Market Alert - Sturmey Archer Model "A"

 The vast majority of Sturmey Archer hubs in the USA are common models: AW, TCW, SC3, etc. The early, rare hubs generally show up in the UK. So I was surprised that while browsing eBay, I found a listing (not mine) for a rare hub: the Model "A". This hub should not be confused with the AW, AB, AG, etc. This is just the "A". The listing is a reminder that there are many, lesser-known Sturmey Archer hubs from the early days that we really don't see in the United States today.

Made between 1914 and 1916, this hub was not produced in very large numbers due to its short production run and the start of the First World War. It had a short production run during which Sturmey Archer also focused on war production for the First World War. After the war, the more common Model K hub replaced the A. 

Courtesy of Sturmey Archer Heritage

Most of Raleigh and Sturmey Archer production switched to war-time equipment by 1916. 

Courtesy of Sturmey Archer Heritage

As of June 2025, the Model A hub is still for sale on eBay. If you're a Sturmey Archer collector in the USA and you want an unusual hub for your collection, the Model A is definitely one to consider.  

 

Courtesy of eBay Listing

Courtesy of eBay Listing

Courtesy of eBay Listing

More information is available on  the Sturmey Archer Heritage webpage.  

The Model A had gear ratios somewhat different, but still similar to what most of us are used to in the AW hub and its close cousins. The Model A has a reduction of 23.8% in low, 1:1 normal, and an increase of 31.25% in high. 

Courtesy of Sturmey Archer Heritage

 The Model A, as with the early Sturmey rear hubs, can mount either a standard non-drive side axle nut, or an extended axle nut that includes a step peg. If you look closely at parts N3 and N4 above, you'll notice one regular axle nut and one long one. The long nut is something we don't often see today. Before the Second World War, and particular in the early days of the 1900s early 30s, it was common to ride taller roadsters. Riders would often ride bicycles where they could not set both feet on the ground while standing over the top tube. 

Today this would be unacceptable in a mass-produced consumer bike for safety reasons. But in the early days of roadsters, it was common practice to ride a frame that would be "too tall" for the rider today. The extended axle nut offers a foot peg whereby the rider kicks the bicycle into motion with one foot, sets the other foot on the peg, and then swings over the top and onto the saddle in a single motion. 

Advertising of the time did not generally call out the "Model A" hub, but referred to it more in the traditional way as the "Sturmey Archer gears" or "Sturmey Archer hub".

1916 British Ad Courtesy of Sturmey Archer Heritage

Yet even in the 1910s, the Sturmey Archer tri-coaster received more press in the USA than did the Model A, such being the preference of American cyclists for a coaster over hand brakes.

1915 American Ad Courtesy of Sturmey Archer Heritage

 Even so, we should not forget the Model A as a step from the early hubs like the first three speeds and the "Model X" up to the more familiar Model K and its offspring, the much-loved AW. 

 

 

 

 

  

Bike Repair Safety - A Warning Against Gasoline as a Cleaning Agent

I occasionally see people advocating the use of gasoline as a cleaning agent for de-greasing, washing parts, cleaning up old oil stains, etc. I counsel against using gasoline as a cleaning agent. Gasoline releases strong vapors that are both toxic and explosive. A single gallon of gasoline has the explosive potential of about 14 sticks of dynamite*. 

There are numerous safety warnings from industry, enthusiast groups, and government agencies against the use of gasoline as a cleaning agent, including government authorities in North Carolina, Sunoco fuel company,  motor sports enthusiast organizations, the state of Illinois, and many others.

There are alternatives to gasoline for de-greasing. Some are solvents such as Goof-Off (be careful around painted surfaces), Mineral Spirits, and Acetone (not to be used on painted surfaces).  These also release fumes and are flammable, though not quite as explosive as gasoline.

Even better, there are also non-solvent type alternatives that do away with the nasty fumes and flammability. For example, warm water and Simple Green cleaner in an ultra-sonic wash tub can work nicely. Dawn Power Wash dish soap also can break down grease without dangerous chemicals. Orange or Purple Degreaser also can do a good job without risk of fire (be careful on paint with these though - some paints are damaged by these two). 

The bottom line is - yes, gasoline works as a de-greaser and parts cleaner. But the risks of toxic fumes, fire, and explosion are too great. There are better alternatives. Be safe when you clean and repair your vintage bicycle. 

 

[*Side note: I recall the late Don "Mr. Wizard" Herbert had a famous TV science demonstration act he would occasionally perform. He would agitate a very small amount of gasoline or lighter fluid in a closed paint can, then touch a match held by a long stick to a hole in the bottom of the can, ignite the small amount of fuel, which in turn would pop the lid off the top of the can with considerable force. He would always end the demonstration by warning against fooling around with gasoline, which he would describe as "powerful stuff".]

1959 Schwinn Traveler

 

I have owned this 1959 Schwinn Traveler for a couple of years. It started out as a bare frame and fork, with the fork needing some straightening. Fortunately, I had the parts to complete the bike and straightened the fork. 

 

I have added a couple of personal touches on this bike not seen on my other green Traveler bikes. For example, this bike has white cable covers (grey would be stock) and "8-ball" valve stem caps (stock would be the small caps).

 

 

These Schwinn Traveler bikes were a luxurious three speed back in the 1950s and 60s, even if they are a bit heavy. They have many of the classic "mid-century", American style touches, such as stainless steel fenders with a front fin, lots of chrome, and white wall tires.