Originally Posted by
screaminDOHC
What would be good period correct upgrades for this? The simplex is junk from what I've heard. What color bar tape should I get...hmmmmm
http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/156...-Cork-Tape.htm
.....A set of inexpensive alloys would be nice too. Wonder what my chances are of finding an old 27" set of alloys, used of course...
From what I've read the Weinman center pulls are adequate, and just to get a set of Kool Stops on there. Which ones though?
http://www.koolstop.com/brakes/index.php
I'm not really an expert bike mechanic, so this will be a learning process. The Raleigh could be fun!
I'd vote for the black tape. I bet that's what it had originally, although it was probably cloth.
If you're near a major metro area, try running a WTB ad on Craigslist for a set of wheels. Lots of people upgrade to 700c, and lots of others these days change wheelsets for conversion projects. It shouldn't be too hard to find some. Just make sure the hubs aren't shot.
Decent low-mid range derailleur sets go for cheap on Ebay. Or include these in the CL ad. All those fixie fiends have changers laying around.
It's been a while since I had any Weinman brakes, but someone else will be along with an answer. I agree they're serviceable brakes, though.