Interesting build. 3-Speed derailleur drive trains were actually a thing up till the mid 1950s. I had one but replaced it with a vintage geared hub. Was all worn out and I couldn't find a replacement sprocket set.
I was riding bikes in the mid-fifties but I don't remember any derailleur 3-speeds. I would be interested in finding out more about them. btw, for more info on just why 3-speeds can be the way to go, see ruclips.net/video/VLsv-P-ZSco/видео.html
@@harv855 Mine had a Sachs-made coaster brake hub, date coded 1955 with three non standard sprockets, the derailleur itself was made by Simplex, France. Which I figured out was probably a replacement, because Sachs had their own derailleur system (with index!) for this hub and sprocket arrangement. Few of those made it over the pond it seems, but they were very common in the old world. Even more so in the eastern bloc, where geared hubs didn't exist and 3- and 4-Speed derailleur drivetrains were pretty much the only option if you wanted any sort of gearing in the 50s and 60s.
@@westelaudio943 Thanks for the info. Interesting that they could get a coaster brake to work with a derailleur system. Although I have gotten a coaster brake to work with an internal geared hub (see video).
@@harv855 "Working" is a very relative term ;) All there was to make the process more smooth was a little loop around the chain to keep it from slipping off on the top side while braking, and of course the derailleur was more sturdy, and had larger diameter cogs than a modern one, but other than that the brake was just as bad as you would imagine. The front pulley-activated plunger brake didn't really bring it up to a decent standard either - another reason for me to get rid of that drivetrain and replace it with a good vinage coaster brake IGH. It's a shame you can't post links here anymore - so I could show you the original brochure for that system. I since replaced the driver of the original hub with a single speed one from a modern Czech "Velosteel" hub - which is essentially a clone of this archaic 1910 model year Sachs hub, thus it fits perfectly. It is now doing its duty on another 40s or 50s bike - and the brake works nicely without the derailleur.
I had a 2 cog setup on my Sturmey Archer 3 speed hub for a little extra range. I put two regular SA cogs flanges facing to make room for the chain, with a short cage derailleur. It worked OK, but the spring clip would ping off once in a while during a shift. I've heard that this was often done back in the day. I like your project, nice to see tinkering going on!
I like the 700 wheel in a 26 inch frame. I am also figuring this out on my 26 inch folding bike and I want to move the V brakes up by welding 2 extra V-brake capstands. I like your work and ingenuity 👍
Interesting build. 3-Speed derailleur drive trains were actually a thing up till the mid 1950s.
I had one but replaced it with a vintage geared hub. Was all worn out and I couldn't find a replacement sprocket set.
I was riding bikes in the mid-fifties but I don't remember any derailleur 3-speeds. I would be interested in finding out more about them. btw, for more info on just why 3-speeds can be the way to go, see ruclips.net/video/VLsv-P-ZSco/видео.html
@@harv855
Mine had a Sachs-made coaster brake hub, date coded 1955 with three non standard sprockets, the derailleur itself was made by Simplex, France. Which I figured out was probably a replacement, because Sachs had their own derailleur system (with index!) for this hub and sprocket arrangement.
Few of those made it over the pond it seems, but they were very common in the old world. Even more so in the eastern bloc, where geared hubs didn't exist and 3- and 4-Speed derailleur drivetrains were pretty much the only option if you wanted any sort of gearing in the 50s and 60s.
@@westelaudio943 Thanks for the info. Interesting that they could get a coaster brake to work with a derailleur system. Although I have gotten a coaster brake to work with an internal geared hub (see video).
@@harv855
"Working" is a very relative term ;)
All there was to make the process more smooth was a little loop around the chain to keep it from slipping off on the top side while braking, and of course the derailleur was more sturdy, and had larger diameter cogs than a modern one, but other than that the brake was just as bad as you would imagine.
The front pulley-activated plunger brake didn't really bring it up to a decent standard either - another reason for me to get rid of that drivetrain and replace it with a good vinage coaster brake IGH.
It's a shame you can't post links here anymore - so I could show you the original brochure for that system.
I since replaced the driver of the original hub with a single speed one from a modern Czech "Velosteel" hub - which is essentially a clone of this archaic 1910 model year Sachs hub, thus it fits perfectly. It is now doing its duty on another 40s or 50s bike - and the brake works nicely without the derailleur.
I had a 2 cog setup on my Sturmey Archer 3 speed hub for a little extra range. I put two regular SA cogs flanges facing to make room for the chain, with a short cage derailleur. It worked OK, but the spring clip would ping off once in a while during a shift. I've heard that this was often done back in the day. I like your project, nice to see tinkering going on!
I like the 700 wheel in a 26 inch frame. I am also figuring this out on my 26 inch folding bike and I want to move the V brakes up by welding 2 extra V-brake capstands. I like your work and ingenuity 👍