New Huffy Touriste 3-speed Japanese folding bike
#26
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The head tube holds the steerer tube which is connected to the fork. Sorry for being unclear.
#27
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Oh OK! I think I just saw the stem code - 9886 EL (win?), which I believe is December 1980. I need to do more digging for the steerer tube. Idk if I have the wrench to undo that.
Last edited by molleraj; 08-18-21 at 08:36 AM.
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We've seen this same frame marketed under other brand names, so it's likely a standard offering from the manufacturer, that they then painted, branded and equipped to suit the client. I imagine that orders for folding bicycles were rather small, which does not make for efficient production and a decent profit margin. Consequently, I suspect that the manufacturer built these to speculation. The frames would be stored, then painted, branded and equipped as new orders were received. This could explain the frame pre-dating the front hub by the realtively large period of five months. Another possibility would be a defective frame that had to go through a rework cycle.
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To clarify any potential misunderstanding by forum members, the "S" in the serial number itself reprents the unidentifed manufacturer. They manufactured bicycles under contract for other companies, that were marketed as Nishiki, Sekai, Shogun and probably several others. We can now add Huffy to that list. The first numeral in the serial number (in this case "1") is the year code. The "F" appears to represent June. This is consistent with the format found on the OP's Shogun 400 (serial number S3L01485), so it would appear to have been manufactured by the same company. The "S(1)" designation is that used in my Asian Serial Number Guide to represent the first of the unidentified manufacturers having a serial number format with an "S" constant.
We've seen this same frame marketed under other brand names, so it's likely a standard offering from the manufacturer, that they then painted, branded and equipped to suit the client. I imagine that orders for folding bicycles were rather small, which does not make for efficient production and a decent profit margin. Consequently, I suspect that the manufacturer built these to speculation. The frames would be stored, then painted, branded and equipped as new orders were received. This could explain the frame pre-dating the front hub by the realtively large period of five months. Another possibility would be a defective frame that had to go through a rework cycle.
We've seen this same frame marketed under other brand names, so it's likely a standard offering from the manufacturer, that they then painted, branded and equipped to suit the client. I imagine that orders for folding bicycles were rather small, which does not make for efficient production and a decent profit margin. Consequently, I suspect that the manufacturer built these to speculation. The frames would be stored, then painted, branded and equipped as new orders were received. This could explain the frame pre-dating the front hub by the realtively large period of five months. Another possibility would be a defective frame that had to go through a rework cycle.
#30
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This little bike is really growing on me. Over Labor Day weekend, I took it for a 30 mile spin on Saturday and a 20 mile one yesterday. I did get some calf pain on Saturday but adjusted my saddle a bit and sat further back yesterday. No calf pain at all Monday.
The shifting is so smooth now and it just rides beautifully. I can't wait to share some more pictures. I wonder if a Raleigh Twenty or RSW rides the same? Well, I like it better than either because of its shape, dual foot "upright" kickstand, and 80s era Shimano hubs. It also has a really nice chain guard.
I am noticing the rear tire pressure goes down from ~40 to 25 after rides, but I go over lots of bumps and ridges. I am briefly airborne (by a few inches) after I reach the Capital Crescent Trail bridge over the C&O Canal. There is a bit of a drop (two inches). I did get some self-sealing spare 16" tubes in case a need should arise.
The shifting is so smooth now and it just rides beautifully. I can't wait to share some more pictures. I wonder if a Raleigh Twenty or RSW rides the same? Well, I like it better than either because of its shape, dual foot "upright" kickstand, and 80s era Shimano hubs. It also has a really nice chain guard.
I am noticing the rear tire pressure goes down from ~40 to 25 after rides, but I go over lots of bumps and ridges. I am briefly airborne (by a few inches) after I reach the Capital Crescent Trail bridge over the C&O Canal. There is a bit of a drop (two inches). I did get some self-sealing spare 16" tubes in case a need should arise.
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I noticed today on the way home from work that I don't seem to have to push a bit past 2 on the shifter to shift into second speed on a downshift anymore. I guess maybe riding the bike for 100 miles helped lube the IGH better?
#32
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It’s probably freed up the pawls which react faster to the shift cable pull. Cool beans!
Pics when you can figure it out. Took me awhile!
Pics when you can figure it out. Took me awhile!
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Oh good! Thank goodness haha. Will do! I rode it over 110 miles since I got it about a month ago. I'm amazed that it's so comfortable as long as I follow proper bike fit (knees above pedal, 30 degree angle between upper leg line and lower leg at mid-stroke). 20 miles on this beast was not bad at all.
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Here are some pics from my commute today and recent rides!
At Medical Center station, from the front
At Medical Center station, from the rear
At Arlington Cemetery station, from the rear
With my fork rebent Schwinn Collegiate at Gravelly Point
With my Schwinn Collegiate at Fletcher's Cove
At Rosslyn station, side view
At Rosslyn, rear view
At Medical Center station, from the front
At Medical Center station, from the rear
At Arlington Cemetery station, from the rear
With my fork rebent Schwinn Collegiate at Gravelly Point
With my Schwinn Collegiate at Fletcher's Cove
At Rosslyn station, side view
At Rosslyn, rear view
#37
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I am glad to see you posting pictures of your bike and riding it as much as you have. It is nice to see something like this on the C&V thread. I have learned so much from this forum. A quality Huffy? Yea, this looks to be a well made Japanese bike that is worthy of posting here. It looks great, and seems to get you around just fine. I love the fenders that it has.
Sheldon Brown says that the early Shimano 333 hubs had some issues. The later ones were better. When I worked in a bike shop in the early 80's we had almost no issues with these Shimano hubs, We sold Panasonic and Ross bikes with these hubs. My dad picked up a Sear Three speed bike that I borrowed a lot . I rode it to school and all over the neighborhood. Being a teen, I might have been a bit harsh with it too. It survived fine. This is just based on my limited experience.
Sheldon Brown says that the early Shimano 333 hubs had some issues. The later ones were better. When I worked in a bike shop in the early 80's we had almost no issues with these Shimano hubs, We sold Panasonic and Ross bikes with these hubs. My dad picked up a Sear Three speed bike that I borrowed a lot . I rode it to school and all over the neighborhood. Being a teen, I might have been a bit harsh with it too. It survived fine. This is just based on my limited experience.
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I am glad to see you posting pictures of your bike and riding it as much as you have. It is nice to see something like this on the C&V thread. I have learned so much from this forum. A quality Huffy? Yea, this looks to be a well made Japanese bike that is worthy of posting here. It looks great, and seems to get you around just fine. I love the fenders that it has.
Sheldon Brown says that the early Shimano 333 hubs had some issues. The later ones were better. When I worked in a bike shop in the early 80's we had almost no issues with these Shimano hubs, We sold Panasonic and Ross bikes with these hubs. My dad picked up a Sear Three speed bike that I borrowed a lot . I rode it to school and all over the neighborhood. Being a teen, I might have been a bit harsh with it too. It survived fine. This is just based on my limited experience.
Sheldon Brown says that the early Shimano 333 hubs had some issues. The later ones were better. When I worked in a bike shop in the early 80's we had almost no issues with these Shimano hubs, We sold Panasonic and Ross bikes with these hubs. My dad picked up a Sear Three speed bike that I borrowed a lot . I rode it to school and all over the neighborhood. Being a teen, I might have been a bit harsh with it too. It survived fine. This is just based on my limited experience.
Indeed I had heard the 60s era 333s were crummy but this 1981 3S is a delight as you said. Shimano apparently worked out their IGH quality issues in the 70s. Thanks for corroborating! I don't want suddenly snapping pawls in the middle of a commute :-(
If I remember right, those Sears three speeds were no slouch. Weren't they Austro-Daimler or Puch built?
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Happy to share and happy that you enjoy the photos! This is indeed a Japanese OEM bike built for Huffy, Sekai, and Bridgestone, at least. It does look good, hehe. The fenders are aluminum I think. Someone on the DC metro was super curious about it this morning and had lots of questions :-)
Indeed I had heard the 60s era 333s were crummy but this 1981 3S is a delight as you said. Shimano apparently worked out their IGH quality issues in the 70s. Thanks for corroborating! I don't want suddenly snapping pawls in the middle of a commute :-(
If I remember right, those Sears three speeds were no slouch. Weren't they Austro-Daimler or Puch built?
Indeed I had heard the 60s era 333s were crummy but this 1981 3S is a delight as you said. Shimano apparently worked out their IGH quality issues in the 70s. Thanks for corroborating! I don't want suddenly snapping pawls in the middle of a commute :-(
If I remember right, those Sears three speeds were no slouch. Weren't they Austro-Daimler or Puch built?
The bike kept going for some time. Years.
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Always had great luck with Shimano 3 speeds as well. They were just a hair wider range than an aw if I recall correctly.
#41
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Risking OT...
Long time Shimano 333 Sears rider from Murray. Quite regal!
Newly arrived Austrian Sears 3 speed project! Hope to have it ready for the October Challange.
Long time Shimano 333 Sears rider from Murray. Quite regal!
Newly arrived Austrian Sears 3 speed project! Hope to have it ready for the October Challange.
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Very cool 3speedslow. Just wanted to ask one very important question about standing on the pedals - is this not an issue with newer Shimano (3S or Nexus) hubs? I don't feel a freewheeling neutral ever like I read exists on the Sturmey-Archer AW. Then again, I never truly "stand" on the pedals, just lift myself from the seat a bit to get some power going up hills. If this is true, this would make the reliable Shimano IGHs much more desirable than Sturmey-Archer AWs because "hammering" is helpful for climbing hills.
I did a couple more rides (3-5 mi) through the neighborhood last night and this night and really enjoyed them. Yesterday with my new blue chromoly Dahon Speed D7 ($150) and today with the Touriste. The Dahon is probably 10 pounds lighter than the Touriste. Same speed on each bike for roughly the same route! I actually liked the Touriste ride better but that's most likely because of the sprung saddle. The bumps sometimes threw me off the springless Dahon seat. The Dahon tires are a bit narrower (1.5") and less knobby too, plus probably higher pressure. It seems the Touriste now has about 120 mi on it from my riding, haha.
I did a couple more rides (3-5 mi) through the neighborhood last night and this night and really enjoyed them. Yesterday with my new blue chromoly Dahon Speed D7 ($150) and today with the Touriste. The Dahon is probably 10 pounds lighter than the Touriste. Same speed on each bike for roughly the same route! I actually liked the Touriste ride better but that's most likely because of the sprung saddle. The bumps sometimes threw me off the springless Dahon seat. The Dahon tires are a bit narrower (1.5") and less knobby too, plus probably higher pressure. It seems the Touriste now has about 120 mi on it from my riding, haha.
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I just rode this on my longest bike ride ever! 35.6 miles on Saturday! This plus a ride today puts me at 160 miles on this bike. I need to attempt a metric century on this thing and then repaint the frame and make some new decals. Such a nice ride. Also while hammering the pedals a bit is OK with the Shimano, I of course will never ever ever stand on them.
Map of the route
At College Park station platform
At College Park station
Caboose in Bladensburg
Swift boat at Navy Yard
MLK Jr Memorial
Map of the route
At College Park station platform
At College Park station
Caboose in Bladensburg
Swift boat at Navy Yard
MLK Jr Memorial
#44
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As a rule I don’t hammer on the 3 speed hubs. I’ve heard warnings about stressing the pawls. I am for leisure riding with these bikes so hammering is done on others. Except my scorcher, still no stand and hammer. I changed the rear cog for an easier gear range. Many have done that kind of riding but I want my bikes to last and not wear out any faster.
Why the re paint? Pics make it look good!
I like rolling on my Dahons as well!
Why the re paint? Pics make it look good!
I like rolling on my Dahons as well!
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As a rule I don’t hammer on the 3 speed hubs. I’ve heard warnings about stressing the pawls. I am for leisure riding with these bikes so hammering is done on others. Except my scorcher, still no stand and hammer. I changed the rear cog for an easier gear range. Many have done that kind of riding but I want my bikes to last and not wear out any faster.
Why the re paint? Pics make it look good!
I like rolling on my Dahons as well!
Why the re paint? Pics make it look good!
I like rolling on my Dahons as well!
The paint does look good, it's just scratched up/faded in places where you'd expect the parts to hit during folding (one side of the fork).
Nice! I took my Dahon Speed D7 out for a group ride this weekend and shocked the hybrid riders by keeping up with or passing them at 16 mph. It was a casual ride but the fastest in the group were fairly intense bikers.
I just put new slime tubes in my tires and noticed that my rear tube had a leak! No wonder it only remained at 25 psi after a ride. The tires and tubes seem to be original - IRC Tractor Grip and IRC Inoue, respectively.
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#50
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Just made a video about the bike! You can see some recent accessory additions (e.g., new front and tail lights).