Bicycle Mechanics - Raleigh Tourist handlebar/seat adjustments

Hello all, first post from this lurker...

I've a 1974 22" lady's frame Tourist for my local errands. In the course of getting the fit right (I'm 5'10" and 32ish inseam, 140#) I've come up with two questions:

1. The handlebar stem has no minimum insertion mark. Mssrs. Brown & others state a good rule of thumb is minimum 2.5" insertion- I assume this includes the portion of the stem that is slotted? Any bets on 2"? I'd like to get the bars up to where they are totally unloaded (allowing me to ride in a proper, dignified British manner, waving to the commoners in their muddy squalor).

2. The saddle is a Brooks B-72. Any problems with using the pipe clamp toward the front of the seat instead of the back?

I know the 24" men's frame would likely be a slightly better fit, but I really like the step-through, especially when the rear rack baskets are loaded up...

thanks for any input

mike

A new quill stem will not be expensive - maybe an adjustable one which will allow you to adjust both reach and height. I have read of Brooks rails breaking behind the clamp, so I wouldnt do it, although it may not be a problem at your weight.

A new quill stem will not be expensive - maybe an adjustable one which will allow you to adjust both reach and height.Apparently you are not familiar with the "Tourist" handlebar setup. (http://www.firstflightbikes.com/_borders/DL1Bars.JPG) The bars and stem are a single unit, with the brake lever pivots integrated with the bars. Nothing else fits.

Mike,
I'm running mine with 2" insertion, but I don't put much weight on the bars with my very upright position.


I have read of Brooks rails breaking behind the clamp, so I wouldnt do it, although it may not be a problem at your weight. I believe he's asking about reversing the seat clamp, not sliding the seat back in the clamp. On most bikes, it's normal to have the bolt behind the post, but many Tourist riders (including myself) run the seat clamp backwards due to the shallow (66 degree IRRC) seat tube. This does give a more upright position due to less reach to the bars.

You get more bending load on the seatpost, with the bolt behind the post. But unless the bike is way too small or you are a clydesdale this shouldn't be an issue.

BTW I should be riding a 22" but sold mine to get a 24" just to have the higher bars. When I ride my huge black beauty, with my wife on her tiny white Moulton MkIII, we do get some double takes.

I do agree with you about the advantages of a "Ladies" frame for load carrying. My "Townie" is a '73 Raleigh Ladies Sport with Wald's biggest "Newsboy" baskets.

Mike,
I'm running mine with 2" insertion, but I don't put much weight on the bars with my very upright position.

I believe he's asking about reversing the seat clamp, not sliding the seat back in the clamp. On most bikes, it's normal to have the bolt behind the post, but many Tourist riders (including myself) run the seat clamp backwards due to the shallow (66 degree IRRC) seat tube. This does give a more upright position due to less reach to the bars.

You get more bending load on the seatpost, with the bolt behind the post. But unless the bike is way too small or you are a clydesdale this shouldn't be an issue.

BTW I should be riding a 22" but sold mine to get a 24" just to have the higher bars. When I ride my huge black beauty, with my wife on her tiny white Moulton MkIII, we do get some double takes.

I do agree with you about the advantages of a "Ladies" frame for load carrying. My "Townie" is a '73 Raleigh Ladies Sport with Wald's biggest "Newsboy" baskets.


Thanks for the responses- I tried a 2 1/4" insertion this morning; it felt like the thing to do... now with the bars up I might try flipping the seat back around- I had originally flipped it to get a little more knee room. When I first got the bike the clamp was toward the back, but I noticed the Raleigh logo was upside down, so it seemed like it would be an acceptable switch.

I got this bike after remembering (for the past 30+ years) a DL-1 or Tourist that a co-worker of my father's had stored with us after a move... the thing was too big for me at the time but I did manage to get up and ride it; I've wanted the feeling of riding really upright ever since... love it. My neck doesn't hurt anymore.