'73 Raleigh Gran Sport - I think I'll keep it!
10-27-12, 02:36 PM
#1
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'73 Raleigh Gran Sport - I think I'll keep it!
I responded to a CL ad the other night for this Raleigh Gran Sport. I didn't think that it would last or that I had a chance of getting it as the asking price was fairly low. Kinda figured it would be in poor condition but with a spit and polish maybe I could flip it. Met with the seller, I was the only one that responded to the ad, and struck a deal that was even better than expected. And the bike had been gone over pretty thoroughly. Wheels were true, gears adjusted, brakes adjusted with new brake pads installed. Its a winner. Took it for a short ride in the heat wave we had for one day, and its a real beauty.
I'd love to see what others have done to their Gran Sports, so post pics if you got 'em.
I'd love to see what others have done to their Gran Sports, so post pics if you got 'em.
10-27-12, 03:08 PM
#2
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I ran my Gran Sports in a few different configurations before selling it off, but here it is with upright bars and a Sturmey-Archer 2-speed kickback hub:
10-27-12, 03:16 PM
#3
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Bikes: '72 Motobecane Grand Record, '72 Gitane tandem, '72 Raleigh Super Course, '73 Raleigh Gran Sport, '73 Colnago Super, '76 Fiorelli Coppi, '78 Raleigh SBDU Team Pro, '78 Trek 930, '81 Holdsworth Special 650B, '86 Masi GC, ’94 Bridgestone RB-T
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Nice find, you are going to love it. Mine was also a CL find in much better shape than I had expected. I added the seat, cables, Paselas, bar wrap and bar-cons, and the Suntour RD - these bikes deserve better than the stock Simplex RD/shifters. It's a definite keeper - a great ride.
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Last edited by jeirvine; 10-27-12 at 03:18 PM. Reason: bettering
10-27-12, 03:17 PM
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^ Nice score BC!
^
I think that the Grand Sports is truly one of Raliegh's most ride-friendly and classic offerings, but with a strong Carlton heritage (-including those white and lagoon blue colors - my favorite combination!)
Here's mine (below) - also a '73. Here it's wearing a Suntour Vx and white Tressostar. (I installed Paselas and a silver Crane bell soon after these pics were taken and the tires make it even better.)
^ I think that the Grand Sports is truly one of Raliegh's most ride-friendly and classic offerings, but with a strong Carlton heritage (-including those white and lagoon blue colors - my favorite combination!)
Here's mine (below) - also a '73. Here it's wearing a Suntour Vx and white Tressostar. (I installed Paselas and a silver Crane bell soon after these pics were taken and the tires make it even better.)
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10-27-12, 04:08 PM
#5
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Nice bikes guys, keep 'em coming. Somehow at sometime a set of tubulars was put on my example.Really like the ride with the tubulars. I could see putting a a pair of Challenge Paris-Roubaix tires on in the future. Go for the plush ride.
10-27-12, 05:07 PM
#6
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I made the mistake of putting deep drops on mine, because they are pretty. I'll probably go back to the GB rando bars in the future. I also went with 27 x 1 tires, wish I had gone with 1 1/4 instead. I've considered selling mine from time to time, but can't quite bring myself to do it. I've sold my Raleigh Pro instead.... something I thought would never happen. It's a nice bike.
DSC00424 by mkeller234, on Flickr
DSC00431 by mkeller234, on Flickr
DSC00424 by mkeller234, on Flickr
DSC00431 by mkeller234, on Flickr
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10-27-12, 05:29 PM
#7
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'73 Raleigh Gran Sport - I think I'll keep it!
I like the bag and support.
Also the Huret Multito. I have to put one on mine .
Also the Huret Multito. I have to put one on mine .
10-27-12, 06:29 PM
#8
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BC Ya done good! One of my favorite paint schemes; it's nice to see one that's held up over the years.
Since I got it, my GS has been busy racking up cross country miles (in a box!), so I haven't had a chance to set it up personally yet. Here is the thread describing how I acquired it, including pics from the seller. Planned changes are: customized gearing (something like 13-24 freewheel, & 48-45 chainrings), white brake hoods, white cables & bar tape, toe clips with white straps, and standard Crane instead of Crane GS RD. Oh, and proper GB Randonneur handlebar, instead of similar Sakae World Randonneur currently fitted. Speaking of which, MK, if you should decide to unload your GB Randonneur bar, please let me know.
Since I got it, my GS has been busy racking up cross country miles (in a box!), so I haven't had a chance to set it up personally yet. Here is the thread describing how I acquired it, including pics from the seller. Planned changes are: customized gearing (something like 13-24 freewheel, & 48-45 chainrings), white brake hoods, white cables & bar tape, toe clips with white straps, and standard Crane instead of Crane GS RD. Oh, and proper GB Randonneur handlebar, instead of similar Sakae World Randonneur currently fitted. Speaking of which, MK, if you should decide to unload your GB Randonneur bar, please let me know.
10-27-12, 07:08 PM
#9
What??? Only 2 wheels?
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From a few years ago now:
Vx derailleurs, Sun M13II rims, Shimano 600 hubs, Sugino RT(?) crank, compact double gearing. Stretched out to 6spd rear (by an unknown previous owner).
Vx derailleurs, Sun M13II rims, Shimano 600 hubs, Sugino RT(?) crank, compact double gearing. Stretched out to 6spd rear (by an unknown previous owner).
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Real cyclists use toe clips.
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Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
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10-27-12, 08:11 PM
#10
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'73 Raleigh Gran Sport - I think I'll keep it!
Wow, great stuff. Old's'cool - like the "opposite" color scheme. I don't think i have ever seen the blue/white color scheme in person.
Really want to get out tomorrow for a good ride. Only have 10 miles on this bike. Just getting everything set the way I like it. I'll have to report on how she rides. I was impressed with it on the short ride i took but was still getting seat height and handle bar set.
Really want to get out tomorrow for a good ride. Only have 10 miles on this bike. Just getting everything set the way I like it. I'll have to report on how she rides. I was impressed with it on the short ride i took but was still getting seat height and handle bar set.
10-27-12, 08:35 PM
#11
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Not mine, but one I saw out in the wild a couple years back.
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10-27-12, 09:01 PM
#12
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(image link fixed)
mine is here. a '74. not too much periodically correct restoration, but still beautiful Raleigh to me.
repainted in orange with some modifications including reconditioned Agda saddle, Campy Chorus crank, Suntour VX mechs, VO Milan bar etc.
it's more like a townie now.
1st one is before upgrading the handle bar (old GB rando bar), while the 2nd is after Milan bar installed
mine is here. a '74. not too much periodically correct restoration, but still beautiful Raleigh to me.
repainted in orange with some modifications including reconditioned Agda saddle, Campy Chorus crank, Suntour VX mechs, VO Milan bar etc.
it's more like a townie now.
1st one is before upgrading the handle bar (old GB rando bar), while the 2nd is after Milan bar installed
Last edited by orangeology; 10-28-12 at 09:31 AM. Reason: edit
02-02-13, 06:11 PM
#16
What??? Only 2 wheels?
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Zombie thread time. But what the heck, it's a new look for an old friend.
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Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
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