Hello from a noob
 

Wanted to share my new bike and tell every one what a nice and very helpfull forum this is. I just got this 1974 Raleigh Sport over the weekend at a flea market for 20 bux. From the same place I grabbed some cheap tubes and tires to get it rolling, took it home quickly cleaned and lubed everything and rode it around my neighborhood. Everything seems unmolested on it and minimal rust, I had to remove the seat and threw on one from a mountain bike, the original Brooks was in 2 pieces and I dont think repairable. I also flipped the bars to make it a little more comfortable for me. I am replacing the chain later this evening and probably clean on it some more but just rode it for 3 miles to store and back, was so excited I wanted to take pics when I got home.
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...s/DSCN0002.jpg
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...s/DSCN0006.jpg
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...s/DSCN0005.jpg
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...s/DSCN0004.jpg
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...s/DSCN0003.jpg

Nice find. Its in great shape and looks good with the bars flipped. You may be able to clean that chain up with a little abrasive pad and some mineral spirits, it looks like just light surface rust.

If you're gonna replace the chain, be sure to get a BMX chain. a modern 7/8/9 speed chain will be too narrow.

Looks well kept. The larger 23" frame is a nice catch. In some urban markets they are selling for about 10 to 20 times what you paid.

BTW, it came with the reflector on the back fender ... that's excellent!

BEAUTY of a bike. Sports are simply the best, and I also like the flipped bars.

Wow, looks like a nice one. I've had about 20 of these bikes. I'm down to 3 at the moment but I just noticed one leaning against a neighbor's tree.
They usually aren't as shiny as yours.
Welcome to the club.

Way to go.

Thanks for the warm welcome guys. Yea, I got a BMX chain, I saw the difference in it by looking at my mountain bike. Besides the gold BMX chain looks proper on there. It still has the original brake pads, where can I get a suitable replacement pads?

It depends--do you want better stopping? Get Kool Stop Continentals in the Salmon color. They also come in gray.