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MG Midget and Sprite General - Raleigh Bicycle Parts - NMC

My wife has requested I restore her 1971 Raleigh 3-speed Bicycle. So I am looking for a parts source either in the UK, Canada, or USA that can assist with Sturmey Archer, wheels, rims, and other bits. Any suggestions?

Regards,

Larry C.
Larry C '69 Midget

hmmmmm - wouldn't it be cheaper for her to get a brand new all singing all dancing multi-geared one?

Otherwise - if you put up a photo and list of parts, there is a good cycle shop in one of the local towns here - I could always ask for you if it'd help?
rachmacb

Larry

The 3 speed Sturmey Archer is a very simple device, they're easy to dismantle and the only thing you're likely to find worn beyond re use are the springs and ball bearings, the rims are standard rims.

Try this link http://www.sheldonbrown.com/english-3.html

If you want a bit more of a challenge try a 4 speed with hub dynamo.

Bob
R.A Davis

Larry,

You'll want to find out the specific model number as I rebuilt a SA hub for an old girlfriend and that bike had belonged to my sister and was brought back from the states. I was told it was a model that was not common in this country but was largely used in the US, I don't know what the differences were. I had to get a new annulus assembly IIRC, this was about 20 years ago. Got it all right and not expensive but can't remember now who supplied the parts.
David Billington

you might get some good info from the manufaturer they seem to acknowledge their heritage

http://www.sturmey-archer.com/contact
Nigel Atkins

There's lots of hub info on the late Sheldon Brown's web site. Sheldon was the parts man at Harris Cycles in West Newton MA, and a proponent of hubs rather than derailleurs for road bikes. His widow and the people at Harris Cycles maintain the site, so it's still current.
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/

A couple of years ago, I spoke to George Gamache, owner of Gamache Cycles in Fitchburg MA, and he told me he still has a large stock of old 3-speed parts.
(978) 343-3140

I think I may still have a couple of spare SA hubs around.

I was the neighborhood bicycle mechanic in our neighborhood when growing up, and the only parts I recall replacing were the indicator and the indicator spindle. The indicator is the part with the chain that operates the shifting mechanism, and the spindle is the part that it screws into, inside the hub.

I have two old 3-speed bikes; a '70s Armstrong that I was given recently, and a Hercules Royal Prince that was my Christmas present in 1958. Both were built in Birmingham. I'm (slowly) updating the Armstrong for road use, and someday I'll finish restoring the Hercules.

There are still a few Japanese-made 3-speeds in my mother's garage. I'm told the hubs are made to English specs and the parts are interchangeable, but I haven't tried that.

- Bill
Bill Gavin

Also, Craig's List usually has used "English
Racers" at varying prices. For example, this
"like new" garage queen is on today in Raleigh
NC:

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/bik/2399489860.html
chuckc

Rach,

LOL, cheaper all singing and dancing multi-geared bikes! Better I don't let Connie see your reply, as this bike seems to have sentimental value to it for her. I bought it for her birthday all those years ago at a time when we had little money for anything, and we drove a ridiculously tiny car as our only means of transportation;~)

All,

Great help with all the links. Thank you for your assistance. I'll try to post a few pictures when I can.

Regards,

Larry C.
Larry C '69 Midget

Uh oh - better not - I'll be in trouble over there - as much as I am over here ...!!!!

I did offer to go to the shop though, so, does that kinda save my skin????????? :)
rachmacb

Rach,

Thanks for that. Also, she hasn't been back to the UK since 1966, so you're safe.

We have two local shops, that sell the singing and dancing ones. They will be a good source for cables, and a few small bits. I won't know about the 3-speed hub until I get it apart, but it seems to still shift.

Regards,

Larry C.
Larry C '69 Midget

Lol phew!!! :)

All the best for the rebuild and I can see her point as it was a present from you.
rachmacb

The cross and the planetary pins wear in those SA hubs as well. When high gear keeps skipping on you, it is time to replace them. Fond memories of the 3-speed I had in highschool, but derailleurs are more efficient and look sexier ;-) Used to be able to strip and rebuild that hub in the dark.

That "English Racer" in Raleigh is sporting a Shimano 3-speed hub, so I call cheaters! Besides, the Shimano hub is NOT simple!!!!

Speaking of English Raleighs, my old (around 40) Raleigh Grand Prix broke on me a couple weeks ago. Sheared through the head tube on my way home from work. I am now in the process of transferring everything from that bike to the Raleigh Super Course Mk II frame from the mid-70s that I have. Hope the magic transfers with it... I got the bike, complete with the proper Mafac Racer brakes, from the bottom of a heap of used bikes a friend of mine had over 30 years ago. Over the years just about everything got changed except the frame, fork, seatpost tube, and handlebars. The "stem of death" broke on me last year while sitting at a stoplight (it felt "funny", so I was trying to see what was up and it came apart in my hands. Fortunately, I only had a mile to push it home). Yes, I have newer, lighter and more expensive bikes, but none of them really come alive when I get on them like the old GP.
David "of course I don't wear shoes to pedal" Lieb
David Lieb

David,

Your a man of many talents, Raleigh Grand Prix bicycles, who knew? I'll let you know if I run into any problems with the Sturmey/Archer hub when I open it up.

Regards,

Larry C.
Larry C '69 Midget

This thread was discussed between 24/05/2011 and 25/05/2011

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