Need help/advice converting SS MTB to English 3-Speed - Cycling Mob: Road Cycling, Mountain Biking and More

11-16-2004, 04:03 PM

After riding a 3-speed bicycle over the weekend I simply can not go
back to riding my single speed mountain bike. It is an entirely new
experience - and one that fits me perfectly as a rider.

Here is what I would like to do:

I have a Redline Monocog Single Speed mountain bike. Because of it's
BMX genes it only takes 110mm hubs. According to Sturmey Archers
website they sell a 110mm 3 speed hub(!). So here is the plan:

- New wheels with Sturmey Archer 3-speed 110mm hub on the rear
- Replace stock pedals with MKS Rubber Pedals with Reflectors
- Replace flat bar with Nitto Aluminum North Road Bars and Raleigh
Grips
- New tires likely a 26x1.5" semi-slick
- a Kickstand
- if possible, fenders and a rear rack
- Add a Brooks B67 springer saddle for a comfy upright position

So here are the questions:

1. Am I insane?
2. What type of rims/spokes would go well with this?
3. I don't think the Monocog came with eyelets for fenders or a rack.
Is it feasable to drill these in or are their alternatives for this
situation?
4. Anything else I can add to make this a bit more 'English'?
Recommendations on gearing?
5. The Monocogs BMX genes give it a LONG seat tube. What kind of stem
set up should I be looking at to get those handle bars in the right
position?

Thanks in advance!

11-16-2004, 05:35 PM

On Tue, 16 Nov 2004 17:03:02 -0800, Lobo Tommy wrote:

> After riding a 3-speed bicycle over the weekend I simply can not go back
> to riding my single speed mountain bike. It is an entirely new experience
> - and one that fits me perfectly as a rider.
>
> Here is what I would like to do:
>

> [a bunch of hard stuff]

Get yourself a set of 26" prebuilt Shimano Nexus hub wheels. Add your
flavour of rubber. Bolt on. Run three speed shifter to bars. Add Brooks,
Fenders, bell, rubber block pedals, rack and Nitto North Road handlebars
to taste. Done. Should take two hours.

Thinking of building one myself, but I prefer basing it on 700c wheels
since they're closer to the larger size on the old Tourists. If I had a 26
inch frame I'd no doubt go your route.

Sturmey Archer hubs are neato, but I wouldn't bother building a wheel
around them unless you're really hip to the looks and the retro factor. I
think they're very handsome, but I also think Shimano hubs work
brilliantly. Something to consider at least.

I'd think about getting a set of these:
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

It's a Shimano 7 speed internal with Alex rims. The Alex rims are cheap,
but perfectly durable for city riding, you don't need anything fancier.
Coaster brake of course.

Search around, I've seen 26" wheelsets with the 3spd shimano hub for a
hundred bucks built on servicable alloy rims.

Hmmm, rereading your post I noticed the spacing of your dropouts.
You'll need wider for the average 3spd hub, of which you're most obviously
aware, but if the frame is steel, just cold set it to a wider spacing,
it's relatively easy and fun.

No, you're not nuts btw, the humble 3 speed is the most perfect bicycle
ever conceived. Simple and practical, what's not to like. Updated with
some modern bits,it's even better.

Kudos to your decision to use rubber block pedals: they're the nicest with
street shoes.

11-16-2004, 05:35 PM

On Tue, 16 Nov 2004 17:03:02 -0800, Lobo Tommy wrote:

> After riding a 3-speed bicycle over the weekend I simply can not go back
> to riding my single speed mountain bike. It is an entirely new experience
> - and one that fits me perfectly as a rider.
>
> Here is what I would like to do:
>

> [a bunch of hard stuff]

Get yourself a set of 26" prebuilt Shimano Nexus hub wheels. Add your
flavour of rubber. Bolt on. Run three speed shifter to bars. Add Brooks,
Fenders, bell, rubber block pedals, rack and Nitto North Road handlebars
to taste. Done. Should take two hours.

Thinking of building one myself, but I prefer basing it on 700c wheels
since they're closer to the larger size on the old Tourists. If I had a 26
inch frame I'd no doubt go your route.

Sturmey Archer hubs are neato, but I wouldn't bother building a wheel
around them unless you're really hip to the looks and the retro factor. I
think they're very handsome, but I also think Shimano hubs work
brilliantly. Something to consider at least.

I'd think about getting a set of these:
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

It's a Shimano 7 speed internal with Alex rims. The Alex rims are cheap,
but perfectly durable for city riding, you don't need anything fancier.
Coaster brake of course.

Search around, I've seen 26" wheelsets with the 3spd shimano hub for a
hundred bucks built on servicable alloy rims.

Hmmm, rereading your post I noticed the spacing of your dropouts.
You'll need wider for the average 3spd hub, of which you're most obviously
aware, but if the frame is steel, just cold set it to a wider spacing,
it's relatively easy and fun.

No, you're not nuts btw, the humble 3 speed is the most perfect bicycle
ever conceived. Simple and practical, what's not to like. Updated with
some modern bits,it's even better.

Kudos to your decision to use rubber block pedals: they're the nicest with
street shoes.

11-16-2004, 05:35 PM

On Tue, 16 Nov 2004 17:03:02 -0800, Lobo Tommy wrote:

> After riding a 3-speed bicycle over the weekend I simply can not go back
> to riding my single speed mountain bike. It is an entirely new experience
> - and one that fits me perfectly as a rider.
>
> Here is what I would like to do:
>

> [a bunch of hard stuff]

Get yourself a set of 26" prebuilt Shimano Nexus hub wheels. Add your
flavour of rubber. Bolt on. Run three speed shifter to bars. Add Brooks,
Fenders, bell, rubber block pedals, rack and Nitto North Road handlebars
to taste. Done. Should take two hours.

Thinking of building one myself, but I prefer basing it on 700c wheels
since they're closer to the larger size on the old Tourists. If I had a 26
inch frame I'd no doubt go your route.

Sturmey Archer hubs are neato, but I wouldn't bother building a wheel
around them unless you're really hip to the looks and the retro factor. I
think they're very handsome, but I also think Shimano hubs work
brilliantly. Something to consider at least.

I'd think about getting a set of these:
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

It's a Shimano 7 speed internal with Alex rims. The Alex rims are cheap,
but perfectly durable for city riding, you don't need anything fancier.
Coaster brake of course.

Search around, I've seen 26" wheelsets with the 3spd shimano hub for a
hundred bucks built on servicable alloy rims.

Hmmm, rereading your post I noticed the spacing of your dropouts.
You'll need wider for the average 3spd hub, of which you're most obviously
aware, but if the frame is steel, just cold set it to a wider spacing,
it's relatively easy and fun.

No, you're not nuts btw, the humble 3 speed is the most perfect bicycle
ever conceived. Simple and practical, what's not to like. Updated with
some modern bits,it's even better.

Kudos to your decision to use rubber block pedals: they're the nicest with
street shoes.

11-16-2004, 05:35 PM

On Tue, 16 Nov 2004 17:03:02 -0800, Lobo Tommy wrote:

> After riding a 3-speed bicycle over the weekend I simply can not go back
> to riding my single speed mountain bike. It is an entirely new experience
> - and one that fits me perfectly as a rider.
>
> Here is what I would like to do:
>

> [a bunch of hard stuff]

Get yourself a set of 26" prebuilt Shimano Nexus hub wheels. Add your
flavour of rubber. Bolt on. Run three speed shifter to bars. Add Brooks,
Fenders, bell, rubber block pedals, rack and Nitto North Road handlebars
to taste. Done. Should take two hours.

Thinking of building one myself, but I prefer basing it on 700c wheels
since they're closer to the larger size on the old Tourists. If I had a 26
inch frame I'd no doubt go your route.

Sturmey Archer hubs are neato, but I wouldn't bother building a wheel
around them unless you're really hip to the looks and the retro factor. I
think they're very handsome, but I also think Shimano hubs work
brilliantly. Something to consider at least.

I'd think about getting a set of these:
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

It's a Shimano 7 speed internal with Alex rims. The Alex rims are cheap,
but perfectly durable for city riding, you don't need anything fancier.
Coaster brake of course.

Search around, I've seen 26" wheelsets with the 3spd shimano hub for a
hundred bucks built on servicable alloy rims.

Hmmm, rereading your post I noticed the spacing of your dropouts.
You'll need wider for the average 3spd hub, of which you're most obviously
aware, but if the frame is steel, just cold set it to a wider spacing,
it's relatively easy and fun.

No, you're not nuts btw, the humble 3 speed is the most perfect bicycle
ever conceived. Simple and practical, what's not to like. Updated with
some modern bits,it's even better.

Kudos to your decision to use rubber block pedals: they're the nicest with
street shoes.

11-16-2004, 06:13 PM

On Wed, 17 Nov 2004 02:35:49 GMT, maxo <maxo@NOSPAMhome.se> wrote:

> On Tue, 16 Nov 2004 17:03:02 -0800, Lobo Tommy wrote:
>
>> After riding a 3-speed bicycle over the weekend I simply can not go back
>> to riding my single speed mountain bike. It is an entirely new
>> experience
>> - and one that fits me perfectly as a rider.
>>
>> Here is what I would like to do:
>>
>
>> [a bunch of hard stuff]
>
> Get yourself a set of 26" prebuilt Shimano Nexus hub wheels. Add your
> flavour of rubber. Bolt on. Run three speed shifter to bars. Add Brooks,
> Fenders, bell, rubber block pedals, rack and Nitto North Road handlebars
> to taste. Done. Should take two hours.
>
>
> Thinking of building one myself, but I prefer basing it on 700c wheels
> since they're closer to the larger size on the old Tourists. If I had a
> 26
> inch frame I'd no doubt go your route.

>
> Sturmey Archer hubs are neato, but I wouldn't bother building a wheel
> around them unless you're really hip to the looks and the retro factor. I
> think they're very handsome, but I also think Shimano hubs work
> brilliantly. Something to consider at least.
>
> I'd think about getting a set of these:
> [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
>
> It's a Shimano 7 speed internal with Alex rims. The Alex rims are cheap,
> but perfectly durable for city riding, you don't need anything fancier.
> Coaster brake of course.
>
> Search around, I've seen 26" wheelsets with the 3spd shimano hub for a
> hundred bucks built on servicable alloy rims.
>
>
> Hmmm, rereading your post I noticed the spacing of your dropouts.
> You'll need wider for the average 3spd hub, of which you're most
> obviously
> aware, but if the frame is steel, just cold set it to a wider spacing,
> it's relatively easy and fun.

>
> No, you're not nuts btw, the humble 3 speed is the most perfect bicycle
> ever conceived. Simple and practical, what's not to like. Updated with
> some modern bits,it's even better.
>
> Kudos to your decision to use rubber block pedals: they're the nicest
> with
> street shoes.

>
>
My two cents is not to discount the Sturmey-Archer hubs. I rode them into
the ground when I was a kid in Illinois and never broke one or ever heard
of one breaking. You kind of get used to that click...click...click when
the gear train is working. I miss it. 21 speeds just aren't nostalgia
material.

--
Bill (not always politically correct) Baka

11-16-2004, 06:13 PM

On Wed, 17 Nov 2004 02:35:49 GMT, maxo <maxo@NOSPAMhome.se> wrote:

> On Tue, 16 Nov 2004 17:03:02 -0800, Lobo Tommy wrote:
>
>> After riding a 3-speed bicycle over the weekend I simply can not go back
>> to riding my single speed mountain bike. It is an entirely new
>> experience
>> - and one that fits me perfectly as a rider.
>>
>> Here is what I would like to do:
>>
>
>> [a bunch of hard stuff]
>
> Get yourself a set of 26" prebuilt Shimano Nexus hub wheels. Add your
> flavour of rubber. Bolt on. Run three speed shifter to bars. Add Brooks,
> Fenders, bell, rubber block pedals, rack and Nitto North Road handlebars
> to taste. Done. Should take two hours.
>
>
> Thinking of building one myself, but I prefer basing it on 700c wheels
> since they're closer to the larger size on the old Tourists. If I had a
> 26
> inch frame I'd no doubt go your route.

>
> Sturmey Archer hubs are neato, but I wouldn't bother building a wheel
> around them unless you're really hip to the looks and the retro factor. I
> think they're very handsome, but I also think Shimano hubs work
> brilliantly. Something to consider at least.
>
> I'd think about getting a set of these:
> [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
>
> It's a Shimano 7 speed internal with Alex rims. The Alex rims are cheap,
> but perfectly durable for city riding, you don't need anything fancier.
> Coaster brake of course.
>
> Search around, I've seen 26" wheelsets with the 3spd shimano hub for a
> hundred bucks built on servicable alloy rims.
>
>
> Hmmm, rereading your post I noticed the spacing of your dropouts.
> You'll need wider for the average 3spd hub, of which you're most
> obviously
> aware, but if the frame is steel, just cold set it to a wider spacing,
> it's relatively easy and fun.

>
> No, you're not nuts btw, the humble 3 speed is the most perfect bicycle
> ever conceived. Simple and practical, what's not to like. Updated with
> some modern bits,it's even better.
>
> Kudos to your decision to use rubber block pedals: they're the nicest
> with
> street shoes.

>
>
My two cents is not to discount the Sturmey-Archer hubs. I rode them into
the ground when I was a kid in Illinois and never broke one or ever heard
of one breaking. You kind of get used to that click...click...click when
the gear train is working. I miss it. 21 speeds just aren't nostalgia
material.

--
Bill (not always politically correct) Baka

11-16-2004, 06:13 PM

On Wed, 17 Nov 2004 02:35:49 GMT, maxo <maxo@NOSPAMhome.se> wrote:

> On Tue, 16 Nov 2004 17:03:02 -0800, Lobo Tommy wrote:
>
>> After riding a 3-speed bicycle over the weekend I simply can not go back
>> to riding my single speed mountain bike. It is an entirely new
>> experience
>> - and one that fits me perfectly as a rider.
>>
>> Here is what I would like to do:
>>
>
>> [a bunch of hard stuff]
>
> Get yourself a set of 26" prebuilt Shimano Nexus hub wheels. Add your
> flavour of rubber. Bolt on. Run three speed shifter to bars. Add Brooks,
> Fenders, bell, rubber block pedals, rack and Nitto North Road handlebars
> to taste. Done. Should take two hours.
>
>
> Thinking of building one myself, but I prefer basing it on 700c wheels
> since they're closer to the larger size on the old Tourists. If I had a
> 26
> inch frame I'd no doubt go your route.

>
> Sturmey Archer hubs are neato, but I wouldn't bother building a wheel
> around them unless you're really hip to the looks and the retro factor. I
> think they're very handsome, but I also think Shimano hubs work
> brilliantly. Something to consider at least.
>
> I'd think about getting a set of these:
> [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
>
> It's a Shimano 7 speed internal with Alex rims. The Alex rims are cheap,
> but perfectly durable for city riding, you don't need anything fancier.
> Coaster brake of course.
>
> Search around, I've seen 26" wheelsets with the 3spd shimano hub for a
> hundred bucks built on servicable alloy rims.
>
>
> Hmmm, rereading your post I noticed the spacing of your dropouts.
> You'll need wider for the average 3spd hub, of which you're most
> obviously
> aware, but if the frame is steel, just cold set it to a wider spacing,
> it's relatively easy and fun.

>
> No, you're not nuts btw, the humble 3 speed is the most perfect bicycle
> ever conceived. Simple and practical, what's not to like. Updated with
> some modern bits,it's even better.
>
> Kudos to your decision to use rubber block pedals: they're the nicest
> with
> street shoes.

>
>
My two cents is not to discount the Sturmey-Archer hubs. I rode them into
the ground when I was a kid in Illinois and never broke one or ever heard
of one breaking. You kind of get used to that click...click...click when
the gear train is working. I miss it. 21 speeds just aren't nostalgia
material.

--
Bill (not always politically correct) Baka

11-16-2004, 06:13 PM

On Wed, 17 Nov 2004 02:35:49 GMT, maxo <maxo@NOSPAMhome.se> wrote:

> On Tue, 16 Nov 2004 17:03:02 -0800, Lobo Tommy wrote:
>
>> After riding a 3-speed bicycle over the weekend I simply can not go back
>> to riding my single speed mountain bike. It is an entirely new
>> experience
>> - and one that fits me perfectly as a rider.
>>
>> Here is what I would like to do:
>>
>
>> [a bunch of hard stuff]
>
> Get yourself a set of 26" prebuilt Shimano Nexus hub wheels. Add your
> flavour of rubber. Bolt on. Run three speed shifter to bars. Add Brooks,
> Fenders, bell, rubber block pedals, rack and Nitto North Road handlebars
> to taste. Done. Should take two hours.
>
>
> Thinking of building one myself, but I prefer basing it on 700c wheels
> since they're closer to the larger size on the old Tourists. If I had a
> 26
> inch frame I'd no doubt go your route.

>
> Sturmey Archer hubs are neato, but I wouldn't bother building a wheel
> around them unless you're really hip to the looks and the retro factor. I
> think they're very handsome, but I also think Shimano hubs work
> brilliantly. Something to consider at least.
>
> I'd think about getting a set of these:
> [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
>
> It's a Shimano 7 speed internal with Alex rims. The Alex rims are cheap,
> but perfectly durable for city riding, you don't need anything fancier.
> Coaster brake of course.
>
> Search around, I've seen 26" wheelsets with the 3spd shimano hub for a
> hundred bucks built on servicable alloy rims.
>
>
> Hmmm, rereading your post I noticed the spacing of your dropouts.
> You'll need wider for the average 3spd hub, of which you're most
> obviously
> aware, but if the frame is steel, just cold set it to a wider spacing,
> it's relatively easy and fun.

>
> No, you're not nuts btw, the humble 3 speed is the most perfect bicycle
> ever conceived. Simple and practical, what's not to like. Updated with
> some modern bits,it's even better.
>
> Kudos to your decision to use rubber block pedals: they're the nicest
> with
> street shoes.

>
>
My two cents is not to discount the Sturmey-Archer hubs. I rode them into
the ground when I was a kid in Illinois and never broke one or ever heard
of one breaking. You kind of get used to that click...click...click when
the gear train is working. I miss it. 21 speeds just aren't nostalgia
material.

--
Bill (not always politically correct) Baka

11-16-2004, 06:31 PM

On 16 Nov 2004 17:03:02 -0800, [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] (Lobo Tommy) wrote:

>After riding a 3-speed bicycle over the weekend I simply can not go
>back to riding my single speed mountain bike. It is an entirely new
>experience - and one that fits me perfectly as a rider.
>
>Here is what I would like to do:
>
>I have a Redline Monocog Single Speed mountain bike. Because of it's
>BMX genes it only takes 110mm hubs. According to Sturmey Archers
>website they sell a 110mm 3 speed hub(!). So here is the plan:
>
>- New wheels with Sturmey Archer 3-speed 110mm hub on the rear
>- Replace stock pedals with MKS Rubber Pedals with Reflectors
>- Replace flat bar with Nitto Aluminum North Road Bars and Raleigh
>Grips
>- New tires likely a 26x1.5" semi-slick
>- a Kickstand
>- if possible, fenders and a rear rack
>- Add a Brooks B67 springer saddle for a comfy upright position
>
>So here are the questions:
>
>1. Am I insane?

IMO, no. You may get some strange looks, but so what?

>2. What type of rims/spokes would go well with this?

Use your current rims. Spokes? Unless you've got a major weight
issue to address, just about any should work fine in that application.

>3. I don't think the Monocog came with eyelets for fenders or a rack.
>Is it feasable to drill these in or are their alternatives for this
>situation?

Now, that could be a problem. The SA hub's axle has a limited amount
of extra reach, and might allow you to sandwich in a rack that's
designed to mount that way, but if the dropouts are thick (and many
aluminum ones are), then you've got a bit of a challenge. I'd consult
the lbs for help.

>4. Anything else I can add to make this a bit more 'English'?

A generator-powered light set, a bell, a fully enclosed chain guard,
and one of the useless rear wheel locks that's about as secure as
asking the wino in front of the store to watch your bike while you
shop. (I have an English roadster out back, you see...)

Of course, it won't be really English without 700C or 27" rims, but
there are some concessions that will just have to be made.

>Recommendations on gearing?

Start with the front chainring that you have now. Swap to a different
one only if experience indicates the need.

>5. The Monocogs BMX genes give it a LONG seat tube. What kind of stem
>set up should I be looking at to get those handle bars in the right
>position?

Whatever it takes to put it where you prefer, but the classic location
is about one to three inches above the seat.

Of course, if you were to cast around at the local thrift stores a
bit, I bet you'd come up with an English roadster in good shape before
very long...probably for about 20 to 35 dollars. I've seen lots of
them at the local Goodwill stores. They usually just need lube and
tires to make them useful.
--
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