kevtjam

I have a 1973 Raleigh Supercourse that I have had since new. I used it extensively in high school and college but it has sat unriden in my various basements and garages since around 1982.
My wife keeps threatening to put it at the curb on garbage day. I worked very hard that summer to buy that bicycle and have not been able to cut it loose up to this point.
I have an Oryx mountain bike that has been my main ride for the past several years but I am thinking about puttng that Raleigh back on the road.
Any thoughts on what it might take to make it rideable again? My amateur bike mechanic days are long behind me so I would be paying professionals for the refurbishment. Thanks in advance for your assistance.

auchencrow

This old thread should give you some good ideas!

kevtjam

Thanks, some nice looking refurb jobs!

auchencrow

The point is kevtjam, that your '73 is a very special bike and has quite a loyal and enthusiastic following.

Obviously putting it curbside is not an option (unless you lived next door to me and gave me notice before you did).

Rehabilitating it absolutely is in order. Since it has not been ridden in a long time (and probably not serviced for even longer) you need first to get all of the bearings serviced (replaced and greased up) so you won't be doing any damage to the races with the petrified grease. Probably new cables and housings are needed all around too, along with new brake shoes and rubber, and a fresh bar wrap. If there is any appreciable mileage on the old gal, a new chain and freewheel is probably needed to make it run like new again. If there is any rust you need to address this before you begin - taking it down to the bones, and cleaning and polishing every part.

This is pretty much the minimum rehab for any old bike. It gets pricey of you have the LBS do it, and it may not be done to your satisfaction. My advice is to dust off those bike mechanic skills and spend the money on tools instead. There are tremendous resources available on the Internet now to guide you.


PS welcome to C&V

PPS - Post some pics !

realestvin7

Post some pics!

kevtjam

Just hauled it out of the shed this afternoon. The crank and wheels turn. Brakes seem to work. Tires are shot. Derailleur cables seem to be seized up.

realestvin7

I want it. Nice.

cycleheimer

The following are a few good "how-to" links ...


https://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help

https://bicycletutor.com/guide/

https://bloombikeshop.com/

https://www.bikewebsite.com/repair-bike-index.htm

You can order parts and supplies online. You can shop around and find some very good deals. Niagara Cycle Works and Nashbar in the U.S. are pretty good, but I don't know how things work up in Canada. I still have the best of my "college" bikes, and I am glad I didn't get rid of it.

Throw it out? When? Where?

kevtjam

Thanks for the links. I have a US properrty where I typically have on-line purchases delivered.

Thanks to the feedback from this site my wife now agrees that the SuperCourse is worth saving!

justadude

I'd have all the grease and rubber parts replaced, and those cables, and then if it's good to go, ride it.

Thumpic

Great color!!!!!