What to do with a '62 Raleigh Gran Sport...
 

I just picked up what I believe to 1962 Raleigh Gran Sport for $20. At least I'm pretty sure it's a '62 based off of Sheldon's info, and the images here: http://collection.rydjor.com/bikecollection/1962ral.htm. It's that exact color and has all the same components including the Brooks, but doesn't have the cool fenders or water bottle holder. Anyways, I really love this bike, but it's simply too tall for me. This seems to be a trend for me- I also got a cool Motobecane Grand Touring for free, but it was also too tall and I ended up selling it. My dilemma is as follows: Do I clean it up, put some new tires on it and sell it(and for how much)? Or do I use some of the parts on a bike that actually fits me- I really LOVE the old Brooks B15 Swallow and the handlebars with the anodized lug thingy(see images)? I really don't want to dishonor this cool old bike- or maybe it's not really that special... I don't know. Any advice?

I wish more than anything that I had proportionate legs! I'm 5'9" but if my legs were proportionate to my torso I'd be like like 6'2"! I have a really hard time finding bikes that fit. The bike I got is the exact color as the one in the pictures, but maybe a little more faded. The seat has some cracking but seems sound. It also needs new tires but other than that and the fenders- it looks just like that. I wonder if i could ride with stilts? :p

I see your back teeth and raise you a kidney.

I'm not exactly sure what size the frame is- I'll have to make some measurements. I have like a 28" inseam- no joke, I have freakishly short legs. I was also reading some stuff on DIY anodizing a while ago. Really tempted to give it a try sometime.

If you ask me, it'd be best to keep it all together and pass it on to someone it fits...

Or trade it for something nice.

Just measure from center of crank spindle to top of seat tube -- we're all in suspense here!

Bike in link you provided looks 21 1/2"-22" at most... in the old days, riders rode with almost no seat post showing.

Its a beautiful bike.

I'd adapt...

That's not the OP's actual bike, just an example.

just measured and it looked like a little over 23 1/4". I checked the Raleigh brochure on Sheldon's site and it lists a 23 1/2" as the largest size- I think that's what I've got. Pictures in a minute...

the bike is still filthy, and these pictures are terrible- but you get the idea...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2433/...8b594dbc_o.jpg

I love these cranks... beautiful

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3490/...da3b64c9_o.jpg

the anodized stem/handlebar lug-thingy and brake handles- faded on the left brake

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3500/...65253450_o.jpg

close up of the handlebar

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3544/...d9d25718_o.jpg

in case you've never seen a Brooks before ;)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2492/...28c606a4_o.jpg

Very nice! BTW, except maybe for the red section, those parts are NOT anodized.

yeah, i was referring to the stem lug thing and the brake levers... the red, or faded pink stuff. those are anodized right?

It's a virtual twin to mine, except for the color. Please keep it in one piece.

I can't wait to finish mine and ride it. I left the Swallow on mine with the P.O. to save it from being ruined. A B-17 is far more appropriate for my 230lbs.

I would keep the bike together, clean it up and make it look as nice as possible. Then I'd try to trade it, complete, for a similar bike in the correct size; or to trade the frame for another 1962 Raleigh Gran Sport frame, in the correct size. I think you'll find that a frame in the correct size isn't that hard to find.

I'd have to have one in front of me to tell you for sure. Anodizing just wasn't common in those days.

Maybe Redneckwes can take a good look at his and tell us if it's painted red or anodized.

I believe the red of those parts were anodized: the red has faded to pink!

Beautiful bike by the way: many people I'm sure would love to have it if it doesn't fit.

Trade for a 72 Raleigh International frame about 20.5"-21"?

<img src=http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i312/TWrelated/raleigh-inter712.jpg>

thanks for all the great posts guys! I think I will keep it together- parting it out would seem sinful. I may even try fixing it up and riding it for a while, even though it's way too tall, and I'll try to find just the right person to sell it to.

Oh man, I love the color of that frame! If I were going to have a frame custom painted that's almost exactly the color I'd go with. I wonder what the standover height would be? Where are you located?

A couple more questions...

Besides cleaning and lubing it, is there anything else I should do to this bike? The paint is faded and chipped in some places and the decals aren't in great shape, but I should just leave the finish as is right?

It definitely needs new tires/tubes- what would be a good, affordable, period correct looking tire to use?

And should I replace the bar tape? Looks like white may have been the original color, any suggestions?

Polish the chrome, wax and polish everything.

Don't touch the handlebar tape; it's perfect the way it is. It will eventually get nasty and need replacement, but wait until there's no life left in it.

Check spoke tension; if the spokes have gotten loose over time (I don't know why that happens, but it does), something should be done about that.

If you (or anyone) are planning to ride the bike much, it's a really good idea to replace the brake shoes with these: http://www.koolstop.com/brakes/campy1.jpg

Disassemble. You need the right tools or find someone to help.

Go over the frame with a soft cloth and some paint thinner being really careful around the decals. You can use a toothbrush and thinner to get around the lug edges and bottom bracket.

GENTLY go over the frame with rubbing compound then wax heavily.

Throw all the parts in paint thinner and clean with a toothbrush. Reassemble with new grease, oil the chain, etc. Grease the seatpost and stem where they go into the frame. Someone will love you in 25 years for doing it.

Steel wool, Semichrome polish etc on chrome and aluminum. Get the wheels trued.

Replace inner cables and brake shoes as someone mentioned. Keep the outer cable housing if good; you can't get those colors any more.

A little Proofhide on the saddle.

Gumwall clinchers are hard to find these days, usually all black now.

I sent you my email; give me your address, I can send 2 rolls of oldstyle perforated white plastic bar tape, which I think is right for that bike, unless you want cloth.

What about tires like these? http://harriscyclery.net/itemdetails.cfm?id=1278

Also, what kind of wax should I use on the frame?

If you have any kind of paste wax already, whether it's made for cars or furniture or whatever, you can use that; if you're going to go out and buy something, get a good car wax.

I don't agree with dbakl on everything. I would not use rubbing compound on the frame; it's too abrasive. You can consider polishing compound, which is less abrasive, if the surface is badly weathered, but this does not appear to be the case, as far as I can tell. Wax will do wonders.

I'm not even sure about cleaning the frame with pain thinner; if there is an old coating of yellowed wax, dried oil, etc., it's perfectly okay to call it patina and leave it. From what I can see of your bike, it looks fine. Clean with soap and water, and go straight to the wax.

Definitely preserve the cable housings unless totally shot. As for replacing the innerwires of the cables... well, maybe, but maybe not. If they're still good, they don't need to be replaced. If visibly damaged, kinked, rusted, badly frayed, or just not sliding properly in the housing, you should consider it; but if I don't see any problems, then I'd leave them alone. They may hold up another 40 years, or they may break within a month. If you replace them, the new ones may last 40 years, or may break within a month; you can't know the future.

Those gumwall tires would be fine; white wall tires might look very nice as well. Check to see what's on ebay; a lot of sellers there will list two tires, two tubes, and two rim strips for a surprisingly low price. Thinner tires, such as 27 x 1 1/8", will look better on the narrow rims.

this is great info, thanks. Yeah, i have some rubbing compound, but it's pretty abrasive stuff- kind of scares me a little bit! I'll probably wash the bike thoroughly and see where i'm at. Maybe I'll post some more(better) pictures after that and see what you guys think. I think the cable housing are in decent shape, and they are a really cool color, so I'll probably leave them as is. Not sure about the cables themselves- I think I'll throw some old 27" tires i have on, take it for a spin, and see where I'm at.