For the love of English 3 speeds...
#5276
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Bikes: Giant Excursion, Raleigh Sports, Raleigh R.S.W. Compact, Motobecane? and about 20 more! OMG
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Not to quibble but they really look like the grips that came on the 1978 Sprite model: 'The Headbadge' - Vintage bicycle information [and the unmolested 1978 emerald green bike I just got has them]
What I'm trying to figure out is why Raleigh apparently went away from the DARE grips, maybe for just that one year, here's the catalog page on the 1977Sprite and it shows DARE's: https://www.kurtkaminer.com/1977raleighcat_us_13_lg.jpg
...and if you look at the 1979 catalog page you'll see DARE's on the bike with the upright "Northrounder" bars: https://www.kurtkaminer.com/1979raleighcat_us_05_lg.jpg
Just trying to figure this stuff out LOL, sometimes it seems that the closer you look at Raleigh nuances the more mysterious they become!
What I'm trying to figure out is why Raleigh apparently went away from the DARE grips, maybe for just that one year, here's the catalog page on the 1977Sprite and it shows DARE's: https://www.kurtkaminer.com/1977raleighcat_us_13_lg.jpg
...and if you look at the 1979 catalog page you'll see DARE's on the bike with the upright "Northrounder" bars: https://www.kurtkaminer.com/1979raleighcat_us_05_lg.jpg
Just trying to figure this stuff out LOL, sometimes it seems that the closer you look at Raleigh nuances the more mysterious they become!

Raleigh did do a bunch of different things, even within a single model year. FWIW the bikes in the original picture are a 1968 RSW Compact, 1971 Raleigh Twenty and a 1971/72 Superbe. We also have a 1973 Colt in green with the same grips.
Aaron

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Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
#5277
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auchencrow I'd like to get your opinion on this situation...
I picked up a 1978 Sprite 3-speed in FL last week [ 'The Headbadge' - Vintage bicycle information ] and the "flipper" I bought it from had taken a can of black spray paint and coated both the rims and the OEM gumwall tires with paint. I don't think the rims have nearly as much rust in them as kcaut's new Superbe's do but I'm sure the original 36+ year old gumwalls were REALLY ugly; I've never seen any that old that aren't; hence the flipper's urge to "beautify" the bike. [pics to follow at some point; the emerald green with black head tube inset is visually arresting]
Anyway, the question I have is this, is there a reasonably not-too-labor-intensive way to get that black paint off the rims and ~ 1.5 inches of spokes and spoke nipples? This bike is all-original throughout and really deserves to be put back right. Tx.
I picked up a 1978 Sprite 3-speed in FL last week [ 'The Headbadge' - Vintage bicycle information ] and the "flipper" I bought it from had taken a can of black spray paint and coated both the rims and the OEM gumwall tires with paint. I don't think the rims have nearly as much rust in them as kcaut's new Superbe's do but I'm sure the original 36+ year old gumwalls were REALLY ugly; I've never seen any that old that aren't; hence the flipper's urge to "beautify" the bike. [pics to follow at some point; the emerald green with black head tube inset is visually arresting]
Anyway, the question I have is this, is there a reasonably not-too-labor-intensive way to get that black paint off the rims and ~ 1.5 inches of spokes and spoke nipples? This bike is all-original throughout and really deserves to be put back right. Tx.
Palmetto - I'm not making light of your predicament, but just the other day, I briefly considered starting a spoof thread about an "evil flipper", and what you described was exactly the most nefarious misdeed I could possibly conceive of!!!
"Paint those rotten gumwalls black! WHO will know?! Nya ha ha!" he said.

- Unfortunately, I don't have an easy solution for you, short of disassembly. Depending on what evil lurks underneath that paint, the rims are possibly salvageable through chemical means. Depending on the type of paint he used, aircraft or graffiti paint stripper ought to clean up the rims OK (read warnings and follow directions!!!) - but I'd wager that those spoke threads and nipples are goners. Just measure them and order new replacements from Lee (Childhood dreams) on E-bay. You'll be glad you did - and IF you never built your own wheels up, simply go to Sheldon's page that describes precisely how to go about it in very clear terms.
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#5278
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Palmetto - I'm not making light of your predicament, but just the other day, I briefly considered starting a spoof thread about an "evil flipper", and what you described was exactly the most nefarious misdeed I could possibly conceive of!!!
"Paint those rotten gumwalls black! WHO will know?! Nya ha ha!" he said.
- Unfortunately, I don't have an easy solution for you, short of disassembly. Depending on what evil lurks underneath that paint, the rims are possibly salvageable through chemical means. Depending on the type of paint he used, aircraft or graffiti paint stripper ought to clean up the rims OK (read warnings and follow directions!!!) - but I'd wager that those spoke threads and nipples are goners. Just measure them and order new replacements from Lee (Childhood dreams) on E-bay. You'll be glad you did - and IF you never built your own wheels up, simply go to Sheldon's page that describes precisely how to go about it in very clear terms.
"Paint those rotten gumwalls black! WHO will know?! Nya ha ha!" he said.

- Unfortunately, I don't have an easy solution for you, short of disassembly. Depending on what evil lurks underneath that paint, the rims are possibly salvageable through chemical means. Depending on the type of paint he used, aircraft or graffiti paint stripper ought to clean up the rims OK (read warnings and follow directions!!!) - but I'd wager that those spoke threads and nipples are goners. Just measure them and order new replacements from Lee (Childhood dreams) on E-bay. You'll be glad you did - and IF you never built your own wheels up, simply go to Sheldon's page that describes precisely how to go about it in very clear terms.
1978 Raleigh Sprite 27 in Emerald Green with 25" frame and Sturmey Archer 3 speed AW hub
The sun finally went behind the tree line and I got out there for the "BEFORE" photo session. From what I have been able to determine from perusing the catalogs here, Raleigh Catalog Database Archive, it appears that the years 1977 & 1978 were the only ones when a SA 3 speed IGH was offered. I assume that it was the AW both years. This bike is going to get alloy rims probably; and this may mean my first exercise in wheel building.
As far as I can tell the bike is all-original except the saddle, tires and of course the purty black paint. The original owner - quite likely a career Air Force type as the bike came from just outside Eglin AFB -
apparently had the tires replaced at least once since there are a pair of Specialized gumwalls under the paint and they have held good air for about three days now...
#5279
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HA-HA! Puhleeze do the thread!
1978 Raleigh Sprite 27 in Emerald Green with 25" frame and Sturmey Archer 3 speed AW hub
The sun finally went behind the tree line and I got out there for the "BEFORE" photo session. From what I have been able to determine from perusing the catalogs here, Raleigh Catalog Database Archive, it appears that the years 1977 & 1978 were the only ones when a SA 3 speed IGH was offered. I assume that it was the AW both years. This bike is going to get alloy rims probably; and this may mean my first exercise in wheel building.
As far as I can tell the bike is all-original except the saddle, tires and of course the purty black paint. The original owner - quite likely a career Air Force type as the bike came from just outside Eglin AFB -
apparently had the tires replaced at least once since there are a pair of Specialized gumwalls under the paint and they have held good air for about three days now...
1978 Raleigh Sprite 27 in Emerald Green with 25" frame and Sturmey Archer 3 speed AW hub
The sun finally went behind the tree line and I got out there for the "BEFORE" photo session. From what I have been able to determine from perusing the catalogs here, Raleigh Catalog Database Archive, it appears that the years 1977 & 1978 were the only ones when a SA 3 speed IGH was offered. I assume that it was the AW both years. This bike is going to get alloy rims probably; and this may mean my first exercise in wheel building.
As far as I can tell the bike is all-original except the saddle, tires and of course the purty black paint. The original owner - quite likely a career Air Force type as the bike came from just outside Eglin AFB -
apparently had the tires replaced at least once since there are a pair of Specialized gumwalls under the paint and they have held good air for about three days now...


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#5280
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My path racer project is on an indefinite hiatus...health issues, work issues, other priorities.
Among other things left to do, I have to have the cracked seat stays rebrazed, a repaint (probably powdercoat it), and some minor fitting issues before I can finish putting it together.
I was able to sort out the fitment of the brakes and tires. Now I have a bunch of unused brakes and tires to resell on eBay.
Among other things left to do, I have to have the cracked seat stays rebrazed, a repaint (probably powdercoat it), and some minor fitting issues before I can finish putting it together.
I was able to sort out the fitment of the brakes and tires. Now I have a bunch of unused brakes and tires to resell on eBay.
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My first post. I just received these his and hers time capsules from a friend that is moving and did not want to move with the bikes that have resided in his garage since he purchased his house. They were apparently purchased by the original owners in the late '70's, hung from the rafters and left in place since then. They are dusty, but otherwise, untouched since their original purchase.
Last edited by Sarcastrodomus; 05-27-14 at 05:01 PM.
#5282
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For you Raleigh Superbe lovers, this 1966 edition popped up on Chicago CL today...
1966 Raleigh Superbe Beautiful
1966 Raleigh Superbe Beautiful

#5283
Bicycle Repair Man !!!
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My first post. I just received these his and hers time capsules from a friend that is moving and did not want to move with the bikes that have resided in his garage since he purchased his house. They were apparently purchased by the original owners in the late '70's, hung from the rafters and left in place since then. They are dusty, but otherwise, untouched since their original purchase.
#5284
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Brought this 1961 Step-through Raleigh Sports to work today and cleaned and polished it during my lunch hour. The brake pads look new. Very lightly used.
EDIT: I just noticed I forgot to polish the chain guard.
EDIT: I just noticed I forgot to polish the chain guard.
#5285
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auchencrow I'd like to get your opinion on this situation...
I picked up a 1978 Sprite 3-speed in FL last week [ 'The Headbadge' - Vintage bicycle information ] and the "flipper" I bought it from had taken a can of black spray paint and coated both the rims and the OEM gumwall tires with paint. I don't think the rims have nearly as much rust in them as kcaut's new Superbe's do but I'm sure the original 36+ year old gumwalls were REALLY ugly; I've never seen any that old that aren't; hence the flipper's urge to "beautify" the bike. [pics to follow at some point; the emerald green with black head tube inset is visually arresting]
Anyway, the question I have is this, is there a reasonably not-too-labor-intensive way to get that black paint off the rims and ~ 1.5 inches of spokes and spoke nipples? This bike is all-original throughout and really deserves to be put back right. Tx.
I picked up a 1978 Sprite 3-speed in FL last week [ 'The Headbadge' - Vintage bicycle information ] and the "flipper" I bought it from had taken a can of black spray paint and coated both the rims and the OEM gumwall tires with paint. I don't think the rims have nearly as much rust in them as kcaut's new Superbe's do but I'm sure the original 36+ year old gumwalls were REALLY ugly; I've never seen any that old that aren't; hence the flipper's urge to "beautify" the bike. [pics to follow at some point; the emerald green with black head tube inset is visually arresting]
Anyway, the question I have is this, is there a reasonably not-too-labor-intensive way to get that black paint off the rims and ~ 1.5 inches of spokes and spoke nipples? This bike is all-original throughout and really deserves to be put back right. Tx.
Seat




Rim


Hub




#5286
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That's beautiful.
#5288
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just saw this on amazon, I know its not "period correct" for most of these old bikes, but pretty slick looking i think... anyone have experience with it? It comes in a couple diameters i think...
https://www.amazon.com/Pro-Cable-Guid...FDWHQY9KFHEBYG
https://www.amazon.com/Pro-Cable-Guid...FDWHQY9KFHEBYG

#5289
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If you want a little more stopping power on steel rims get some center pull brakes and fit some modern over size brake pads, soft rubber not the old black hard rubber blocks,keep the rims clean with glass cleaner and you will be ok if you ride sensibly in the rain.
Sorry, this was meant to be a reply.
Sorry, this was meant to be a reply.
#5290
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just saw this on amazon, I know its not "period correct" for most of these old bikes, but pretty slick looking i think... anyone have experience with it? It comes in a couple diameters i think...
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
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Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#5291
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I picked up a pair of step through 70's Raleigh Sports for my soon-to-be wife and myself. They are a lot more fun to ride than I had anticpated. Much more lively than my touring bike. I took mine on a 30 mile cruise to the lake the other day, and was happy to find that the stock gearing is pretty suited to Kansas's lack of elevation change.
But is there some secret to tightening the calipers to the frame? My bike is fine, but the other bike is definetly loose at both ends. I can wiggle the entire caliper up and down in relation to the hole that the centerbolt mounts too. There is only one locknut that I can find, and if I tighten that so that caliper assembly is secure to the frame then the individual brake arms become bound. I spent all afternoon playing with it, but I haven't been able to get it right. I've taken them off to make sure that the frame isn't damaged.
Hopefully I'll get this sorted this weekend. It's the first bike she's had since childhood, and the weather is supposed to be perfect out.
But is there some secret to tightening the calipers to the frame? My bike is fine, but the other bike is definetly loose at both ends. I can wiggle the entire caliper up and down in relation to the hole that the centerbolt mounts too. There is only one locknut that I can find, and if I tighten that so that caliper assembly is secure to the frame then the individual brake arms become bound. I spent all afternoon playing with it, but I haven't been able to get it right. I've taken them off to make sure that the frame isn't damaged.
Hopefully I'll get this sorted this weekend. It's the first bike she's had since childhood, and the weather is supposed to be perfect out.
#5293
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Second version of the poster.
#5294
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Got my Sports frame back from the shop, all brazed-up nice. Now I need to decide what color I'm going to paint it (quite possibly something close to the original green), or else some shade of beige, cream, or brown. Also, I don't know if I'm going to powdercoat it or paint it. Powdercoating is, in general, nicer...but painting is more flexible in materials and finishes, cheaper, and I can do it myself.
#5295
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Modern Vintage. Virtue resurrects the classic 3 er 5 speed with a Sturmey Archer hub:

Meet the Virtue Encore 5M. There is also the Encore 5F, a step down ladies' model.
It has drum brakes for a clean appearance. And you can have it in any color as long as its black.

Meet the Virtue Encore 5M. There is also the Encore 5F, a step down ladies' model.
It has drum brakes for a clean appearance. And you can have it in any color as long as its black.

#5297
Senior Member
Any idea what this Virtue bike weighs compared to my vintage Raleigh 3 speeds. I notice on their web site they appear to have bosses for bottle cages but I don't see any pump pegs Looks to be a nice bike
#5298
aka Tom Reingold
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I just looked at the Virtue web site. Sturmey archer hubs, low prices. How do they do that? Handsome, too.
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“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#5299
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CroMo frame and alloy wheels on the Virtue. It could weigh in the mid 20's.
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1973 Schwinn Super Sport
1986 Schwinn Peloton
1976 Raleigh Super Course Mk II(for wife)
1983 Gitane Super Corsa
1991 Trek 750 Multitrack
1973 Schwinn Super Sport
1986 Schwinn Peloton
1976 Raleigh Super Course Mk II(for wife)
1983 Gitane Super Corsa
1991 Trek 750 Multitrack
#5300
Senior Member
just saw this on amazon, I know its not "period correct" for most of these old bikes, but pretty slick looking i think... anyone have experience with it? It comes in a couple diameters i think...
Amazon.com : Origin8 Pro Cable Guide Pulley for Bicycles : Bike Shift Cables And Housing : Sports & Outdoors

Amazon.com : Origin8 Pro Cable Guide Pulley for Bicycles : Bike Shift Cables And Housing : Sports & Outdoors
