Veteran Chain

[GuyH]

Not exactly a post about Ariels but relevant to some of the older veteran machines: I'm restoring a 1910 Humber 200cc side valve lightweight. The bike has a pedal arrangement for pedaling and starting the engine. My problem is the chain is missing and it's a long obsolete type. According to RM Fowler - specialists in obsolete chains, the original appears to have been 3/4in pitch with rollers about 3/8in diameter and just over 1/8in wide.

One option is to commission a new chain at a cost equivalent to the GDP of a medium sized country or grind off the sprocket teeth and graft on sprockets and use a chain from a moped which won't look right.

So my question is does anyone know where I can find the correct chain or have one made at a reasonable cost? Alternatively can anyone recommend a chain which will 'look right'? Thanks for any help!

[nevhunter]

It may have been "block" chain which has no rollers. That was the type Indian used on the K/S mechanism. Nev

[GuyH]

Thanks Nev, I thought at first it was a block chain but RM Fowler, after looking at the chainwheel and rear sprocket said it's an early roller chain of very unusual dimensions. I was hoping a period Humber bicycle chain would fit but unfortunately they're not the same.

[nevhunter]

Some of them will actually interchange using the same sprocket. There is a roller chain with a big link and a smaller one alternating.. You may be able to dismantle two chains link by link and combine them. Nev

[GuyH]

Thanks Nev I didn't know that - I will look for a couple of block chains of the right dimensions. The National Cycle Museum is in Wales so I may take a trip over there with my sprockets to see if they can help with identifying a suitable chain.

[daithomas]

If your going to the National Cycle Museum did you know that the Disserth Rally 9th-11th May is only three miles from the museum.
You can talk chains to your hearts content with other Ariel members there.

[GuyH]

That sounds like a good idea - I'll try and combine the two trips and bring my sprockets with me!