browngw 

I would just replace the chain. For under $20 you get a fresh clean chain that will run quiet and trouble free for years. Even a small amount of chain stretch will eat away at your cogs. If you do reuse it, check it with a proper chain stretch tool. My Robin Hood had a good looking non-stretched chain but it was stiff and sticky and I couldn't seem to get it clean. The new chain worked beautifully.

tiger style

I inherited this James 3 speed and am trying to decide what to do with it. It's chrome, but I don't suppose it has much collector value?

Ballenxj

It might have some collectability, I don't believe there were too many chrome 3 speeds in the past.

johnnyspaghetti

Nothing wrong with that chain except for a missing master link & dirt.
Get a small brush and clean that thing. Clean it like you clean your teeth, dunk it wipe it and see if you got it all. then doit again if needed. I don't see any rust.

Spend $2 on a master link. It will last you another 45-50 yrs.

johnnyspaghetti

That is very unique, I would love to have that.

I have a pair of chrome fenders & chain cover off a Hercules that would really give it the look.

The 3-speed English market is narrow. Some parts of the country are better than others.

curbtender

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/bik...513938975.html

clubman 

I think not. Collectible 3 speeds have to be old, original condition and a desireable marque. Even then they show up cheap all the time. A modded James wouldn't make you much, even with chrome.

Ballenxj

So, that James is neither old, or originally a 3 speed? It does have a COOL factor going for it.

Ballenxj

I couldn't find enough to make heads nor tails of it, but if this is the same company, the James has quite a pedigree.
https://oldbike.wordpress.com/1914-j...adies-bicycle/

johnnyspaghetti

That chrome James in the picture tiger style posted is crying out "Raleigh product"

BigChief

I like that James. It could be left stripped down, stripped down with drop bars, or maybe full dressed roadster style with chrome fenders and chainguard. It may not be worth a lot of money, but it has plenty of charm.

clubman 

Looks like a Brimingham bike even with the rear mudguard stays. They weren't absorbed by Raleigh and seemed to have mostly went away after Francis Barnett got them in 57.

You know I think most all 3 speed genus are down with cool. Those early century James are VCC collectible. But this one has a centrepull brake, replaced cockpit, no accessories, crap seat and post etc. Nice crank, maybe williams and we should look for a date code on the back.The OP wanted an evaluation of sorts. Honest, I'd walk away from a $25 price tag...many more fish in the sea.

Oh yeah,OP inherited. So make it cool again, just don;t do it for money

tiger style

The serial number is consistent with a mid 1960s Raleigh. I was just curious if it might be a worthy restoration project for someone. Otherwise I’ll just probably put it back on the mean streets.

Ballenxj

As I've mentioned already, I think it's way cool, and if you rolled up on me with it for sale, depending on price, I'd most likely be riding it home.

johnnyspaghetti

I gave away the 1958 Robin Hood Sports step thru frame to a friend. I guess I'm very surprised what he did with it.

jOLIO'S 1958 rOBINHOOD SPORTS LAMP.jpg

BigChief

The days have gone down in the west, behind the hills into shadow

Salubrious

FWIW, Raleigh did make chrome three speed frames. They were usually given to dealers as rewards and demos and so are rather rare.

If that is a Williams crank and not a copy, its worth $50 all by its lonesome.

johnnyspaghetti

It's always a long winter in Minn.

ascherer 

This is like some kind of weird taxidermy...like a moose head in a bar wearing sunglasses, a scarf and mardi gras beads.

Chaser95

A few days back I asked for ways to raise the handle bars on my Raleigh Sports bike. One of the solutions was to install a modern stem that would require shimming the bars because there is a 1/16" difference in the bars and clamp diameter. I have searched vendors and have not yet found a shim that size. If that is the case what should I use for "shim material"? Thanks!

BigChief

The diameter difference is 1/16" so the shim should be half that at 1/32" (.031), but anywhere close to that would be fine. A range between say .025 and .035. I like to use a softer material like brass or aluminum. For my Rudge with the long stem, I used a piece of lead chimney flashing. I kept hammering it thinner and trimming off the edges until it fit.

OTS 

Others might disagree but you can cut a shim yourself from an aluminum beer or soda can.

markk900

+1 - more than one vehicle in my life has been repaired with the beer can shim.....

Chaser95

I like it! I get to put a little bit of myself in it. I have plenty of hammers and snips as well as flashing and cans. Thanks again for your knowledge and support!

Salubrious

Just to be clear here, the correct term is 'Bavarian Shim Stock'.