For the love of English 3 speeds...
07-06-15, 09:30 AM
#7651
Senior Member
I picked up a 1946 Raleigh Sports at the bike show on the weekend. At first glance it looks to be in decent shape for it's age, hopefully no surprises.
Can anyone suggest a thread to refer to on working on an older bike where the patina and age of the bike need to be preserved? It's not something easily searched for.
I gather the frame should just be washed and wiped down with an oily rag, at least at first.
I assume chrome and mechanicals are pretty well the usual - clean, grease and lubricate.
I figure all new cables and housing are OK - although new housing is going to stand out like a sore thumb.
Can anyone suggest a thread to refer to on working on an older bike where the patina and age of the bike need to be preserved? It's not something easily searched for.
I gather the frame should just be washed and wiped down with an oily rag, at least at first.
I assume chrome and mechanicals are pretty well the usual - clean, grease and lubricate.
I figure all new cables and housing are OK - although new housing is going to stand out like a sore thumb.
07-06-15, 10:49 AM
#7652
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I picked up a 1946 Raleigh Sports at the bike show on the weekend. At first glance it looks to be in decent shape for it's age, hopefully no surprises.
Can anyone suggest a thread to refer to on working on an older bike where the patina and age of the bike need to be preserved? It's not something easily searched for.
I gather the frame should just be washed and wiped down with an oily rag, at least at first.
I assume chrome and mechanicals are pretty well the usual - clean, grease and lubricate.
I figure all new cables and housing are OK - although new housing is going to stand out like a sore thumb.
Can anyone suggest a thread to refer to on working on an older bike where the patina and age of the bike need to be preserved? It's not something easily searched for.
I gather the frame should just be washed and wiped down with an oily rag, at least at first.
I assume chrome and mechanicals are pretty well the usual - clean, grease and lubricate.
I figure all new cables and housing are OK - although new housing is going to stand out like a sore thumb.
Might be able to reuse the cable casings unless they are bent badly. Even rust can be removed by soaking in vinegar or evapo-rust.
Some people advise against using polishing compound on original paint. Personally, I like removing that dull oxidation and restoring some of the original luster. There's different opinions about patina. I use wax to protect the paint and chrome. My favorite is ICE liquid wax by Turtle.
07-06-15, 11:19 AM
#7653
Senior Member
07-06-15, 12:03 PM
#7654
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07-06-15, 12:14 PM
#7655
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browngw,
That Robin Hood is quite the eye catcher ! Fantastic that you found one in 23". As for the stem, you could go with an old GB one, would look stunning and functional.
What wrapping is on the handle bars ? I have an old 60 Raleigh Gran Sport in that copper Colour but need to replace the tape. Is that one fresh wrap ?
Ride report when you can.
That Robin Hood is quite the eye catcher ! Fantastic that you found one in 23". As for the stem, you could go with an old GB one, would look stunning and functional.
What wrapping is on the handle bars ? I have an old 60 Raleigh Gran Sport in that copper Colour but need to replace the tape. Is that one fresh wrap ?
Ride report when you can.
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We are what we reflect. We are the changes that we bring to this world. Ride often. -Geo.-
We are what we reflect. We are the changes that we bring to this world. Ride often. -Geo.-
07-06-15, 12:28 PM
#7656
Senior Member
The bar tape is not fresh and is an older plastic thin style. I find it hard to believe that its original after 40 years but the bike is totally corrosion free and shows no signs of use other than some paints scuffs and scratches. The cables appear original as well. The bearings feel loose in the front wheel so I will have to address that before a ride report.
More items to save up for on a rebuild.
07-06-15, 12:56 PM
#7657
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Didn't take picture of it but here's a couple others. Lots and lots of 3 speeds there.
07-06-15, 03:18 PM
#7658
Senior Member
What where? I need a new 3 speed here in AZ. My other meet a untimely demise in November when I got hit.
07-06-15, 05:27 PM
#7659
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@browngw, I think the handlebar tape is original. I think everything is original except the tires. I think the bike was never ridden or very, very little.
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07-06-15, 05:29 PM
#7660
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07-06-15, 05:30 PM
#7661
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@browngw, I think the handlebar tape is original. I think everything is original except the tires. I think the bike was never ridden or very, very little.
07-06-15, 05:38 PM
#7662
aka Tom Reingold
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My guess is that it was somewhere out of humidity and ultraviolet rays.
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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.
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.
07-06-15, 05:51 PM
#7663
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A friend and I were examining it today and we figured it must have been kept in a closet or room in a house. It has no kickstand and the saddle corners are torn slightly. I tightened the front wheel and rode it today. 2nd and 3rd Ok, no low. Work for another day.
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We are what we reflect. We are the changes that we bring to this world. Ride often. -Geo.-
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07-06-15, 07:12 PM
#7664
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I took the beast out to a nearby church's parking lot for its shakedown run and photos this evening. Some things became evident that might require some waiting to solve.
1. It was squirmy...REALLY squirmy. I was afraid of this...I've no doubt these are solid bikes, but it's clear they aren't built for someone my size. Coasting down a slope was fine, but when I started pedaling hard, it squirmed. I may not be able to ride this much until after my bariatric surgery.
2. I was also afraid that the frame would be a bit too small for someone my height, but it felt good size-wise. I did raise the seat about 3/4" and moved it back about the same, which made a positive difference. I also had to straighten out the handlebars, which were pointed to the right a little bit.
3. First time actually riding with a Brooks saddle. Felt great on my arse, but not so much on the huevos. I tipped the nose down a bit, which made a big difference.
4. I was afraid the heel of my 13W foot would snag on the shift cable, but it didn't. Huzzah!
5. The brakes work great. I do need to back the rear brakes off a little...they were pretty grabby. Might need to check the toe again.
6. I was wrong to worry about the gearing. It's good. Going to have to check the shift cable adjustment, it wouldn't always shift into 1st.
1. It was squirmy...REALLY squirmy. I was afraid of this...I've no doubt these are solid bikes, but it's clear they aren't built for someone my size. Coasting down a slope was fine, but when I started pedaling hard, it squirmed. I may not be able to ride this much until after my bariatric surgery.
2. I was also afraid that the frame would be a bit too small for someone my height, but it felt good size-wise. I did raise the seat about 3/4" and moved it back about the same, which made a positive difference. I also had to straighten out the handlebars, which were pointed to the right a little bit.
3. First time actually riding with a Brooks saddle. Felt great on my arse, but not so much on the huevos. I tipped the nose down a bit, which made a big difference.
4. I was afraid the heel of my 13W foot would snag on the shift cable, but it didn't. Huzzah!
5. The brakes work great. I do need to back the rear brakes off a little...they were pretty grabby. Might need to check the toe again.
6. I was wrong to worry about the gearing. It's good. Going to have to check the shift cable adjustment, it wouldn't always shift into 1st.
Last edited by arex; 07-06-15 at 07:13 PM. Reason: aa
07-06-15, 09:43 PM
#7665
Bicycle Repair Man !!!
Thread Starter
[MENTION=101819]Sixty Fiver - I'm not sure I've seen your daughter's Raleigh Saffron. Have you posted it before? If not, would really like to see some photos.
Can you tell me if it's possible to "tighten up" the kickstand on my Twenty? I see the pin at the end. I've sprayed WD40 in there and cleaned the best I can from the outside. When I put the kickstand up it seems sort of loose. Thanks in advance.
Can you tell me if it's possible to "tighten up" the kickstand on my Twenty? I see the pin at the end. I've sprayed WD40 in there and cleaned the best I can from the outside. When I put the kickstand up it seems sort of loose. Thanks in advance.
The Saffron was the non folding version of the Compact, these were made in Italy for Raleigh and do have Italian bottom brackets.
The Saffron is a very nice bike as it does not have the poor quality hinge of the Compact, it has custom built wheels and that new 7 speed hub will make my daughter very happy.
Will also look to build up a dynamo front wheel for her as well.
07-06-15, 11:51 PM
#7666
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07-06-15, 11:51 PM
#7667
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07-07-15, 12:08 AM
#7668
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07-07-15, 09:02 AM
#7669
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I took the beast out to a nearby church's parking lot for its shakedown run and photos this evening. Some things became evident that might require some waiting to solve.
1. It was squirmy...REALLY squirmy. I was afraid of this...I've no doubt these are solid bikes, but it's clear they aren't built for someone my size. Coasting down a slope was fine, but when I started pedaling hard, it squirmed. I may not be able to ride this much until after my bariatric surgery.
2. I was also afraid that the frame would be a bit too small for someone my height, but it felt good size-wise. I did raise the seat about 3/4" and moved it back about the same, which made a positive difference. I also had to straighten out the handlebars, which were pointed to the right a little bit.
3. First time actually riding with a Brooks saddle. Felt great on my arse, but not so much on the huevos. I tipped the nose down a bit, which made a big difference.
4. I was afraid the heel of my 13W foot would snag on the shift cable, but it didn't. Huzzah!
5. The brakes work great. I do need to back the rear brakes off a little...they were pretty grabby. Might need to check the toe again.
6. I was wrong to worry about the gearing. It's good. Going to have to check the shift cable adjustment, it wouldn't always shift into 1st.
1. It was squirmy...REALLY squirmy. I was afraid of this...I've no doubt these are solid bikes, but it's clear they aren't built for someone my size. Coasting down a slope was fine, but when I started pedaling hard, it squirmed. I may not be able to ride this much until after my bariatric surgery.
2. I was also afraid that the frame would be a bit too small for someone my height, but it felt good size-wise. I did raise the seat about 3/4" and moved it back about the same, which made a positive difference. I also had to straighten out the handlebars, which were pointed to the right a little bit.
3. First time actually riding with a Brooks saddle. Felt great on my arse, but not so much on the huevos. I tipped the nose down a bit, which made a big difference.
4. I was afraid the heel of my 13W foot would snag on the shift cable, but it didn't. Huzzah!
5. The brakes work great. I do need to back the rear brakes off a little...they were pretty grabby. Might need to check the toe again.
6. I was wrong to worry about the gearing. It's good. Going to have to check the shift cable adjustment, it wouldn't always shift into 1st.
Wow, beautiful bike! I love the brazed cable lugs. Really, really nice work.
07-07-15, 09:23 AM
#7670
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07-07-15, 09:25 AM
#7671
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07-07-15, 11:00 AM
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"Saffy"
The Saffron was the non folding version of the Compact, these were made in Italy for Raleigh and do have Italian bottom brackets.
The Saffron is a very nice bike as it does not have the poor quality hinge of the Compact, it has custom built wheels and that new 7 speed hub will make my daughter very happy.
Will also look to build up a dynamo front wheel for her as well.
The Saffron was the non folding version of the Compact, these were made in Italy for Raleigh and do have Italian bottom brackets.
The Saffron is a very nice bike as it does not have the poor quality hinge of the Compact, it has custom built wheels and that new 7 speed hub will make my daughter very happy.
Will also look to build up a dynamo front wheel for her as well.
07-07-15, 01:12 PM
#7673
Senior Member
@arex - to say this bike is gorgeous is an understatement. Thanks you so much for the detailed photos and for sharing. Simple, elegant, effective. Nice.
@Sixty Fiver - Saffron is a beauty.
@Sixty Fiver - Saffron is a beauty.
07-07-15, 03:16 PM
#7674
Bicycle Repair Man !!!
Thread Starter
The construction quality is rather good and it is a very nice riding bicycle... they appear to be fairly uncommon and suspect they were not produced in high numbers while the folding version is easier to find.
I would avoid the folding model as the clamp just isn't up to par.
07-07-15, 06:44 PM
#7675
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We are what we reflect. We are the changes that we bring to this world. Ride often. -Geo.-
We are what we reflect. We are the changes that we bring to this world. Ride often. -Geo.-