
^
Stock '84 Alyeska, with exception of Brooks B.15 saddle.
+1 to Blue Order's comments, a few other things to add:
Tubing is Raleigh 555T, not to be confused with the 555SL used on the racing lineup. What the difference is between these two has yet to be determined, but I figure it is important not to blur the line between them, in the case that the tubesets are ultimately found to be different.
As Blue Order indicated, the Dia-Compe 660/660D cantilever brakes included on the Alyeska are amongst the worst performing cantilevers in existence, and are also quite easily the most aggravating caliper ever designed when it comes down to adjusting or replacing pads. The return spring of the caliper sits on the boss that retains the brake pad, shoving the fixing bolt out of alignment whenever you tighten it. Removing the spring only makes one's job more difficult.
On the bright side, Mafac or Mafac-copy brake calipers solve the problem with little hassle, and one can easily convert the Alyeska - with no modification of the brake bosses at all - to 700C if desired. Note that my particular example did not have the brake bosses brazed on squarely, requiring the utilization of the built-in offset-compensating cams that so happened to be built into these particular Prostar cantilevers:
As a matter of fact, although I am a staunch fan of 630mm/27" rims, I highly suggest the conversion on the Alyeska, as you will quickly find that any tire larger then 27x1-1/4 will result in hardly 5mm of tire clearance against the bottom of the fork crown, with virtually no clearance left for fenders. With 700C, you can run a 40cm tire before running out of clearance:
I must concur on the price as well. $150 on the high end, $200 max.
All the bad things aside though, the Alyeska is not too bad as an excellent mild touring machine, or, for that matter, as a fancy full-loaded grocery-gettin' machine if gas prices get a bit too high for your liking. The frameset itself isn't bad - the included, stock componentry is what has given it a bad reputation. Fitting it with components of your choice can result in a nice buildup though - I'm doing something of the sort with my '84 right now:
Tires are temporary.
-Kurt