Gentleman cyclist Parts
An odd assortment of goods for the odd Gentleman Cyclist. Unavailable anywhere else.
Ordering information at the bottom of the page.
NEW! Aluminium Saddle Clamp Bolt
Back in 1949 after a lapse of 10 years, Holdsworth of Beckenham, Kent reintroduced their catalogue of “Aids to Happy Cycling”. Among their new “Allez!” line of light alloy parts, they offered a curious little accessory that catered to the overly weight-conscious; an aluminum seat pillar clamp. Not exactly a stellar idea since they tended to fatigue and crack; they were gone by 1951. There was one part of the assembly that survived quite well, thank you, and that was the aluminium bolt and nut assembly. The latest offering from Gentleman Cyclist is a reproduction of this brief anomaly of cycling history. Slight liberties have been taken in the threading and the distance across the flats since Whitworth standards have long since been buried but what remains is the heart, soul and spirit of the original. Field tested on a 1936 Saxon tandem during the 2008 Lake Pepin 3-Speed Tour; it survived the rigors of 180lb yours truly grinding up the abominable 2.5 mile Bay City Hill plus the subsequent 45mph descent. Your evening excursion to the Bull and Plough should prove little challenge. "Fluff!" you may say; indeed, an extravagance to be sure, but consider the comparison equal to common swill versus fine ale. Made from the finest 6061 aluminium, machined from the solid to exacting tolerances; without question, a feast for your inner engineer and a delight to the eye.
Technical details: body is 5/16" square and 2 5/8" in length. 5/8" box-end spanner required for installation. Threading: 5/16-20tpi. 7/16" hole is required for the shouldered nut; your clamp outer plate may have to be drilled.
Aluminum saddle clamp bolt with nuts $25 each.
Above right is the new Gentleman Cyclist aluminium saddle clamp bolt; a replica of a 1949 Holdsworth accessory. An original lurks in the background.
At left is another view showing the fine machine work. Just the job for your new Brooks Swallow.
At right is the test bolt installed aboard the 1938 Saxon tandem. It withstood an epic climb up the Bay City Hill plus a weekend of skullduggery during the 2008 Lake Pepin 3-Speed Tour.
At right is our Sturmey-Archer compatible shift cable pulley. A fine bit of kit and fully interchangeable with all Sturmey shifting systems made since 1902. Machined from quality steel and tumbled in an abrasive rust-preventative bath to give it a fine finish to match the bonderised originals. Will fit on any Sturmey, Hercules, BSA or Brampton pulley clamp, Raleigh seat lug pulley boss or Raleigh Record Ace brazed-on pulley boss. Clamp or boss not included. 12.5g.
Cable pulley $5 each.
Above right is a tatty original plastic pulley used on all English 3-speeds from about 1960 onwards; they can break or bend in service. In the center is the new GC pulley. At right background is a NOS original with curious machining marks.
At left is another NOS original Sturmey pulley (note the SA stamp), a new GC pulley, 2 Raleigh seat lug bosses and a pre-war pulley clamp fitted with a GC pulley. For pre-war machines you may want to paint it Rustoleum satin black.
Stainless Steel
fulcrum sleeves (shift cable stop)
Steel fulcrum sleeves have not been available from Sturmey-Archer for 30 years or so. They were replaced with plastic that becomes brittle with age and if it breaks, you will be left in high gear for the duration. Worse things can happen but why take the risk of such an inelegant situation. We had one break during the 2006 Lake Pepin 3-Speed Tour so if your beloved Steed has the dreaded white or gray plastic fulcrum, it's time for a replacement. Gentleman Cyclist fulcrum sleeves are exact copies of the original and perfect for restorations and a necessity for a commuter or tourist. Fulcrum clip not included.
Stainless steel fulcrum sleeve $10 each.
Above right is the new GC stainless fulcrum sleeve; a perfect match for the Sturmey original that was made up to about 1960. The slot is for sliding it over the shift cable.
At left is an original steel fulcrum sleeve and fulcrum clip assembly that has been in service on my Royal Enfield Coventry Cross since 1955. To install your new fulcrum, simply shift to high gear, loosen the fulcrum clip clamping screw, (the bit that sticks down as shown) slide out the plastic fulcrum, slide in the new fulcrum and tighten the works. Check your shifting action and adjust as necessary.
What in Queen's creation are bag tags?
An odd way to prove your participation in the most obscure English cycling event: The Lake Pepin 3-Speed Tour. Most 3-Speed Tourists purchase these the morning of the Tour. Past years are still available; email to be sure.
Bag tag
$5 each.
Aluminium construction and machined from the solid, then anodised a very pretty darkish sage green (2007 will be a light shade of Cambridge blue) and engraved on a machine that costs more than all the 3-speeds on earth. They will fit on any saddle bag strap or loop, or as Mark found out, you can also lace them onto your Wellingtons.
BRASS
VALVE CAPS (Schrader valve only)
A replica of an original that was found on Darrel's 1893 Iver-Johnson, they are beautifully machined then knurled to provide a non-slip grip. A rubber insert stamped from a recycled inner tube provides the seal on the inside. These will turn a rich shade of brown after a decade or 2, a perfect match to your old Brooks saddle.
At left is the new Gentleman Cyclist brass valve cap perched upon the threaded stem of a proper Dunlop Airseal tube. A bit of dignity for the old 1938 Saxon tandem. Note the Dunlop stainless rim with the black stripe down the middle.
At right is another view highlighting the lovely machining and knurling. Toward the rear lurks a similar antique cap.
Brass valve caps $10 pair
ordering, shipping and guarantee
Simply send an email stating requirements and I will confirm with the total including tax. Payment is acceptable via Paypal or cash, check, money order, Pounds Sterling or rusty lumps of iron from your shed.
Shipping is $2 initially then add .50 for each successive item.
Paypal and ordering address: jon@gentlemancyclist.com
All merchandise includes a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
