Author: Chris Tribbey

1911 single rear hub. Wow, 105 years have been kind to this machine! I feel like a jeweler working on this hub. I’ll be getting new ball bearings and reassemble. I couldn’t be happier!

While the front end is still soaking in Kroil, I need to keep moving forward. So the rear wheel is next to come off. Here one fastener is removed after some heat and Kroil:

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All fasteners came off just fine, wheel removed, and the inner hub bearings and brake components could be removed. Pristine condition after 105 years! This bike utilizes a Musselman brake system.  

Next steps will be to clean all hub components and replace the ball bearings. Then a new rim, spokes, and wooden belt pulley. 

Slow steady progress. Here is one of the rear axle adjusters after a while soaking in Kroil. Once it moves a bit, more Kroil and let it sit another day. Rear wheel coming off next. ​​​

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Time to put some effort to removing handlebars. A lot of rust to be concerned with. Middle stem nut and both fork stud spring pre-load nuts removed. Now Kroil, time, some heat, patience, and a little force will be needed. More to follow. 

Well my new wheel truing stand showed up last night. Now I can true my front rim! Soon I will have a complete new front wheel assembly! 

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Slow and steady progress. Wheel is laced and now ready for bearing pack. Next step will be truing the wheel. 

New front rim is now laced up with new stainless spokes and dull nickel finish hub. Have to true it then install tube and tire. Slow and steady progress. 

Well after a long time away from this blog I thought I’d at least post something! Finally dove into respoking my new front rim. Step one here is to spoke the hub. Next will be aligning to rim.

Here is an interesting LINK to a connection between Excelsior Supply Company and Frank Lloyd Wright. Enjoy the article.