I decided to go with the 650b rims. I was just about to install the new spokes when I realized that the brake pads will have to shift about 1/2” closer to the hub. There is 3/8” of travel left on the back brakes and none on the front. Any suggestions as to a solution? There is approximately 2 1/2” max distance from the center of the mounting bolt to the line passing through the pad mounting bolts.
JC Higgins 8 speed
- Thread starter HyperHal
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rustNspokes
Finally riding a big boys bike
I'd swap the calipers for something with a little more reach.
Will the original brake levers work properly with the longer reach, dual pivot calipers ?
juvela
Cruisin' on my Bluebird
Thanks.
MN_Schwinn
Look Ma, No Hands!
Reviving this discussion as I found an old JC Higgins 8-speed over the weekend. This one has fenders, along with the original Austrian made “Assmann” leather saddle. The initial B&W photo appears to have a similar saddle. From checking VeloBase, this was an actual Austrian saddle manufacturer. The saddle clamp is stamped “Made in Austria”. Surprisingly, I was able to remove both the saddle post and the AVA stem with very little problem.
As you can see from the pictures, this bike also has the early Huret Allvit RD, and the Simplex FD. This might confirm @GTs58 suspicion that some of these Higgins bikes received the Allvit RD’s. Very similar situation to the early 60’s Schwinn Conti’s that started with Simplex RD’s, but where switched mid-year to Allvit RD’s.
It has Weinmann red dot brake levers, with what’s remaining from what I’m guessing was the white Weinmann rubber hoods. Alloy handlebars. The brake calipers have very faint to no markings. The rear wheel has the original 26 x 1-3/8 Austrian made tire, but I have no idea who made the steel rims. Both the front and back have the classic alloy Normandy phone dial hubs.
I think the only non-original parts are the front tire and the bar wrap. No idea what I’m going to do with it as I have several other Schwinn lightweight 60’s projects going. Mainly bought the bike ($10) for the Allvit RD and the Normandy hubs.
As you can see from the pictures, this bike also has the early Huret Allvit RD, and the Simplex FD. This might confirm @GTs58 suspicion that some of these Higgins bikes received the Allvit RD’s. Very similar situation to the early 60’s Schwinn Conti’s that started with Simplex RD’s, but where switched mid-year to Allvit RD’s.
It has Weinmann red dot brake levers, with what’s remaining from what I’m guessing was the white Weinmann rubber hoods. Alloy handlebars. The brake calipers have very faint to no markings. The rear wheel has the original 26 x 1-3/8 Austrian made tire, but I have no idea who made the steel rims. Both the front and back have the classic alloy Normandy phone dial hubs.
I think the only non-original parts are the front tire and the bar wrap. No idea what I’m going to do with it as I have several other Schwinn lightweight 60’s projects going. Mainly bought the bike ($10) for the Allvit RD and the Normandy hubs.
juvela
Cruisin' on my Bluebird
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one specification to be aware of with these is that the steerer and headset are 26.0mm size
this is sometimes referred to in the trade as "Austrian size" although Puch/Steyr/Styria of Graz is the only one who uses it
tyres are likely to be a Semperit product
rear mech likely a replacement since shift levers are by Juy as well as front mech
have lots of good fun here
curious to know the make of the 4V gear block
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one specification to be aware of with these is that the steerer and headset are 26.0mm size
this is sometimes referred to in the trade as "Austrian size" although Puch/Steyr/Styria of Graz is the only one who uses it
tyres are likely to be a Semperit product
rear mech likely a replacement since shift levers are by Juy as well as front mech
have lots of good fun here
curious to know the make of the 4V gear block
-----
MN_Schwinn
Look Ma, No Hands!
Thanks for the info! I will remove the rear wheel this week as I’m also interested in freewheel manufacturer… which spins nicely. Both front and rear wheels are a little wobbly, but surprising spin freely.
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