Bendix Torpedo Hub - questions

[clerkkent]

I acquired a tote cycle that has a Bendix Torpedo 28J hub on it. The shifter, cable, and chain that leads into the hub are all missing. The sprocket turns properly and has that humming/purring/ticking sound that is normal, and the coaster brake brakes just fine

Questions:

1) Is the Bendix Torpedo Hub just a rebadged Sachs Torpedo hub?

2) How can I tell if it is a 2 speed or a three speed?

3) how difficult is it to attach a new chain into the hub?

3a) how difficult is it to acquire a new chain to attach into the hub?

 

[Wildcat]

I always get researching with anything I've never heard of. Here's a year chart, making yours a 1966 possibly:

"Dating a Fichtel & Sachs hub:

When you have a look on the hub shell of old Fichtel & Sachs Torpedo hubs you´ll find a letter on it. They started in the year 1958 with the letter “A” and went with each year forward. The “I” and the “Q” was not used to prevent a mix-up with the “J” and the “O”. In 1975 the letters moved on the brake lever. On the brake lever you´ll find two letters. The lower on represents the production year. The upper letter the production month.
A = 1958 D = 1961 G = 1964 K = 1967 N = 1970 R = 1973
B = 1959 E = 1962 H = 1965 L = 1968 O = 1971 S = 1974
C = 1960 F = 1963 J = 1966 M = 1969 P = 1972 T = 1975
U = 1976 W = 1978 Y = 1980 A = 1982 C = 1984 E = 1986
V = 1977 X = 1979 Z= 1981 B = 1983 D = 1985 F = 1987

and so on. Since 1989 the production week and year is uncoded punched in the brake lever or the hub flange."


As for if it's a 2 or 3 speed, it should shift automatically as you pedal back and forth. The 3 speed looks about the same from the drawings I've seen, but have a chain for shifting at the end of one of the axle ends. It says "automatic" on the hub shell if it's a 2 speed.

Most everything I've read says the Totecycle used a 3 speed.

 

[clerkkent]

My first tote cycle had the Sachs Dreigang Torpedo 3 speed hub on it. I had never seen a Bendix Torpedo in person, so I was unclear if they just relabeled the Sachs. It would make sense that this Bendix is a three speed as well.

Now the big question: how hard is it to replace the missing chain to shift the unit? Without the chain, I have the world's heaviest single speed coaster wheel.

 

[user 135]

If it is the 3speed Torpedo you will have to find a indicator chain different than Sturmey. They have a smaller threading. The new SRAM chains should work. Here are a couple of threads regarding them.

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=28570&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&hilit=torpedo+chain
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=25868&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&hilit=torpedo+chain
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=21927&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&hilit=torpedo+chain

You should be able to have your LBS order the parts needed or find them online. Not many sources in the US.
Indicator chain http://www.nycewheels.com/brompton-gear ... pd-sr.html
Cable Anchorage http://www.nycewheels.com/brompton-gear ... -rend.html

Bike Friday has just the chain. https://www.bikefriday.com/thestore/pro ... ts_id=7702

 

[wimpy]

Is there a partnumber stamped into the hub? If there is,a decent bikeshop should be able to identify the right type with their computer. Because there are different types of "gearpins" (with the chain attached to it),it's important that you get the right size (both length and thickness). I had the same trouble with my SRAM 3-speed hub. It was incomplete and my LBS looked into their computer,in order to find out what type I needed. It all came out swell. So I don't know how the situation in the U.S. is (part-wise),but that should do the trick. Good luck.