First real ride in over 10 years
 

For the bike, that is.

I've done some minor work on the eary 1970's Raleigh Gran Sport I bought a month ago at our communitiy yard sale. A short shakedown ride around the block confirms it's ready for a real ride. I'll be riding it the 12 miles into work tomorrow (one-way). Wish us luck.

good luck! if you don't die on the side of the road or something, post us some pictures! There are some filthy, stinking Raleigh lovers that hang out here. (They probably use a mac, too...)

Hmmn, end of the workday, and still no report. Anybody want to go looking for bleached bones and rusting tubing?

Syke
Deranged Few M/C

Ok, a few minor mechanical issues and some rider re-education but all in all a sweet ride. I put it into 0th gear on a couple hills [i.e., chain rattling off 1st next to wheel] and the saddle moved slightly [to a better postion]. The tires were a tad low but the ride was smooth and crisp. At 27 lbs it's only 5 lbs heavier than my loaded aluminum bike and I hardly noticed the weight. The Weinman center pull brakes did a great job with the new pads. I did, however, leave the bike at my LBS for some cork tape to be installed over the original white vinal. She got some lusty looks with remarks on the curved chrome forks, seat bolt [of all things], metal rat traps [Brooks], and mint condition white brake hoods [Carlton].
I posted some pics last month but here a couple.

What you've got there is, in my opinion, one of the prettiest Raleighs ever made. If I can ever come across one in a 56cm frame (or slightly larger), I'll defintiely dent the bank account to pick it up. I've always been a sucker for the "B-line" club racer, and Raleigh made the nicest ones. Glad to hear it's working out OK.

Syke
Deranged Few M/C