Found a Raleigh Colt
 

I just found a Raleigh Colt, Step thru, at the side of the road. Apparently dumped.
It has no saddle, just a seat post, Busted spokes in the front wheel, and a bent handlebar.
What to do with it? Can the front wheel be rebuilt? rim seems OK. I read that the Sturmey
Archer 3 speeds are indestructible, I can source a cable set for it. I am thinking of cleaning
it up and fitting it with baskets as a shopper. The rear hub has a '62 date code. Don't want
to desecrate a rare beast, but this isn't a collectible right? Doing a careful rattlecan paint
job on it isn't going to get me run out of C&V is it?

It might...and where are the pictures!:twitchy:

They aren't the most common model in the vintage Raleigh lineup but they are built to the same general standards. Yes the front wheel can be rebuilt or even just add replacement spokes. I would do what it takes to make it ridable and get on with it. What frame size? Most of the Colts I have seen are on the small side, IIRC they were marketed as a "tweens" bike.

My wife has one and it fits her perfectly.

Aaron:)
http://inlinethumb13.webshots.com/40...600x600Q85.jpg

Sorry, having connection issues with the camera at the moment.
It looks like your wife's bike, but in blue/green with white fenders.
I went out to look at the size, maybe a bit small for me, ( 6'2" )
Unfortunately, a better look at the wheels revealed the rims are
severely damaged. :( No clue whether I can source rims locally.

They make aluminum rims for those these days, they call them 650s but they're the same size. I think Velo orange has them.
'snot that rare a bike. have fun with it.

That might be an option, thanks. Now, does anyone know where I can get them in Canada? I don't like cross border at the best of times, and rims? Velo Orange isn't keen on it.

They also make alloy 26x13/8" rims... Sun Rims CR18 I would think you LBS could find them for you.

Aaron:)