1952 Schwinn World 3-Speed Update

[elginkid]

Took it on a maiden ride in the 12 degree weather. It shifted smoothly. My goodness, what a difference between this and my Phantom! It’s funny to think of them being sold alongside each other. The nod for comfort certainly goes to the Phantom, but in terms of everyday usability, it highlights the very different approach to bicycle manufacturing in the rest of the world at the time.

 

[GTs58]

What did you do to get it to shift properly? A little light oil?

 

[Schwinn Sales West]

From playing with it, it seems the issue may not be with the cable. The indicator chain seems to be getting stuck. So it looks like tension is released, but if you fiddle with it, then all of a sudden it releases and the rest of the travel is available.

That is normal on a Sturmey Archer three speed internal gear hub. The indicator spindle is screwed into a key that operates a sliding clutch. The four fingers on that clutch need to fully engage with the drive pins. It's not any different that an early "non-synchronized" automotive/truck transmission. It's the reason you are asked "to coast" with the wheel turning, and the pedals stationary when changing gears. If the shift is done this way everything meshes smoothly together and works fine. But if the wheel is stationary, and the pedals are not moving, you have a 50/50 chance of a smooth shift.

John

 

[SirMike1983]

What size rear cog are you using? It usually helps to increase the rear cog size to 20 or 22 teeth. The stock 18 is not bad, but the gearing is on the high side if you have to climb hills at all. I run my Schiwnn 3 speeds 46 teeth front, 22 rear in most cases. We have plenty of hills around here.

 

[elginkid]

What did you do to get it to shift properly? A little light oil?

Cursed a little. I actually took it back to the shop. The wheels weren’t as true as they should be, which meant the braking sucked. It seemed like pedaling under load would release whatever the issue was. It worked consistently when I was riding, and when I put it back in the stand, it did it a few more times.

 

[elginkid]

What size rear cog are you using? It usually helps to increase the rear cog size to 20 or 22 teeth. The stock 18 is not bad, but the gearing is on the high side if you have to climb hills at all. I run my Schiwnn 3 speeds 46 teeth front, 22 rear in most cases. We have plenty of hills around here.

I’m guessing 18, based on the pictures. Where I’ll be riding it, the hills shouldn’t be too bad. I will probably prefer the additional speed afforded by the smaller rear. I have the 8 speed Ranger for those, lol.

 

[bikerbluz]

That is a beautiful bike. One of my favorite colors. I agree with Eric on the Brooks saddle. That used looks perfect on there, like it really belongs.