Shimano 3 Speed Rear Hub from a Free Spirit any good for a Motorized Bicycle?

KeithSeymour

KeithSeymour

Active Member
I recently picked up a 1984 Free Spirit (sears) Ladies bike from CL for $35. I bought it for spare parts to put on my 1952 Road Master BTR build. I had other plans to go with a coaster break but this bike has a shimano 3 speed rear hub (not sure the exact model). I like the idea of being able to shift with the motor and without a derailleur but question the strength/ durability of a department store bike hub. I've heard good things about the Nexus 3 speed but not sure about this one. Can anyone vouch for these or have experience with them on a motorized bike?

Here's what I was going to buy but maybe I'll still buy it and lace the 3 speed hub onto it?
http://www.amazon.com/Weinmann-DH-3...TF8&colid=1VAN5GB8VMYKZ&coliid=I3GAFTZ8OGOU2O

Thanks in advance for your help!

Keith
 
Re: Shimano 3 Speed Rear Hub from a Free Spirit any good for motorized bicycle?

Considering that it'll save you fifty bucks and give you three speeds, I'd go with the Shimano.

Not that I can say from experience that that particular hub is up to the task. I've never owned one. But Shimano has a reputation for quality.

It would surprise me if that hub can't stand up to reasonable treatment.
 
Re: Shimano 3 Speed Rear Hub from a Free Spirit any good for motorized bicycle?

Don't know about the Shimano. Can say that the old Sturmey Archer 3 speed hubs rescued from 70's bikes do not hold up under motor power... although the new ones currently for sale do as they are more robust. Bought one to use with an SBP shift kit, but not yet on the road. Good luck!
SB
 
Re: Shimano 3 Speed Rear Hub from a Free Spirit any good for motorized bicycle?

Not sure about the 3-speed hub you have but I can tell you that the Shimano Nexus 3-speed hub w/disc brake held up for almost a week on my tandem powered with a Kawasaki 120cc 4-stroke engine. That's all I can tell you and I didn't push it hard while shifting and it was adjusted properly.
 
Re: Shimano 3 Speed Rear Hub from a Free Spirit any good for motorized bicycle?

Good to know. I think I'll rock it for a little bit with some pedal power until I get my motor kit. I'll plan on getting the Husky, worksman, or Weinmann coaster brake wheel when I actually get my kit. As for the front, I've definitely landed on the sturmey archer front drum Husky wheel. I was a little hesitant only having one brake to depend on if I stayed with the 3 speed hub anyways. Thanks for the advice!
 
Re: Shimano 3 Speed Rear Hub from a Free Spirit any good for motorized bicycle?

scotto- said:
Not sure about the 3-speed hub you have but I can tell you that the Shimano Nexus 3-speed hub w/disc brake held up for almost a week on my tandem powered with a Kawasaki 120cc 4-stroke engine. That's all I can tell you and I didn't push it hard while shifting and it was adjusted properly.
Click to expand...

Scotto do you think the Shimano Nexus 3 speed could have held up better with a smaller engine like the Honda GXH 50 QXA?
 
Re: Shimano 3 Speed Rear Hub from a Free Spirit any good for motorized bicycle?

Keith,
you do know that in order to use the bike's gears you'll need to install a shift kit, don't you? You haven't mentioned it, just that you want to use the gears. Just didn't want you to get a rude surprise down the road. :)

Tom
 
Re: Shimano 3 Speed Rear Hub from a Free Spirit any good for motorized bicycle?

2door said:
Keith,
you do know that in order to use the bike's gears you'll need to install a shift kit, don't you? You haven't mentioned it, just that you want to use the gears. Just didn't want you to get a rude surprise down the road. :)

Tom
Click to expand...

Good point. I completely forgot about the extra cost of a shift kit. Definitely going with a heavy duty coaster rear wheel. Anyone want to buy a free spirit wheel set with a Shimano 3speed hub? :)brnot
 
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