1954 English 3-speed

[DebW]

That bike and I were born the same year (1954). I hope if I get all bent out of shape someday, I can get you to put ME back together too!

It's one year older than me. And I don't think you'd want me to do to you what I did to that fork. Would you like to be clamped in a vise and beaten with a mallet?

[KnottedYet]

Deb, that bike is just so cool! Thank you for keeping us informed, I love reading this.

You've got a lovely picture of the chainring, are those duck or goose heads decorating it, or just a figment of my computer? Seems a shame to cover that with the chain guard, eh?

There is a guy collecting pictures of chainrings, and having them tattooed on his arm. He might be interested in this one. I'll see if I can find the link.

Edit: here it is. This guy also has the Gazelle chainring that Amici Veloci uses. http://www.blackbirdsf.org/chainwheels/

[Trek420]

..... I don't think you'd want me to do to you what I did to that fork. Would you like to be clamped in a vise and beaten with a mallet?

Now Deb, this is a family forum.

It's a beautiful bike, and 2 years older than me 8-)

[SouthernBelle]

It's one year older than me. And I don't think you'd want me to do to you what I did to that fork. Would you like to be clamped in a vise and beaten with a mallet?

Actually, Lisa likes that sort of thing.

[DebW]

You've got a lovely picture of the chainring, are those duck or goose heads decorating it, or just a figment of my computer? Seems a shame to cover that with the chain guard, eh?

I hadn't noticed that, but you're right. Actually, they look more like mergansers or grebes to me since the back of the head has that extension. But maybe they are herons given the long neck and bill. Guess I should be looking at English birds, but I only have North American bird books.

[DebW]

There is a guy collecting pictures of chainrings, and having them tattooed on his arm. He might be interested in this one. I'll see if I can find the link.

Edit: here it is. This guy also has the Gazelle chainring that Amici Veloci uses. http://www.blackbirdsf.org/chainwheels/

He's already got this one, listed as a 1960s Raleigh under "the remaining chainwheels to choose from:"

[mimitabby]

Oh, that is a cool crank!!

what a surprise!

[SouthernBelle]

Went back and looked at the chainring, I love little details like that.

[DebW]

I printed out several internet pages on disassembling the Sturmey Archer AW 3-speed hub and I've gotten started. Removed the sprocket, spacers, and outer dust cap from the RHS. Removed the lock nut and cone from the LHS. Next step is to unscrew, with a hammer and punch, the ball ring that is screwed very tightly into the hub body and has been there for 53 years. The first attempt was unsuccessful, so liquid wrench is now working it's magic, I hope.

edit: It worked the next try. The hub is apart. ***applause*** Low gears pawls are out. Pawl springs are incredibly thin and delicate. Pawl pins are robust. I'm taking pictures as I go, so I try to post some soon. But now my dinner is ready.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Actually, Lisa likes that sort of thing.

[SouthernBelle]

[DebW]

Here are pictures of the AW hub coming apart. This job was not for the faint of heart, but not really difficult. Just don't want to lose any parts or put them back in the wrong order.

[KnottedYet]

Cool!!! INNERDS!!!!!

[DebW]

I'm trying to figure out if all the gunked grease in there was really grease or very old oil. You are not supposed to grease anything but the ball bearings (of which there are 3 sets).

[KnottedYet]

looks like chocolate syrup. bad chocolate syrup.