My first Raleigh Gran(d) Sport(s) came from [MENTION=341476]bear_a_bug[/MENTION], who traded it for some torchwork. He in turn received it from the Man of 100 Raleighs Past Present and Future, [MENTION=45088]nlerner[/MENTION]. Funny thing, there's a Neal connection on all 4 of these...
Within a single model year, the differences from frame to frame are perplexing. The original equiped bike, above, has stamped Zeus dropouts with integrated derailleur hanger. This frame is plain stamped, no derailleur hanger, which makes it perfect for the Sturmey Archer 5 speed IGH (internal geared hub) that I selected. Honjo fenders keep me dry when it's raining. The Brooks B17 Imperial saddle is very comfortable, but starting to sag a bit after 5 years of usage. The value tire of choice for the C&V crowd are the Panaracer Paselas. I've got a 38 up front and a 35 in the rear right now.
The cockpit has 44cm wide Nitto bars with a 12cm stem. I'm using a Nitto Mark's rack and my own
custom decaleur with Ortlieb bag hardware to hold an Acorn handlebar bag in place. Cushy white bar tape works perfectly with the frame. By mid-winter it'll look like crap. It's a high maintenance look, but there you have it. Note also that this particular model is a Grand Sports. I guess the decal budget hadn't been cut yet when these were made...
The front wheel was a $95 internet special - Sanyo generator, no name alloy rim, stainless steel straight gauge spokes. The dang thing just works. The MAFAC 2000 brakes have good stopping power and modulation. The generator powers B&M LED lights front and rear.
The MKS Viking axe platform pedals give me the option to ride normal shoes and make starting and stopping at the several stop lights I have to navigate through on my commute easier than using clipless pedals. There was a thread recently about putting reflectors on frames for visibility. I prefer ankle and vest reflectors + lighting, but in this case I made an exception.
The ride
Compared to the no-mods bike, handling is quite good. The longer stem, fatter, more supple tires and semi-loaded handlelbar bag all work together to get rid of the skittish feeling I had yesterday. The 5 speed IGH makes it easy to gear down when I forget to shift down at a stoplight, and the range is just right for the moderate rolllinig hill commute. I've been riding this for a year and a half. The generator lighting, fenders, and platform pedals make it a well behaved commuter.
The brakes squeal - it's been months since I rode this bike. Warm, dry weather meant I could bring some of my other bikes out for a ride to work, and I can't remember them doing that before. Time to clean up the rims and check the toe-in...
Internal geared hubs are index shifted. That means one needs to manage cable stretch, or you'll be kinda stuck between gears. I found this out when I stood to power out of a stop and the gears slipped - not fun.
I missed having a handlebar bag yesterday. About 5 minutes into the ride home I realized I didn't have a way to fix a flat, and felt a little naked without a pump and spare tube. That and the usual stuff I commute with.
Future changes?
I'd like to braze on cable guides and get rid of all the zip ties. Internal wiring for the generator and a custom rack would be an improvement as well. Fender lines could be improved with integrated connection points front and rear vs. the clips and daruma currently used. That would mean new paint/powder.