Hello,
I was so glad to see many Raleigh people in BF, that I just had to join the forum.Since September15th,I am a happy Raleigh owner.Since then I've started fiddling with it,in order to turn it to my main commuting bike.That said,I hope you understand why I want to change the heavy steel rims to lighter aluminum ones.After a quick search,I found the sun CR-18(26x1.3/8) at the Harris Cyclery,but they wouldn't ship rims overseas.At the local market,the only thing I could find were some no name single wall alu rims,of poor quality.Does anybody have any idea about where I could find those rims,or equivalent ones?
Now a few data of the bike:
Raleigh Sport,two coloured frame(Red and white),chromed fenders and chainguard,white saddle with springs,Japanese headlight and pedals
As stamped on the rear hub(Sturmey AW 3speed)it was made in Nov.1980.36 holes both wheels.
The bike is not in perfect, but in a good overall condition.I already use it as a commuter.
Thanks in advance,
A.R.

Both Raleigh 3 speed bikes I have are fitted with 40 spoke rear wheels and 32 spoke front wheels. You're in luck that you have 36 spoke wheels. I would look for a set of nice used wheels that are laced up with the rims you want. Over here a lot of bike owners upgrade to fancier wheels and bike shops often have good deals on the left over used wheels. The problem is that few of the used wheels are the right size - 26". It's worth checking out some bike shops to see what they have. If you find a set of 26" wheels I would use the front wheel as is - there's nothing special about Raleigh front wheels - and lace the rear rim to your Sturmey Archer hub. While you're at it you should "lace" the spokes. Good luck.

I appreciate your idea,and I 'll go ask at the local shops,although I think the chances to find a set of Raleigh dimensioned wheels here,are scarce.You call me lucky for 36 spoked wheels, but I think it's easier to find(cheaper too) 7-speed rear Sturmey hub,with 40 holes:that will be my next "upgrade".Athens is not that flat...
Anyway,thanks a lot CharlsC for bothering with my question!

You could see if these guys will ship:
https://www.ebikestop.com/sun_cr_18_2...iso-RM8494.php

A quick search for 590mm Sun CR-18 rims gave me several hits. A search for a european vendor may net you something.

I would think that since the Sun rims aren't made in the US you should be able to find a source somewhere that will ship to Greece.

However, if you do have problems, I would be glad to hand carry a pair to you, and will even split the airfare with you. I will start the process of getting a passport now.

The Sun CR-18 in 590 size aren't stocked very many places. SJS cyles in
UK seems to have everything and they don't stock them - at least according
to their website.
A.E. Bike has them, and their websites says they ship anywhere in the
world.

https://aebike.com/page.cfm?pageID=29

Try these guys, they're in England.
https://www.theoldbicycleshowroom.co....-dept-11-c.asp

I have tried the ebikestop.com,and they do have the CR-18 26x1.3/8,but in order to ship them to Athens,they ask about 150$,plus the cost of the rims:so all together would cost around 210-220$ !!!!!!
Then I found the the AEBIKE.com,who have all sorts of the CR-18s,(36holes,32holes,40holes),but they don't ship overseas either.So I keep on trying.....
Strange thing is that it seems that the CR-18s(26x1.3/8),exist only in US shops....and nowhere in Europe!(A bike from Europe can find it's rims only in US!!!!!)
That makes me think that Raleighs and their genre are more appreciated,or exist in larger numbers over there, than here.
Anyway, I'd like to thank you for helping vohannrim,and I wish you better luck than mine..

Hi again!!
Luck smiled to me!Finally the guys from AEBIKE agreed to ship me the rims(CR-18/26x1 3/8'),with the USPS instead of some private courier company, charging me with a bit of extra more cost($55 instead of $38)which I find absolutely reasonable,and I really thank them for that.
The packet with the rims arrived to Greece in 3 days time,needed 4 more for the customs,and now I'm the happy owner of 3(yes 3,one for spare)brand new shiny(really nice polished) rims!!!
At a LBS I discovered a few "forgotten" Suntour CX Pro front hubs in their original package,(18 Euro a piece),bought them all, a new pair of Barum tubes made in Chekoslowakia, ordered a set of DT Swiss Competition spokes(281 mm)for the front wheel,a few sets of Kool Stop brake pads,and I'm anxious to see how the bike rides and brakes with a good alloy front wheel.
The upgrade of the rear wheel will take place only when I find a rear 5 or 8-speed Sturmey.Will see what luck brings.
Now let me introduce again my bike:It's a white-red Raleigh Sports bike,date of manufacture:11th 1970 (sorry at my previous post stated 1980 by mistake). Parts that are not original on the bike are the complete front wheel (some rusted cheapo Taiwanese trash), headlight and pedals Japanese,Italian longer stem (which I'll keep though).Original is all the rest including chainguard, mudguards, rack, reflectors, stand, etc.
I already use it as everyday-bike and it really rides well,even through heavy traffic (only the brakes...)
Anyway,I'd like to thank you all for the information found in the forum and especially CharlesC, Yohannrjm, LittleDarwin, Bikemore, SailorBenjamin,hope didn't forget anybody.I'll try to post a picture as the project advances...

I'm glad that you got the rims for your bike. The CR-18's will be great on that bike. Not only will they lighten the bike, but they will provide much better braking.

Anyway, I look forward to seeing your changes to the bike. All the best.