Some technical stuff with vintage 3-speed bicycles

G'day All!

I have not been active much over the past few weeks with my cycling. I had a nasty bought of Influenza recently, and I am in fact still recovering from it. However, I've been crunching some numbers and working out what modifications to make on my bicycles. For the purposes of keeping everything simple, I round the final number of gear inches to the nearest whole number.

My "Malvern Star - Skidstar" (Standard straight-framed version, not the distinctive curved-tube GT version) has received the 27" wheels that were previously in the "Universe". The gearing set-up has been a 46-tooth chain-ring with an 18-tooth sprocket. This gave gearing of 52"/69"/92". Rather high, and uncomfortable, unless you are riding in dead-flat country. A larger 20-tooth sprocket will reduce the gearing to 47"/62"/83". This gives a much more acceptable range of gears, even if it does curtail my top speed somewhat. I find that a gear of about 48" is good for climbing moderate hills.

The "Universe" is currently running as a single-speed bicycle with a 44-tooth chain-ring and an 18-tooth sprocket. This gives a gear of about 68" or 69". I have a Sturmey-Archer AW 3-speed hub which I intend to lace into the 28" rims when the opportunity arises (my first foray into wheel-building!) The use of a 20-tooth sprocket will give a slightly-lower gearing of 46"/62"/82" .

With any luck, both bicycles will be complete in time for the 2nd Annual Canberra Vintage bicycle ride in September. This does create a few problems for me. Assuming that both bicycles are ready, I would need:

1.) A way of getting them to Canberra (Free bicycle carriage only goes as far as Goulburn, and after that there are basically zero bicycle facilities on trains).

2.) A friend willing to be the caretaker and rider of the second bicycle. (thoughts turn to Michael, who is a good sport, and would dress up appropriately for the occasion).

More of the Sydney Tweed Ride - 2009

Ah, a lovely ride around some wonderful locations! Picture taken from the park under the southern approach of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney.


On the right this fellow took out the prize for best dressed gent. Picture taken at Mrs Macquarie's Chair, the Domain, Sydney.


Sydney Tweed Ride 2009 - Prize winner for "Most Retro" (best facial hair). Sorry, I cannot remember his name, as he was only known to me as "Mutton-chops" or "Kylie's Dad". A lovely touch is the Gladstone Bag held onto the rear rack with leather straps. Picture taken at Mrs Macquarie's Chair, Sydney.


In this picture we see Betty, prize-winner for best-dressed lady with her Pashley bicycle chatting to a fellow who has brought a vintage Moulton 16" wheeled bicycle. Picture taken at Observatory Hill, Sydney


Prize-winner for best ride was this Harry Quinn Cycles machine. In absolutely beautiful condition. I apologise for not being able to get a better shot. Next year I plan to arrive early and get participants to pose for portraits with their bicycles at the start of the ride. Picture taken at Centennial Park, Sydney.


A lovely young lady with a small-wheeled bicycle. This style of bicycle was introduced in the late 1960's, took off in the 1970's and became something of a cultural icon in England. Picture taken at Centennial Park, Sydney.

View the Complete Album on Photobucket.com

The Sydney Tweed Ride 2009

Your's Truly dressed all dapper in with herringbone tweed jacket, argyle socks, standing in front of my Universe Roadster. You might or might not be able to make out the new mudguards which have black and red pin-striping on them.

My Vintage Ride

c.1950's Universe Gent's Roadster bicycle.

22" Gent's frame running on 27" x 1-1/4" wheels (frame designed to take 28" x 1-3/8" wheels). Unfortunately the only original parts are the frame, forks, seat-post and bottom bracket. It has been refurbished using a variety of second-hand or salvaged parts, including 27" x 1-1/4" wheels, 3-speed Shimano hub, gum-wall tyres, north road style handle-bars and a tall quill stem, mudguards, rear carry rack, brakes, etc.

I plan to put 28" x 1-3/8" wheels into it. I have a pair of wheels, but the rear wheel has a single-speed coaster-braked hub. I have a Sturmey-Archer 3-speed AW hub which will have to be laced into the rim. I intend to use good quality stainless steel spokes to ensure a long service life.

I'd like to also fit it out with a more period-appropriate set of lights and a pressed-metal carry rack. I've bought a set of alloy mudguards to suit 28" wheels to replace the rusty chromed steel ones currently on it. I'd also love to get my hands on a chain-guard to suit the frame as well, but Universe cycles in Parramatta have informed me that they are completely out and not sure when they can obtain new stocks.

How does she handle? Well, with a long wheelbase of approx. 44" (112cm) and a long offset on the forks she's very stable on the road. However, this does also mean a fairly wide turning circle. Stability is a definite plus - I can power up a hill in 1st gear with only one hand on the bars. I can also brake one-handed without compromising the handling (a cause of my second bicycle crash). Stability is ideal in a bicycle which will be used for commuting and hopefully touring too. I can see why North Road handle-bars were so popular in years gone buy - they have such a natural and comfortable hand position. My seated riding position is very upright and easy - the sprung leather saddle has been taken from my retro-fied MTB, which I now find very uncomfortable and will probably sell in the near future.

Anyway, I'll be taking this machine on the Sydney Tweed Ride on Sunday, so if you read my blog and recognise my bicycle, come up and say g'day!