For the love of English 3 speeds...
06-09-16, 09:34 AM
Verified Antique
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 480
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 22 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Found: A great resource for the history of brooks saddles
I had visited the Brooks website a few days ago for some reason and today when I opened my Yahoo mail there was one of the "cookie-inspired" ads there for Brooks so I clicked it to see what they were touting. Since I had a few minutes to do a little bit of looking about while there, I did so, and found this great resource.
My plan is to stock up on printer ink and print most, if not all, of these vintage catalogs.
YEARS: 1890, 1907, 1912, 1913, 1919, 1921, 1926, 1933, 1935, 1957, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
Brooks Book Archive
Enjoy!
My plan is to stock up on printer ink and print most, if not all, of these vintage catalogs.
YEARS: 1890, 1907, 1912, 1913, 1919, 1921, 1926, 1933, 1935, 1957, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
Brooks Book Archive
Enjoy!
06-09-16, 09:46 AM
Senior Member
I had visited the Brooks website a few days ago for some reason and today when I opened my Yahoo mail there was one of the "cookie-inspired" ads there for Brooks so I clicked it to see what they were touting. Since I had a few minutes to do a little bit of looking about while there, I did so, and found this great resource.
My plan is to stock up on printer ink and print most, if not all, of these vintage catalogs.
YEARS: 1890, 1907, 1912, 1913, 1919, 1921, 1926, 1933, 1935, 1957, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
Brooks Book Archive
Enjoy!
My plan is to stock up on printer ink and print most, if not all, of these vintage catalogs.
YEARS: 1890, 1907, 1912, 1913, 1919, 1921, 1926, 1933, 1935, 1957, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
Brooks Book Archive
Enjoy!
06-09-16, 02:32 PM
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Illinois
Posts: 191
Bikes: 1968 DL-1 / 1963 Rudge Sport / 1955 Raleigh Superbe / 1951 CWS / 1948 CWS
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Full disclosure: The $250 number was to get the bike operational to an acceptable state. I have spent more than that on the bike, but it is money that I would have spent on any bicycle that I actually want to ride.
Things like:
* new seat - a requirement for any bike of mine due to bicycle seat neuropathy. Center cut-out. Hardly "authentic", but not an option. $35
* extra bracket for existing USB headlight. The extra bracket costs $15, the light costs $65 (already had it)
* Topeak-specific rack to fit existing bag. $50
These add up to an even $100.
What do you need on your 3-speeds to make them rideable / usable for you?
Things like:
* new seat - a requirement for any bike of mine due to bicycle seat neuropathy. Center cut-out. Hardly "authentic", but not an option. $35
* extra bracket for existing USB headlight. The extra bracket costs $15, the light costs $65 (already had it)
* Topeak-specific rack to fit existing bag. $50
These add up to an even $100.
What do you need on your 3-speeds to make them rideable / usable for you?
A bell on the the bars and a bag under the seat with some tools and I am good to go.
06-09-16, 06:40 PM
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: USA
Posts: 2,067
Bikes: 84 Pinarello Trevisio, 86 Guerciotti SLX, 96 Specialized Stumpjumper, 2010 Surly Cross Check, 88 Centurion Prestige, 73 Raleigh Sports, GT Force, Bridgestone MB4
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 278 Post(s)
Liked 71 Times
in
56 Posts
Full disclosure: The $250 number was to get the bike operational to an acceptable state. I have spent more than that on the bike, but it is money that I would have spent on any bicycle that I actually want to ride.
Things like:
* new seat - a requirement for any bike of mine due to bicycle seat neuropathy. Center cut-out. Hardly "authentic", but not an option. $35
* extra bracket for existing USB headlight. The extra bracket costs $15, the light costs $65 (already had it)
* Topeak-specific rack to fit existing bag. $50
These add up to an even $100.
What do you need on your 3-speeds to make them rideable / usable for you?
Things like:
* new seat - a requirement for any bike of mine due to bicycle seat neuropathy. Center cut-out. Hardly "authentic", but not an option. $35
* extra bracket for existing USB headlight. The extra bracket costs $15, the light costs $65 (already had it)
* Topeak-specific rack to fit existing bag. $50
These add up to an even $100.
What do you need on your 3-speeds to make them rideable / usable for you?
Tubes and tires about - $50+
Cork grips - $15
Chain - $15
Bell - $15
Complete disassembly and lubrication/adjustment of every single piece - $priceless
Currently using the Brooks mattress saddles and a cheap Walmart bags until I decide on a saddle and a bag that is proper Then multiply that essentially by two since I have one for my wife as well.
06-09-16, 07:12 PM
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Toronto
Posts: 2,572
Bikes: 1971 Hercules, 1978 Raleigh Superbe, 1978 Raleigh Tourist, 1964 Glider 3 Speed, 1967 Raleigh Sprite 5 Speed, 1968 Hercules AMF 3 Speed, 1972 Raleigh Superbe, 1976 Raleigh Superbe, 1957 Flying Pigeon, 1967 Dunelt 3 Speed
Mentioned: 57 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1028 Post(s)
Liked 443 Times
in
288 Posts
Sun CR18 rims and stainless spokes - $100+
Tubes and tires about - $50+
Cork grips - $15
Chain - $15
Bell - $15
Complete disassembly and lubrication/adjustment of every single piece - $priceless
Currently using the Brooks mattress saddles and a cheap Walmart bags until I decide on a saddle and a bag that is proper Then multiply that essentially by two since I have one for my wife as well.
Tubes and tires about - $50+
Cork grips - $15
Chain - $15
Bell - $15
Complete disassembly and lubrication/adjustment of every single piece - $priceless
Currently using the Brooks mattress saddles and a cheap Walmart bags until I decide on a saddle and a bag that is proper Then multiply that essentially by two since I have one for my wife as well.
06-09-16, 07:33 PM
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Central Florida
Posts: 194
Bikes: 2018 Trek FX7.3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 46 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Sun CR18 rims and stainless spokes - $100+
Tubes and tires about - $50+
Cork grips - $15
Chain - $15
Bell - $15
Complete disassembly and lubrication/adjustment of every single piece - $priceless
Currently using the Brooks mattress saddles and a cheap Walmart bags until I decide on a saddle and a bag that is proper Then multiply that essentially by two since I have one for my wife as well.
Tubes and tires about - $50+
Cork grips - $15
Chain - $15
Bell - $15
Complete disassembly and lubrication/adjustment of every single piece - $priceless
Currently using the Brooks mattress saddles and a cheap Walmart bags until I decide on a saddle and a bag that is proper Then multiply that essentially by two since I have one for my wife as well.
I also have everything x2, same reason. Her bike has two rear and one front basket and two-legged kickstand.
Question on the cork grips - how well do they work in very wet and humid conditions? Florida, for instance. I have no experience with them.
06-09-16, 07:52 PM
Old Boy
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 2,127
Bikes: Mostly 1st-generation, top-of-the-line, non-unicrown MTBs/ATBs: All 1984 models: Dawes Ranger, Peugeot Canyon Express, Ross Mt. Whitney (chrome), Schwinn High Sierra, and a 1983 Trek 850.
Mentioned: 134 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 984 Post(s)
Liked 1,715 Times
in
611 Posts
Full disclosure: The $250 number was to get the bike operational to an acceptable state. I have spent more than that on the bike, but it is money that I would have spent on any bicycle that I actually want to ride.
Things like:
* new seat - a requirement for any bike of mine due to bicycle seat neuropathy. Center cut-out. Hardly "authentic", but not an option. $35
* extra bracket for existing USB headlight. The extra bracket costs $15, the light costs $65 (already had it)
* Topeak-specific rack to fit existing bag. $50
These add up to an even $100.
What do you need on your 3-speeds to make them rideable / usable for you?
Things like:
* new seat - a requirement for any bike of mine due to bicycle seat neuropathy. Center cut-out. Hardly "authentic", but not an option. $35
* extra bracket for existing USB headlight. The extra bracket costs $15, the light costs $65 (already had it)
* Topeak-specific rack to fit existing bag. $50
These add up to an even $100.
What do you need on your 3-speeds to make them rideable / usable for you?
I've bought a couple of old 10-speeds, one with a chrome-moly frame, and the other 531, and I've got an AW hub laced into a 700c wheel for both of them. I'm turning old 10-speeds into Roadsters! Eventually, the 531 frame will get a Sturmey Archer 5-speed hub, but for now, 3 is enough. Upright handlebars, either alloy or bamboo fenders, alloy chainguard, Brooks saddle, some premium grips, a pair of half clipless / half platform pedals, and a good saddlebag round out the package. It's not exactly cheap, but it sure does work well. Early testing reveals them to be an absolute joy to ride. I really think I'm onto something here. Watch for photos when I get one completely finished. The 531 frame qualifies as English.
06-09-16, 09:25 PM
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: USA
Posts: 2,067
Bikes: 84 Pinarello Trevisio, 86 Guerciotti SLX, 96 Specialized Stumpjumper, 2010 Surly Cross Check, 88 Centurion Prestige, 73 Raleigh Sports, GT Force, Bridgestone MB4
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 278 Post(s)
Liked 71 Times
in
56 Posts
06-09-16, 09:36 PM
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: USA
Posts: 2,067
Bikes: 84 Pinarello Trevisio, 86 Guerciotti SLX, 96 Specialized Stumpjumper, 2010 Surly Cross Check, 88 Centurion Prestige, 73 Raleigh Sports, GT Force, Bridgestone MB4
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 278 Post(s)
Liked 71 Times
in
56 Posts
The AL rims are a must if you ever want these bikes to stop. The chrome wheels are pretty, but slippery. Also, a new Teckro 559 on the front at least. These were part of my $250 base price.
I also have everything x2, same reason. Her bike has two rear and one front basket and two-legged kickstand.
Question on the cork grips - how well do they work in very wet and humid conditions? Florida, for instance. I have no experience with them.
I also have everything x2, same reason. Her bike has two rear and one front basket and two-legged kickstand.
Question on the cork grips - how well do they work in very wet and humid conditions? Florida, for instance. I have no experience with them.
As to kickstands, I take those off, I have already stated my thoughts on those. I would as soon beat my bikes with a hammer as install a kickstand.
The sliver bike has Kenda tires and the coffee one the Bell tires (no longer available I think). When these are done, again as said earlier, I am converting to Presta valves and a better tire. But, frankly, these tires seem to be just fine, again, I am sure there are better but these roll smoothly and the tread is soft and grips well.
When I first got it:
I hate gum wall tires, those thick gooey types, they are gross.
Last edited by Loose Chain; 06-09-16 at 09:41 PM.
06-10-16, 05:52 AM
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 3,240
Mentioned: 103 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1299 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 103 Times
in
85 Posts
When I was younger I could handle hilly rides on my 3 speeds, but these days I confine my riding to relatively flat landscapes. I think the upright riding position is a much larger detriment to hill climbing than the extra 10 pounds of weight on the bike. Also, while you do get better performance from alloy rims, I think braking problems with steel rims tends to be overstated. Well set up old time side pulls with fresh Fibrax pads stop my bikes plenty well enough for me especially considering the moderate speeds I ride them. I also tried salmon Cool Stops on my Sprite and was very pleased with them on the steel rims. I do gear my old bikes down for comfort, but maybe stronger riders would be happy with the stock gearing. While my Vitus 172 Motobecane has never seen a kick stand, I have no problem with them on the old hi ten 3 speeds. To me, they are an essential part of the utilitarian English bike. Still, I love the idea of a lightweight, upright IGH bike. OK, I'd leave the kick stand off that one! Pricey to build though.
__________________
Inflate Hard
Inflate Hard
06-10-16, 08:48 AM
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Central Florida
Posts: 194
Bikes: 2018 Trek FX7.3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 46 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
The cork grips were amber shellacked. I am sure they would do fine in Florida. I bought two sets from a local shop and apparently there are no more but I think Velo Orange has some very similar.
As to kickstands, I take those off, I have already stated my thoughts on those. I would as soon beat my bikes with a hammer as install a kickstand.
The sliver bike has Kenda tires and the coffee one the Bell tires (no longer available I think). When these are done, again as said earlier, I am converting to Presta valves and a better tire. But, frankly, these tires seem to be just fine, again, I am sure there are better but these roll smoothly and the tread is soft and grips well.
When I first got it:
I hate gum wall tires, those thick gooey types, they are gross.
As to kickstands, I take those off, I have already stated my thoughts on those. I would as soon beat my bikes with a hammer as install a kickstand.
The sliver bike has Kenda tires and the coffee one the Bell tires (no longer available I think). When these are done, again as said earlier, I am converting to Presta valves and a better tire. But, frankly, these tires seem to be just fine, again, I am sure there are better but these roll smoothly and the tread is soft and grips well.
When I first got it:
I hate gum wall tires, those thick gooey types, they are gross.
My wife's is the Coffee. Never understood the hate for kickstands. To each their own and all that, but just don't understand the emotion of it.
06-10-16, 12:14 PM
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Boston, MA
Posts: 1,541
Bikes: Bianchi Volpe, ANT 3-speed roadster, New Albion Privateer singlespeed, Raleigh One Way singlespeed, Raleigh Professional "retro roadie" rebuild, 198? Fuji(?) franken-5-speed, 1937 Raleigh Tourist, 1952 Raleigh Sports, 1966 Raleigh Sports step-through
Mentioned: 21 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 248 Post(s)
Liked 27 Times
in
18 Posts
A pre-Raleigh (1959) Phillips Sports came through my shop today...overall decent shape, but definitely showing its age. Its owner may be leaving it behind if she leaves the area for a job, and has agreed to let me know if she decides not to take the bike with her. I shoulda taken some pictures...oh well....
06-10-16, 02:05 PM
Abuse Magnet
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Colorado
Posts: 1,870
Bikes: '91 Mtn Tek Vertical, '74 Raleigh Sports, '72 Raleigh Twenty, '84 Univega Gran Turismo, '09 Surly Karate Monkey, '92 Burley Rock-n-Roll, '86 Miyata 310, '76 Raleigh Shopper
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 151 Post(s)
Liked 175 Times
in
89 Posts
A pre-Raleigh (1959) Phillips Sports came through my shop today...overall decent shape, but definitely showing its age. Its owner may be leaving it behind if she leaves the area for a job, and has agreed to let me know if she decides not to take the bike with her. I shoulda taken some pictures...oh well....
06-10-16, 03:08 PM
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Maryland
Posts: 3,800
Bikes: Lots of English 3-speeds, a couple of old road bikes, 3 mountain bikes, 1 hybrid, and a couple of mash-ups
Mentioned: 53 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 887 Post(s)
Liked 335 Times
in
225 Posts
I have a Raleigh Sports Camelback frame, fork, fenders, crankset, and chain guard that I would like to trade for a pair of root beer colored fenders and chain guard. The condition is better than the photo depicts (the color is silver), but it really needs an OA bath. <br><br><img src="https://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=526689&stc=1" attachmentid="526689" alt="" id="vbattach_526689" class="previewthumb"><br><br>I am reluctant to go through the hassle of shipping it. I live near to the Maryland, Delaware, Virginia beaches - near the intersection of US-13 and US 50, so a meet and swap would suit me best.
06-10-16, 09:32 PM
On the road
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: New England
Posts: 2,176
Bikes: Old Schwinns and old Raleighs
Mentioned: 36 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 373 Post(s)
Liked 857 Times
in
327 Posts
The pre-Raleigh Phillips /Hercules/etc. is sort of different and a lot of fun to get into if you end up collecting the bikes. You see a lot of nice variations of bikes from them.
06-11-16, 06:10 PM
Verified Antique
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 480
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 22 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
06-11-16, 08:45 PM
On the road
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: New England
Posts: 2,176
Bikes: Old Schwinns and old Raleighs
Mentioned: 36 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 373 Post(s)
Liked 857 Times
in
327 Posts
Warm day, and lots of daylight this time of year.
__________________
Classic American and British Roadsters, Utility Bikes, and Sporting Bikes (1935-1979):
https://bikeshedva.blogspot.com/
Classic American and British Roadsters, Utility Bikes, and Sporting Bikes (1935-1979):
https://bikeshedva.blogspot.com/
06-11-16, 10:06 PM
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Toronto
Posts: 2,572
Bikes: 1971 Hercules, 1978 Raleigh Superbe, 1978 Raleigh Tourist, 1964 Glider 3 Speed, 1967 Raleigh Sprite 5 Speed, 1968 Hercules AMF 3 Speed, 1972 Raleigh Superbe, 1976 Raleigh Superbe, 1957 Flying Pigeon, 1967 Dunelt 3 Speed
Mentioned: 57 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1028 Post(s)
Liked 443 Times
in
288 Posts
06-11-16, 10:09 PM
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Toronto
Posts: 2,572
Bikes: 1971 Hercules, 1978 Raleigh Superbe, 1978 Raleigh Tourist, 1964 Glider 3 Speed, 1967 Raleigh Sprite 5 Speed, 1968 Hercules AMF 3 Speed, 1972 Raleigh Superbe, 1976 Raleigh Superbe, 1957 Flying Pigeon, 1967 Dunelt 3 Speed
Mentioned: 57 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1028 Post(s)
Liked 443 Times
in
288 Posts
Easy Come, Easy Go
Someone swiped this one the other day.
Not a lot invested but I did like it....
Someone swiped this one the other day.
Not a lot invested but I did like it....
06-12-16, 08:29 AM
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Toronto
Posts: 2,572
Bikes: 1971 Hercules, 1978 Raleigh Superbe, 1978 Raleigh Tourist, 1964 Glider 3 Speed, 1967 Raleigh Sprite 5 Speed, 1968 Hercules AMF 3 Speed, 1972 Raleigh Superbe, 1976 Raleigh Superbe, 1957 Flying Pigeon, 1967 Dunelt 3 Speed
Mentioned: 57 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1028 Post(s)
Liked 443 Times
in
288 Posts
@gster - dang! I like the brown Glider.....my green one is a weird green - no one would steal it!
I'm keeping my eyes open.
It wasn't locked and I was sitting 5 feet away on a patio.
In the blink of an eye it was gone.
06-12-16, 08:37 AM
Phyllo-buster
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Nova Scotia
Posts: 8,847
Bikes: roadsters, club bikes, fixed and classic
Mentioned: 133 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2298 Post(s)
Liked 2,055 Times
in
1,255 Posts
06-13-16, 04:58 AM
Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Hannover, Germany
Posts: 35
Bikes: Swiss military bike, several Raleighs, Bianchi
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Regarding stealing bicycles, not about old vintage bikes, but i found this hilarious:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yTFiP_co0U
I will be watching my bicycle very closely, i like it very much and too much work to let it be stolen
Not much progress with my DL-1, so few time. Will see whether i can do a bit this evening ..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yTFiP_co0U
I will be watching my bicycle very closely, i like it very much and too much work to let it be stolen
Not much progress with my DL-1, so few time. Will see whether i can do a bit this evening ..
06-13-16, 07:47 AM
Abuse Magnet
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Colorado
Posts: 1,870
Bikes: '91 Mtn Tek Vertical, '74 Raleigh Sports, '72 Raleigh Twenty, '84 Univega Gran Turismo, '09 Surly Karate Monkey, '92 Burley Rock-n-Roll, '86 Miyata 310, '76 Raleigh Shopper
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 151 Post(s)
Liked 175 Times
in
89 Posts
Regarding stealing bicycles, not about old vintage bikes, but i found this hilarious:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yTFiP_co0U
I will be watching my bicycle very closely, i like it very much and too much work to let it be stolen
Not much progress with my DL-1, so few time. Will see whether i can do a bit this evening ..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yTFiP_co0U
I will be watching my bicycle very closely, i like it very much and too much work to let it be stolen
Not much progress with my DL-1, so few time. Will see whether i can do a bit this evening ..
06-13-16, 03:49 PM
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Northeast Pennsylvania
Posts: 63
Bikes: '71 Raleigh Sport, early 70s Peugeot, early 70s Schwinn Suburban, '78 Raleigh DL1, '91 Merlin Titanium Road Bike, '86 Bianchi (model not yet known)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts