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...and heavy. It was never intended as an actual racer, but to replicate the style of this type of bike. Around our parts, there is a network of bike/walking trails laid over abandoned railbeds, and our Metroparks have well-paved paths with moderate elevations. I probably wouldn't qualify as "massively powerful", but it's actually a fun machine on gentler grades, and the gear train allows a decent clip. When we aren't suffering through a Polar Vortex, I'm on it quite a bit.
Regarding the Edwardian roadster project, I found eBay to be the best source for vintage bike parts, many of which come from within the UK.
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Much of the assembly was in my apartment in Greenville South Carolina.
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Built from a 1975 Raleigh DL-1 Tourist, this machine uses a Sturmey Archer three speed coaster brake, a Williams 52-tooth chainwheel and crank arms, and a 'bobby-dodger' front brake. I added a Brooks B-17 saddle and Raleigh Gran Prix quill stem with dropped North Road-style bars. It shifts using a top-bar-mounted Sturmey gear selector. The 28" stock rims were powder-coated black, with crème Schwalbe Delta Cruiser tires.
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Thanks much!
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Great photos! I am having trouble posting photos to this site- how's it done?
Yes, sorry, my mistake. 52 tooth chainwheel. Hub is the SC3, not the TCW, which was infamous for its distinct absence of braking capability in the higher gears, as well as the tendency to not engage 2nd (at all) when not in perfect adjustment.
Per Tony Hadland's Raleigh book, I believe timed internal-hub competition has deep historical roots in the UK , since before WW1, all multi-geared road bikes relied on internal-hubs, primarily Sturmey Archer and predominantly 3-speeds, both close- and wide-ratio, depending on venue.
My bike is primarily not much more than an aesthetic exercise, as well as an attempt to experience a bit of what riding this type of machine must have been like then.