Forum | handlebar and stem dimensions required

I’ve decided to make some ‘cosmetic’ changes to my 3 speed guvnor but have no access to vernier calipers to accurately measure the current components and hope someone can provide me with the following information:-

1. I intend to change the brake levers to dia comp 188 reverse levers but what size will I need for my bars (which  I’m assume are the standard  North Road ) as they come in either 22.2 or 23.8 sizes.

2. I’d also like to change the handlebar stem and try and source a chrome which I feel will match the bars better than the current alloy one. What size is the stem (headset size and bar size) and does anyone know where I could source a chrome one ?

Thanks

Ian

John,

Many thanks for this — thats the brakes sorted out no problem. I’ll have to start searching for a suitable stem (which may take some time) and will  post a picture once the mods have been completed.

Perhaps we need a separate thread in the forum for pictures of modified Guv’nors ?

Corky

irobot,

I noticed the cable issue in other posts which seemed to be overcome by using sturmey archer pinch bots from sjs cycles rather than going through the kerfuffle of soldering etc. Any how, everything is now on order for my little brake project — just need to do something with the old SA 3 speed trigger carbuncle now. I do like the SA quadrant that you added — is it working well ? Did you reuse the original gear cable wheel  and just reposition to align with the top tube ? I’m thinking of either trying the same set up (although they are extremely difficult to source) or go with an old friction shifter on the down tube.

Regards

Corky

Irobot — many thanks for the info. Just need to try and source a quadrant changer now !

Corky

Not sure if this is what you mean — but I think you’ll have to cut the fitting off where it connects to the hub and replace it with a Sturmey Archer pinch bolt (available from SJS Cycles)

If you search the posts for ‘The Lauterwasser Adventure — Part II’ theres a picture showing the pinch bolt fitted to a cable that has had the nipple (round fitment thingy) removed.

Re removal of the grips — you could always get away with removing just one, then remove the existing brake lever, slacken off the stem and other brake lever,  and slide one side of the bars out of the stem. Once you’ve done this you’ll be able to remove the second lever without taking off the second grip — bit of a kerfuffle though !

Corky

MGCycleChap,

To take the grips off is quite simple remove the end caps then use a can of WD40 and a flat head screwdriver slide it underneath and spray twist the grips and they will slide off. Be care full not to get WD40 on the leather.

I suspect you will need to remove both grips as the bar bulges at the stem location.

The brake cable is fixed so you will need to snip them off then replace the nipples at the drum end with a SJS pinch bolts, oh looking at your new brakes they have no adjuster at the handle end so remember to run the adjuster out at the drum end so you can take any slack up on the cable.

When putting the grips back on clean any WD40 off, then put ‘hair spray’ in them they will then stick back on the bars.

Good luck with the changes I think the new brake leaver will be spiffing.

Any help I can be let me know.

Irobot

Corky,

Welcome and congrats on your new Guv.  Just to echo irobot’s words on the Quadrant shifter.  I followed irobot’s advice and example and have a Quadrant shifter.  I have ridden several hundred miles since without a problem.  They come up on eBay often enough.  Vary your search to include ‘SA’. Sturmey(-) Archer’, ‘top tube’, ‘shifter’ and ‘changer’.  You occasionally see new old stock ones.  they seem to go for between £30 and £40, depending on condition.  You will have to flip the wheel on the seat tube but overall a neat and easy mod to your Guv.

With the brakes lever change-out: I think irobot is correct.  Both grips will have to come off.  The WD40 and hair spray technique worked for me but it was an effort.  Mask off the leather with kitchen roll or similar.

Good luck.

Alex

corky,

My pleasure.  There is a NOS Quadrant shifter on eBay now.  Note that it has a slightly smaller band than some so may need a longer bolt for a Guv top tube.

Alex