Originally Posted by ddeand

More amazing stuff from my rebuild. I started work on the wheels of my Raleigh Sports project today and found some interesting things. The bike had the original tires and tubes (1965), but the rubber was dried out with the typical “bubblibg” on the sidewalls that are a fact of life with old tires. The bike came with a new set of tires, so those are going on. The tubes were fine, but I’ll likely replace them, too. What got me was the rim tape on the wheels. Obviously, the deterioration of the wheels has rendered the original tape useless, but I was struck by the manner the rim tape was installed. The tube stem runs through a grommet-like washer that has the rim tape threaded through a couple slots, folded back underneath, and literally stitched together. Never seen anything like this before. I hope the pics show what I’m describing. After I clean the wheels, I’ll probably try to do the rim tape exactly as it was originally, stitches and all. This is turning into a pretty fun project!



Side view od rim tape

Originally Posted by SirMike1983

I received for Christmas a brand new Banjo Brothers Rack Top bag. With 62 degrees and sunny as the weather for today, it was a good chance to try the bag out with the Raleigh bike. I specifically asked for this item because I thought it might go well on my Raleigh Twenty. Many of the old Raleigh folding bikes had "carry-all" bags strapped to the rear rack. I figured this could be something like that. The bag fits nicely and I'm really happy with how it worked out. It has plenty of space, but is not overly large. These are not as good as a Carradice bag, but they are still a really good value because the price is so reasonable on them.

https://bikeshedva.blogspot.com/2018...d-raleigh.html

Originally Posted by BigChief

It does have a lot going for it. 23" frame, the nicer single bolt brake levers, good looking paint. Hard to see in the photo, but the chrome parts look pretty good. Odd that it's missing all the shifting gear. Is it a Robin Hood? I always liked the Robin Hood head badge.

Originally Posted by ddeand

More amazing stuff from my rebuild. I started work on the wheels of my Raleigh Sports project today and found some interesting things. The bike had the original tires and tubes (1965), but the rubber was dried out with the typical “bubblibg” on the sidewalls that are a fact of life with old tires. The bike came with a new set of tires, so those are going on. The tubes were fine, but I’ll likely replace them, too. What got me was the rim tape on the wheels. Obviously, the deterioration of the wheels has rendered the original tape useless, but I was struck by the manner the rim tape was installed. The tube stem runs through a grommet-like washer that has the rim tape threaded through a couple slots, folded back underneath, and literally stitched together. Never seen anything like this before. I hope the pics show what I’m describing. After I clean the wheels, I’ll probably try to do the rim tape exactly as it was originally, stitches and all. This is turning into a pretty fun proje

Originally Posted by johnnyspaghetti

I took the ride to Lacrosse Wis. & picked it up this Robin hood and it is better than I expected. A 1969 it ends up being. The paint is dusty with very light oxidation close to perfect and should cleanup nicely. All the pin striping is good. Although it is apparent it has a lesser bling than than a Raleigh Sports, it is in phenomenal condition.

Originally Posted by gster

I had my 1977 Canadian built Superbe out today and I have to say that swapping out the rear cog with a 22T has been a major improvement all around.
I've got 3 more 22T cogs in the garage and will install on my other "riders" come spring.
Attachment 597241

Originally Posted by gster

I had my 1977 Canadian built Superbe out today and I have to say that swapping out the rear cog with a 22T has been a major improvement all around.
I've got 3 more 22T cogs in the garage and will install on my other "riders" come spring.
Attachment 597241

Originally Posted by BigChief

It sure is nice to be able to use these interchangeable splined cogs to suit our individual preferences. We can go between 16T to 24T, all easily available. Right now, I like 20T for my 70s bikes with 46T chainwheels and 22T for the older 48T. I'm happy with the original 18T on my S5 Sprite.

Originally Posted by gster

I should start counting chain ring teeth as well.
This one has a 20T on the hub but will check the ring as well.
The ring has a stamped eye on the heron, 1960/61.
Attachment 597276

Originally Posted by BigChief

I Really like that scorcher. That would be a 48T. A 20x48T gearing sounds about right to me for a true scorcher. You wouldn't want to be able to spin out top gear too easily

Originally Posted by gster

Thanks. This was an unexpected purchase. A friend of mine bought it and took a few parts off then brought it over to my house and offered it for $50.00.
I couldn't say no.
The front forks have a small twist to them but I'll try to straighten them out come spring
As purchased below.
Attachment 597286

Originally Posted by markk900

Wow - chrome socks on the forks. I can’t recall seeing that before.

Originally Posted by ddeand

Yup. One of the wheels was dry as a bone but covered with the deteriorated rubber of the tire while the other was wet and nessy. I haven’t started to rehab the tires yet, so I really don’t know if there’s any corrosion. Hope not! I’ll use Velox on these and will stitch them like the originals. I’ll also check the spoke ends.