Sep 19 (edited)

1933 Raleigh LDV Sprockets

New sprockets for the Raleigh arrived and machining has started.
The new sprockets won't be an exact replica of the original system but they will be a very functional system.
The original sprocket is 51 teeth which is very strange. I can order 50 or 52 tooth sprockets but not a 51. I could make an exact sprocket but the time and effort involved isn't worth it. I have a second, equally worn out sprocket in the parts bins if anyone ever wants to make it perfect.

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Sep 19, 2026

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Replies (20)

· Sep 19

So Shawn, which one did you go with?

· Sep 19

50 tooth, i wanted to be sure everything would fit inside the housing.

· Sep 19

So a 2% increase in speed at the same RPM. Like overdrive.

· Sep 19

Little bit of an increase but will lose some grunt at the bottom end.

· Sep 19

What number of teeth on the front sprocket? 10-12? I’m assuming it was intended more for slower, around town speeds.

· Sep 19

40 mph in a front wheel trike seems terrifying.

· Sep 20

@hupp31 Now I have to go count...

(edited)

· Sep 20

@alsancle Terrifun!

· Sep 20

But they say right in the advertisement that “It is almost impossible to overturn”.Challenge accepted, somebody hold my beer.

(edited)

· Sep 20

This 1934 test suggested a top speed of 55 mph but zero to 45 in just over 40 seconds. Blistering performance.

https://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/26th-october-1934/42/the-new-raleigh-van-tested

· Sep 20

I know I've already posted this but every time this conversation comes up this is what I think of. I'm still laughing.

YouTube ↗

· 3w

Back on the Raleigh sprockets.
Had a little oopsie machining down the old sprocket. Looks like the original plan isn't going to work. No worries, I have other ideas.
Chucked up one of the new sprockets in the lathe and started machining the center out to fit the original drive.
More to come later.

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· 3w

How did that happen?

· 3w

Yes! How did that happen???

· 3w

Eeek!

· 2w

@Hupp31 @alsancle
Weird, I only saw the replies now.
I cut too much away and the ring that was left walked out of the chuck while I was machining it.

· 2w

Shawn, still working on stuff so there are hiccups. Best thing to do is look at your notifications and then filter to only reply notifications. I'm still occasionally missing stuff too.

· 2w

Blank sprockets are machined to fit the hub.
They will replace the side plates in this configuration.
Original chain fits well so I did something right.
Have to drill the mounting holes next.

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· 2w

Nice job.

· 2w

Great work Shawn!