Dec1st

I bought this 1972 green Raleigh Superbe this spring. I love it. It came with original everything except the tires. Even the horrid plastic Brooks saddle and the amazingly nice Raleigh engraved nuts with the red R on them.

However, to me a bike is meant to be ridden and this one wasn't mint, just complete. In order for it to be a good usable bike for me, I need to make some changes. Here's my question:

What do I do with the parts I pull off of it? Is anyone going to want the vinyl Brooks and the rubber grips that get really hot in the sun? Do I just throw it all in a box on the off chance that someone, someday wants to turn it into a museum bike?

cb400bill

I'd pull off the stuff you want to change, put them in a labeled box, and put them back on if/when you sell the bike.

w1gfh

Yes, you must keep everything EXACT and period correct and WOE betide you if you change even ONE thing to accommodate personal taste or preference. For example if a 35 year old tire fails, you must not throw it away or replace it. You must take it to an authorized Raleigh tire restorer who will meticulously reconstruct it so you can put it back on the bike (which will of course be kept in a climate controlled, dust free environment and only ridden on holidays during a full moon).

randyjawa 

Yup! That's what I do. But on another note, what changes do you feel the bicycle needs?

Dec1st

Yeah. That's exactly what I'm trying to avoid. If it was NOS, I could maybe see it, but this is a used bike. A cared for used bike, but it continues to be used and cared for.

Dec1st

I bought a leather saddle from VO on their sale right off. I just replaced the grips with some Masi cork ones (the ones with the metal ends) because the rubber ones get soft and hot when you are parked in the sun.

I can't find Koolstop brake pads anywhere in town and with the babyseat on the back, I'm not sure they would help enough. I'm saving up for new rims and Kevlar tires so I don't have to worry about flats with a toddler in tow. I also want to do something to make the lights brighter. New bulbs, maybe, but my hubby is talking about tackling the project with diodes and whatever so I can run LED bulbs.

Not much really. It's an amazing bike just they way it is, it could just do with a little updating of components.