Last fall a 1965 vintage Sturmey Archer AW 3 speed rear hub fell into my lap thanks to my friend Russ. The hub was attached to a 40 spoke chrome plated steel wheel that was attached to a Robin Hood, British made, vintage 3 speed bicycle. It was all there except for the saddle. No worries.
There are a group of 3 speed British bicycle riders in Minnesota that put on 2 events I would like to ride. The All British Bicycle Event, http://www.abcetour.com and The 3 Speed tour http://www.3speedtour.com
I just found out I missed the 3 Speed Tour that happened last weekend!
I am ready now for the ABCE tour set for September. Last year I rode one day of this event on a borrowed bicycle and can’t wait to introduce my new Robin Hood that I named “Maid Marian” to all of this fun.
Honestly, the bike was a wreck when I got it. As I said before, it was all there except the saddle. Alas this Robin Hood needed almost everything. When it is possible, I try to preserve vintage bikes that come into my lair. This classic was not even a reasonable candidate for restoration. Instead it became an art project. Like any art project, artistic license comes into play.
I may be fat and old, but the upright, uptight riding position of vintage 3 speeds does not suit me. The original steel handle bar and stem were replaced with an alloy stem and a Nitto mustache bar flipped over to afford me to be in a bit more stretched out and comfortable riding position. Some used Brooks handle bar tape covered where I might grip the bar. The original brake levers were replaced with a vintage pair of Shimano 600 road bike brake levers because I had them and they were perforated and looked fast.
Now here is where it gets kinda crazy. I flushed out the AW hub and filled it with gun oil and a tiny bit of Phil Wood’s Tenacious Oil. I asked friends and combed the internet for suggestions. and that lubrication formula is what I came up with. It seems to work fine.
New 650a (37×590) Continental City Ride tires, Cane Creek Grey Matter brake pads as well as my old Brooks Professional saddle were added to the mix.
The initial test ride yielded some important information. Even after replacing the original brake pads with new Grey Matter brake pads, the braking sucked. Chrome plated steel rims are not stoppers. They barely slowed the bike down.
Yeah, the bottom bracket was in need of some love too.
Well, anything worth doing is worth overdoing.
The front wheel was replaced with a rebuilt early 70’s Normandy brand high flange hub with huge Huret wing nuts. The hub was then laced into a modern 36 hole CR-18 alloy 650a rim with stainless steel spokes and brass nipples.
I used a French hub because I love all of the tension and comedy between France and England, plus I had one in my cultch collection. I love them big wing nuts.
The Sturmey Archer AW hub was freed from his steel bonds and Nic-Nic laced him into a 40 hole CR-18 rim as well.
I told you it was getting crazy. It just got crazier.
The worn out bottom bracket was replaced with a modern one that had an alloy crankset attached to it. The flaccid brakes were replaced as well. Powerful Tektro 539 caliper brakes reached the mark.
Oh yeah. A Sturmey Archer 3 speed bar end shifter was employed as well as all new stainless steel cables and spiffy housing for the brakes and shifting.
I don’t think I missed anything. Oh yes I did.
A Minoura handle bar cage mount with a stainless Arundel water bottle cage was centered on the Nitto bar, and off I rode. Hydrate or die.
Maid Marian was wonderful on the flats and the climbs during my test ride to Excelsior. She is a comfortable bicycle. My riding position proved excellent. Maid Marian absorbed the bumps like a lady. Alas, she did protest loudly on any downhill by wiggling her front wheel in a most frightening fashion. Spoke tension was checked and correct. Her wonderful wing nuts were secure. Her fork welds were scrutinized. Her head set had been rebuilt. She seemed to be in tip top shape. But anything over 28.9682 kph. had her doing the shimmy in a most un-lady like manner.
What’s a boy to do?
Finding a correct replacement vintage fork for her proved futile. A stout 700c contender entered the ring. His chrome demeanor exuded confidence and strength. He was a bit tall for Maid Marian, but she seemed not to mind. Her headset was replaced and the contender was installed. She now had a slightly snooty look about her with her head tube held high. Neither the Tektro 539 brake nor his taller cousin the 559 could now reach Maid Marian’s rim. We could ride with just a rear brake, could we not? Homey don’t play dat. A Tektro BMX brake arrived just in time to stop the drama. His reach was the longest of them all. Once Mr. Tektro BMX became adjusted to his new perch a test ride was arranged.
Off we want to Excelsior again, but this time I sang Camelot, at the top of my lungs. I know this sounds a bit bizarre. But that’s how conditions are.
Maid Marian was no longer a brazen hussy wiggling her front end at fast down hills. Even with her longer nonstandard fork, She very handled well.
We will still endeavor to find a correct fork for Maid Marian so that her top tube will once again be level.
An update will be relayed to you, kind readers, after her coming out party at the ABCE tour in September.
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