A Very British Klunker

[yakboy]

Trying to work out if I need new shoes or a whole new assembly. The cam on the shoes doesn't move them out very far for the travel of the lever, so the front brake is almost useless. Replacement shoe units are fairly cheap so probably easier to buy one.

 

[Nabeaquam]

View attachment 967989

Today I mostly trying to understand Drum brakes

Nice to see your progress

 

[yakboy]

So next problem on the agenda is the chain tension. @doctor-bond mentioned the Suntour Cyclone GT had a longer cage, so did a bit of research and there is a VX GT too with a longer cage, so bought a scruffy example from eBay and after a @Peachy! standard of degreasing and polishing, got it looking fairly decent. Pic below comparing the VX to the VX-GT.


So attatched it and using the same chain length and winding the b screw all the way in I get reasonable tension. It's still too tight to put on both big rings but if I have a longer chain I may sacrifice tension in the granny gears, will probably leave for now but may try a longer b screw with a longer chain and see if we can maintain tension.

 

[yakboy]

Actually take that back regarding not getting onto the biggest cogs...after a bit of lube had soaked into the derailleur and derailleur spring it's doing it! Happy days...

 

[yakboy]

Todays job swapping out the brake shoes. Required a little fettling with an extra washer as there was a slight difference between the old and new.


All fitted and working well, but thereis a bit of lateral wobble of the axle on the non brake side, just looking at the hub body and the axle below I was wondering if there should be a locking washer abutting up to the hub body? Does anybody here have experience of this?

 

[yakboy]

Quick update..axle tightened up so no wobble..an easy job but as I'm not familiar with Sturmey Archer hubs needed a bit of research ont'web

 

[yakboy]

Had a quick ride around the block...it's ace...the saddle is really comfy, the brakes surprisingly powerful. Will wait until after it's debut at the York Show before taking it out on the trails but I think the Reyt Pack may be back on

 

[Y282]

Not sure how I only just found this thread but that is lovely.

 

[yakboy]

Not sure how I only just found this thread but that is lovely.

Thanks...Really pleased now it's finished and I really enjoyed the journey to get there. Felt at one with the guys in Marin.

 

[Synthiaks]

Its been quite a journey, but looks a stunning result!