Homemade Shifter Kit?!

[DIYMark]

I didn't get far. While taking measurements I realised there is only JUST enough room and even then the drive sprocket will be dodgy (only can fit 90 degrees of chain around it).

So Im stuck! Ill ask in my LBS about a Freewheel crank, but I doubt they can help as Freewheel cranks seem as non existant.

And I cant buy the freewheel and freewheel crank from Cycone-Usa as they dont ship to Australia. So my only option is to pursue a Freewheel crank + Freewheel or to buy a shifter kit.

Ive got some questions about the Shifter Kit - I hope someone can help.

1. The kit uses a square taper crank right?

2. Is the shifter kit square taper BB spindle longer than a normal square taper BB spindle? If so how much?

The problem is that if It is longer I need the SBP conversion kit. And Im sure it doesn't fit a BB shell that uses cartridge BB's because Im sure the conversion kit is for one piece cranks that have a larger diameter BB shell.

 

[Pablo]

1. The kit uses a square taper crank right?

2. Is the shifter kit square taper BB spindle longer than a normal square taper BB spindle? If so how much?

The problem is that if It is longer I need the SBP conversion kit. And Im sure it doesn't fit a BB shell that uses cartridge BB's because Im sure the conversion kit is for one piece cranks that have a larger diameter BB shell.

1) Yes.
2) Yes it is longer. It's 133mm, but I can't say how much longer because bikes some in a variety of spindle lengths.

You are correct the conversion is for single piece cranks. What you need is this: http://www.biketoolsetc.com/index.c...artridge/Taper-Spindle&item_id=TH-7420AL68127

or this: http://www.biketoolsetc.com/index.c...Cartridge/Taper-Spindle&item_id=YS-BB98868127

Find out the longest bad boy available at your local bike shop. Hope this helps.

 

[DIYMark]

So the shifter kit wont fit on a "standard" square taper BB... I don't suppose you would know the minimum size spindle I need (or by how much the shifter kit wont fit) or do I need the biggest spindle I can find?

 

[Pablo]

It won't fit if the spindle is under 125mm or so. People have used the 127.5mm cartridges. If you can find one a tad longer, it would be better.

 

[mabman]

Maybe instead of DIY for a handle it should be AMQ? Just buy a shifter kit, install it yourself and go ride, by the time you get done with the way you are going about it you will have spent way more in time, energy and money and not have as nice a product either.

 

[DIYMark]

Money? So far I've spent nothing. That is why I'm doing all this - to weigh up my options. If i "just buy the shifter kit", with our current exchange rate it'll cost me $310 and more than $60 in shipping (assuming the prices on SBP are in USD, are they?)

So that is why making it is financially a better option - and to be honest I cant stand for just buying stuff and using it. Like cmon, how can people just buy stuff and use it lol. I'll make it just for fun of the problem solving involved.

When i got my HT I stripped the whole engine down to inspect/clean/lube it even before I ever used it and ever since its been opened 4 times because I get a kick out of modifying it and optimizing the engine (even though the HT engine design is 50 years old and you cant do "that" much to it).

Then again Ill take the cheapest option. Buying the kit will cost $370 (oh year forgot - put another $30 on there for a BB) and making it can cost from $30 to $200 (depending on the quote my LBS gives for for a Freewheel crank).

So as of now I am stuck. Im waiting for a quote and then my options will be to either buy the Shifter kit + BB + Shifter OR buy a Shifter + Freewheel crank and make my own (Id get more optimized gear ratios this way too).

However, the LBS may not even have a clue about a freewheel crank (or cannot source one) so then Ill have to make the thing completely from scratch.

 

[QuadManiac]

So the shifter kit wont fit on a "standard" square taper BB... I don't suppose you would know the minimum size spindle I need (or by how much the shifter kit wont fit) or do I need the biggest spindle I can find?

It certainly fit on my "standard" square taper bottom bracket... the spindle is longer which moves the cranks and pedals out a bit but the the adjustable spacing between bearings is within the standard dimensions (to the best of my knowledge).

BTW, the old Autobike, now LandRider uses a front square taper freewheel crankset. Perhaps you could order some 'replacement' parts from them? Google LandRider and you can email them regarding parts.

 

[DIYMark]

Ive emailed them but I'm not sure how it'll turn out - as they don't sell spares already on their website. And Ive also asked them if they ship to Australia.

 

[QuadManiac]

I did same and got this response:

Hello,

You can order any parts needed via our Customer Service Team at 800-945-5335 during regular business hours.

Regards

 

[DIYMark]

By having to ring up I doubt they want international customers - anyway that will be verified if they respond to my email.

Thanks for helping QuadManiac