Velopedia Bicycle Archive

2003 Sun Bicycles Retro Nexus-3

Original specifications: 26" wheels · 38 lb published weight.

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At a glance

Archive #38643

Model year: 2003
Category: Cruiser
Original MSRP: $299.00
Sizes: 18", womens 15", womens 18"
Colors: Blue/Silver, Red/Black, Yellow/Blue
Weight: 38 lb
In this record: 22 specifications · archived image · original MSRP

Original buildHi-tensile steel, oversize · 26" wheels

Manufacturer catalog

Published sizes and colors

3 sizes · 3 colors

Manufacturer-published sizes and colors; availability and exact size/color pairings may vary by market or production run.

Published sizes

18"womens 15"womens 18"

Published colors

Blue/SilverRed/BlackYellow/Blue

Frameset

Frame Construction	Brazed/welded
Frame Material	Hi-tensile steel, oversize
Fork Material	Hi-tensile steel, unicrown crown

Drivetrain

Shifters	Shimano Revo
Crankset	1-piece 6 1/2", 36 teeth
Bottom Bracket	One piece
BB Shell Width	American
Rear Cogs	1-speed
Chain	KMC Z410, 1/2 x 1/8"
Pedals	Wellgo LU-990

Brakes

Brakes	Shimano coaster brake rear

Cockpit & Contact Points

Headset	1" steel
Handlebar	Steel
Stem	Steel
Saddle	Viscount 2350
Seatpost	Steel, 25.4mm diameter

Wheels & Tires

Hubs	Front: steel, nutted, Rear: Shimano Nexus internal 3 speed
Rims	Aluminum, 32-hole
Spokes	Stainless steel, 14ga. (2.0mm) straight gauge
Spoke Nipples	Brass nipples
Front Tire	26 x 2.125" Kenda
Wheel Size	26" wheels

Gearing

Original gearing is incomplete. Enter your setup to calculate ratios and cadence speeds.

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Gears Drivetrain

Front teeth Smallest rear teeth Largest rear teeth

Use up to three front tooth counts, separated by /. For one rear sprocket, enter the same count twice.

Rear tire

Rear tire marking

Apply the marking on your rear tire or edit its dimensions below. Older or fractional inch sizes need the ISO marking (e.g. 37-590).

Rim diameter (BSD, mm) Tire width (mm)

For 32-622, width is 32 mm and rim diameter is 622 mm. Use the rear tire on mixed-wheel bikes. Leave both fields empty to compare ratios only.

Cadence (RPM) Speed units

Gear, dimension and cadence changes update results automatically.

Gearing comparison
Measure	Original	Your setup
Lowest ratio	—	—
Highest ratio	—	—
Total range	—	—
Lowest-gear speed	—	—
Highest-gear speed	—	—

Speeds are estimates. These calculations do not establish component compatibility or available tire clearance.

Parts & serviceability

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Original specifications

Front tire · Original

26 x 2.125" Kenda Replacement search: 26x2.125 bicycle tire Before ordering: Check rim type and tire clearance.

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Pedals · Original

Wellgo LU-990

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Seatpost · Original

Steel

25.4mm diameter

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Parts and service referenceQuick reference before buying parts

Archived specifications for reference. Check the fitted parts before ordering.

Front tire: 26 x 2.125" Kenda
Drivetrain: 1-speed
Seatpost diameter: 25.4 mm
Bottom bracket / shell: One piece · American

Equipment inspection checks 9 checks based on 5 archived component groups Open equipment checksClose equipment checks

Checks selected from the archived equipment. Confirm what is fitted today. This is not a complete safety inspection; use the full inspection guide before test riding.

Full used-bike inspection guide →

Frame and fork

Inspect the frame and fork →

Archived: Frame: Brazed/welded · Fork: · Hi-tensile steel, unicrown crown

Check paint damage, vent holes and accessible internal surfaces for corrosion. Look for dents, bent tubes and cracking around welded or brazed joints.

Drivetrain

Check drivetrain wear →

Archived: Shifters: Shimano Revo · Crankset: 1-piece 6 1/2", 36 teeth · Bottom bracket: One piece · Rear cogs: 1-speed · Chain: KMC Z410, 1/2 x 1/8"

Check chain tension and chainline, rotate the drivetrain through a full revolution and confirm the rear axle or tensioning hardware cannot slip.
Measure chain wear with a compatible gauge and inspect chainring, cassette or freewheel teeth. A new chain does not rule out wear in the remaining drivetrain.
Turn the cranks slowly, feel for rough bearings and check for side-to-side play. Inspect crank arms, chainring bolts and pedal threads for looseness or damage.

Brakes

Inspect the brakes →

Archived: Brakes: Shimano coaster brake rear

Inspect pads and braking surfaces, check the complete cable or hose path, and confirm both controls feel consistent and return cleanly.

Wheels and tires

Check wheels and tires →

Archived: Wheel size: 26" wheels · Rims: Aluminum, 32-hole · Hubs: Front: steel, nutted, Rear: Shimano Nexus internal 3 speed · Front tire: 26 x 2.125" Kenda

Spin both wheels and watch for side-to-side and vertical movement. Check spoke tension, rim condition and hub play.
Inspect both tire casings for cuts, cracking, plugs, bulges or exposed threads and confirm the installed sizes are safe for the rims and available frame and fork clearance.

Controls and contact points

Archived: Headset: 1" steel · Handlebar: Steel · Stem: Steel · Seatpost: Steel, 25.4mm diameter · Saddle: Viscount 2350 · Pedals: Wellgo LU-990

Apply the front brake and rock the bike to check for headset play or notchiness. Inspect the stem, handlebar and clamp zones, then confirm every fastener and control is secure.
Check that the seatpost moves for adjustment and that the saddle, post and clamp hold securely without cracks, severe corrosion or damaged hardware.

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Specifications are presented as a reference. Components may vary by market, size, production run, or later manufacturer revisions.

2003 Sun Bicycles Retro Nexus-3