PedalTraveler

I did a semi-restoration on my Raleigh a few months back, enough to enjoy it for the rest of the season, but now that it's cold out and not being ridden I look at it and see all that is left to do. It especially needs new rims and spokes, but before I go sinking any more money in it I'm wondering what it's worth and just how much more cash is worth putting into it.

Details can be seen in my original thread here https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ect?highlight=

I appreciate your input!!!

rhm

That's a nice example of a nice bike, and it's a well known model. I'm not sure exactly why this is, but those tend to for more than higher end, but lower profile (not as well known) bikes of the same period. Another forum member sold one (in approximately similar condition to yours) for $700 if I recall correctly. I don't, personally, think it's worth that much; but I wouldn't be surprised if you find someone who does.

Bianchigirll 

I saw this thread the other day but not knowing much about Clubmans (or even "club riders" in general) didn't feel well enough informed to reply.

If you like the bike and enjoy riding it why not replace/rebuild the wheels to make it more enjoyable? It certainly is a handsome and calssic rig.



What is wrong with the current wheels? Can you do the work to rebuild them?

PedalTraveler

Thanks very much for your input, I think I'll bring the wheels up to the LBS this week. Both rims have flat spots and the front has a slight bend. Both have had attempted straightening repairs in the past, and they're okay for short trips, but for a longer distance they're just too far gone for a smooth ride and ideal brake adjustment. Some of the spokes and chrome are also looking pretty rough too.

I don't have a truing stand or anything to do building myself, I suppose thats the next step in this hobby, but I'm not quite ready to make that leap yet.

Interestingly, from what I've read this model was sold with aluminum rims in England and chrome in the US for some reason, so I have options as far as what I replace them with. I'd prefer aluminum fpr stopping of course, but the guy at the LBS actually had some very old stock West-German marked chrome rims that would probably be more appropriate for the era.

rhm

Replacing the rims may sound easy, but you have 32 spokes in the front wheel and 40 in the rear, which complicates matters considerably. Very few rims made today are available in both of those drillings. Your best bet will probably be to use 32H rims for both front and back (it is pretty easy to put a 32H rim on a 40H hub). If you can't find a mechanic who's willing to do that, do it yourself. Be sure to use the original hubs.

I would definitely go with aluminum, which is an upgrade; assuming your original rims are Dunlop Special Lightweight rims, then other chrome rims will be junk in comparison (i.e. a major downgrade).

And, whatever you do, don't throw away the original rims. No matter how bad they are. If you don't want them, I'll take them.

PedalTraveler

Hmmm, now I'm questioning what I should do, they are dunlops, but the flat spots drive me crazy, they really aren't that bad, but they are just noticeable enough where they distract me.
I'll have to see if my local shop has aluminum in 32H and 40H.
The LBS had a pair of West German chrome rims that I don't recall the actual maker of... They didn't think they'd ever find another customer for them (they do very little wheel building) so they offered them to me for 10 bucks each.

Or maybe I'll deal with what I've got and save it for shorter rides. But that means I'll need another bike. Perhaps not the worst conclusion to arrive at!