder frame pump from my Rudge.
I pumped up the tires and rode it home. A couple of features surprised me. Fluted top eyes on a 3-speed? Wow. Also, the chain stays are both dimpled on the inner side. I did not expect to see that.The Dunlop rims are Endrick-style.The OGK grips have to go, but everything else is up-to-snuff. I'll get around to getting this bike ship-shape over the next winter, but at least now, it is not left languishing and neglected. It may have barely evaded the trash truck. Here are some more photos of it after being cleaned a bit and oiled. I like the bottom bracket oiler with the spring-loaded cap.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...2d26510096.jpg
#35336
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...7ad3a47bb5.jpg
A little bit clean, with fork decals
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...3abdaf0c18.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...458d563873.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...45ff9e5f1f.jpg
February of 1955 on the DynoHub
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...9f7adcecb7.jpg
Fluted top eyes
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...c68a0df548.jpg
mini version of Sturmey front lamp
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...11df64a60c.jpg
Rim will clean up nicely.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...18dc674f3b.jpg
AW 1955
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...9e00ed5839.jpg

gna 04-17-23 07:04 PM


Originally Posted by SirMike1983 (Post 22859437)
That almost looks to me like the rear rim is a 28 inch Westrick type. I'm like you in that I have to ride the 22 inch frame on 28 inch wheels. The 24 is too big for me. Though with 26 inch wheels, the 23 inch frame is great for me. I'm kind of an "in-betweener" in that regard. Nice find.

It was too cold and snowy this weekend, but I pulled the bike out after work and went for a ride with my wife. The front rim is a westwood:
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...23331e6df5.jpg

But the rear is a Raleigh Pattern Westrick:
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...8c9e54cdd9.jpg
Good eye. I didn't even notice. I ordered some new pads, but tried to adjust the old ones in the meantime, and put my old B66 on it:
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...f38716a4bd.jpg

It's very different from my Sports with Sun Alloy rims and Koolstop pads--the brakes are rather indifferent.


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