Originally Posted by USAZorro
That was my primary reference. It is either something internal to the hub (doubt very seriously it was over-oiling, as the bike was my uncle's, and Raleigh's were the bread and butter of his shop), a glitch with the trigger, or I just haven't found the proper adjustment yet. I'll either get it eventually, or settle for riding it as is. If I lived in Miami, lacking 1st gear would be no problem whatsoever. Then again, I'd need to be sure to remove the saddle whenever I locked it up outside.
Probably a simple cable adjustment. If it is an internal problem, chances are there's some grime caught up in the slot between the axle, the axle key, and the sliding clutch & spring.
Here in Miami, our bike thieves are too stupid to steal Brooks saddles
Place a cheap dual-suspension Target-brand MTB and a Raleigh Super Tourer on a bike rack, unlocked, and our local thieves will take the MTB. Then again, there are some times when they'll simply try to walk off with anything.
I've yet to take that useless '71 Varsity frame in my shed down, and build it as a fixie. No brakes, and sharp BMX pedals (sharpened a bit more with a file!). Can't wait to plant that one in a rack just to watch the bike theft antics roll. It's a pity that a single-speed fixed-gear can't have a suicide shifter on the top tube!
Take care,
-Kurt