Classic & Vintage - long seat posts for Raleigh DL-1??

Hi:

I just bought two 1978 Raleigh DL-1. The seat post for the men's bike seems a bit too short. An ideal length might be between 9-10 inches.

I've browsed the web and this site a bit, but did not come across a clear solution.

The seat would be supporting a man under 200 pounds, so it needn't be heavy duty.

While I am at it: is it possible to get a slightly longer handle bar stem??? (I notice a bolt on the top of the handle bar, so it doesn't appear that the handle bar is welded to a stem, but without taking it apart, it's difficult to tell if the stem is separate)

I believe that any 25.4mm (1 inch) diameter seat post should work. They are available in multiple lengths so it should be easy to find one suitable to your needs. I just tried a Kalloy alloy 25.4 seatpost on my project DL-1 and it fits fine.

On my two DL-1s the handlebars and stem are permanently attached. The bolt fastens the stem to the steerer part of the fork.

If you cannot find a seat post, I know somebody who makes them - including for the DL1, and with various degrees of set-back if you like.
Jon Gehman at Red Barn Design
http://redbarnbike.blogspot.com

folderfan is correct, the stem and handlebars are all one piece so you cannot replace it with a longer one. +1 on the kalloy 25.4 seat post too.

What size is your men's DL-1? There is a "small" 22in version and a larger 24in frame. I am 6 ft. tall and the 24in frame is a good fit for me. Maybe that is the problem? It seems like 90% of the English three speeds I have had were all very small.

I haven't measured it yet, but I do believe that the frame on the men's bike is 22". I did not realize when I bought the bike that the men's version came in two sizes. The bigger frame would be more suitable. All part of the learning curve!

It seems a longer seat post will address the issue. My S/O is OK with the handle bars kind of low since he spent most his biking life on road bikes. For me, I could do with a tad more height on the lady's DL-1.

PS: Sorry about the multiple posts on my initial question!!! Yet another learning curve!


QUOTE=mkeller234;11805425]folderfan is correct, the stem and handlebars are all one piece so you cannot replace it with a longer one. +1 on the kalloy 25.4 seat post too.

What size is your men's DL-1? There is a "small" 22in version and a larger 24in frame. I am 6 ft. tall and the 24in frame is a good fit for me. Maybe that is the problem? It seems like 90% of the English three speeds I have had were all very small.[/QUOTE]

Though it is one piece with the handlebars, you can raise the stem quite a bit (It will require loosening the bolt and giving a firm whack of a hammer to a piece of wood over the bolt to unstick the wedge)-- when it is raised though it does bring the handlebars closer.

BTW, congrats on the purchase!

My Raleigh Superbe has a 23" frame. I can just clear it. Its a very tall bicycle and I'm 5'7".

On my two DL-1s the handlebars and stem are permanently attached. The bolt fastens the stem to the steerer part of the fork.

The stems really are adjustable height-wise, yours may be just stuck.

$3.38 at Niagara Cycle:

http://www.niagaracycle.com/images/jbimages/51122.jpg (http://www.niagaracycle.com/product_info.php?products_id=11928)

You can raise the stem to a point, you cannot get a longer stem. When you raise the stem you will need to readjust the brakes too.

Seat posts are available in a variety of lengths. I have one steel one that is around 400mm long that I use on an old Raleigh Sports.

Aaron :)

Niagara also has alloy ones too, I think they are less than $10.

Niagara also has alloy ones too, I think they are less than $10.

Yes, I bought an alloy one for my Raleigh Gran Sport from Niagara. I was a little miffed when it showed up and was not the same post as the product image. It had very large black letters on it and was shaped a bit different. I removed the lettering with paint thinner and it's acceptable.

I found a really long aluminum seatpost (just a post, no integrated clamp) at the LBS that should fit. It was like 15" long, and cost me about $10.