[intakexhaust]

jyl-

Back to your bike. That is one amazing story. Almost chilling in an odd way but life moves on. Very cool for you to seek the original owner. No doubt it pleased him especially after such crash and the wife giving it away saga.


Dig the thought of your rando bike build-
Hub: I like the thought of the 3 speed IGH and Campagnolo derailleur combo but would try to stay period. Back in the days and in Europe, one would see these combo's. Exotic and now rare. Do check out the older publications and names like Cyclo. Definitely can make a wall climber out of it.

(Matter of fact, I'm thinking of doing 'another' one but this time for a 1950's rendition of a mountain bike.) That old road bike I have uses a 1950's Styria 3 speed IGH plus 3 speed cog using a derailleur from the late 1930's. Only the cogset is a Cyclo. It took me awhile to get it sorted and fully utilize but its now an awesome and robust drivetrain. It does use the older wide 1/2 x 1/8 chain. Kind of funny but I've pedaled passing others walking up with their modern bike on some wicked grade! Truly makes on giggle while on this old stuff.)

Anyhow, the SA are incredibly reliable and the way to go. Depending what IGH you find, there are 3 and 4 speed cogsets from the old Cyclo / Benelux. One version has the three spline and could almost call it an early version cassette with snap ring retainer. Since the three spline is the same as used with BMX singles, you could also make your own 3 cog set and go nutz with choice in gearing. In this case, two gears are beveled / dished and one is straight. There's a little more involved but basically a machined groove for the snap ring to fit and the gears spot welded. I have a small assortment of single gears if needed. Other sizes run $5 to $10 each.

The other type SA hubs use threads for the gear. More precise but not easy to source. Better luck finding this stuff UK or euro fleabay.

An early SA hub can be found for next to nothing from a throwaway gaspipe bike. Strip it for the hub. But don't take the hub apart. Spray lots of wd-40, Liquid Wrench whatever in it. Drain and repeat multiple times. After you're satisfied, just lube with less than a teaspoon of Tri-flow. Polish it and build your wheel. Awesome hub that sounds like a Chris King.... or a ticking time-b*mb.

To play with the rest of the Campagnolo, I would get an NOS single Campy DT lever from Boulder Cycle (approx. $35). Mount the shifter wherever but I probably would run an alloy pulley for the cable near the seat tube clamp and that third lever up front on the top-tube.