officerbogus

Hello All,

I picked this up today for less than asking price. I really like it so even if I paid a bit to much I am OK with it. It looks even better in person very ltille rust. What do you think?



I had to drop it at my office so I wont have any pics up til tomorrow, but any info you guys can throw my way regarding research or site to help with repair and restoration would be wonderful. I have always wanted a vintage bike and cannot wait to start this. I am completely green when it comes to bikes. I have signed up at a local co-op bike repair donation shop to help out and learn how to work on bikes.

I have lurked here for a few days and it seems like a wealth of information.

Thanks in advance

jimmuller 

The posting has been removed by the author. No pic available. Otherwise I like the paint scheme.

officerbogus

OK I think I got it.

nlerner

https://sheldonbrown.com/english-3.html

officerbogus

Great info ... Thank you very much.

Lascauxcaveman 

From the pics it looks like it was rather well cared for; it may not need any work. (But it'd still be fun to learn what you can from the boys and girls at your co-op.)

Order new tubes and tires for it before you even think of riding it, modern brake pads, too. That big ol' chrome light is the bee's knees. I wonder what size batteries it uses?

cream

Im not a collector or anything, but i would say that it was worth the purchase for the light alone. Looks nice.

mrlassiter

Repack the bearings,( bottom bracket, headset, hubs...) thirty or forty year old grease is going to be dust by now. Your co-op will be able to help and should have the tools you'll need..
nice score!

auchencrow

+1

Your front wheel and crank bearings absolutely need servicing. Probably the headset too. Your coop ought to at least be able to provide the tools, the grease and the bearings you'll need, along with a pair of new cotters.

If your rear Sturmey Archer hub is running OK it is common to just flush and relube it. Otherwise, you'll need to disassemble, clean and thoroughly inspect it for wear. THIS is the best instructional video I've come across for doing that. Replace the loose balls and the ball-retainers shown here while you're at it. BTW - Don't mess with the pawl springs if you don't have to.

bikemig 

That's a beautiful bike and they can command a premium when they are in good shape as yours is. One neat upgrade you could think about is to rebuild the wheels with aluminum rims. English three speeds typically take a 26 by 1 and 3/8 rim: https://sheldonbrown.com/english-3.html
I don't know how available those are in aluminum but it makes for a heck of a nice upgrade.

officerbogus

What can I say. Thanks for all the great information and advice. I'm glad I actually got a good deal for once. I can see how this can become addicting, I have not even touched the bike yet and am already on craigslist again looking for more vintage bikes.

bikemig 

It's not like we're trying to feed your addiction or anything,

BruceHankins

I'm having the same problem after taking mine out for its first multi-mile ride. Must have more....

Idkutet

Nice find.... had Raleigh 3spd growing up, wow what memories.

RobbieTunes

Welcome to the forum.

1-Killer bike. Great price. I'd take it all day at that price.
2-You can learn a ton just by cleaning, re-lubing, and adjusting it.
3-It will almost never let you down.
4-The accessories, oh, the accessories. Keep them and keep them working.
5-Rustoleum Rust Remover at Walmart. Then, either touch up with paint or cover with clear touchup to protect the spots.
6-Once the wheels are trued and tensioned, it will ride like a new bike, maybe even better.
7-Make sure you get it fit for the ride, not for sitting on it. Motion makes a difference.
8-The late, awesome Sheldon Brown is your friend.
9-This is a good forum. The Raleigh fans are fairly hard core and really know their stuff.

tcdwrench

One rule to remember: a vintage bike in this condition, is always worth more if you DO NOT REPAINT it! Stay with the original look and have fun.

officerbogus

+1

I am starting to see a lot of references to Sheldon Brown.
Thanks to all of the Raleigh fans for your kind responses.

noglider 

Really? I'm hard core. Let me think about that. You're right. I am a hard core Raleigh fan.

RobbieTunes

knew it.

spacemanz

Sheldon Brown was pretty close to God.

Lascauxcaveman 

LOL, we've got a live one here, Mother.

oddjob2

While typically good advice to improve braking, if the chrome rims are in good shape, in Scottsdale where it rains about 12" a year, over a 75 day period, I wouldn't bother. If the old pads are hard, you can sand the surfaces of the pads or buy some Diacomp/Cane Creek pads for $9 for a set of four.

N + 1. I'm sure the area's garage/estate sales will have great finds too, not to mention when students bail out in late spring from ASU.

AZORCH

I have a lamp exactly like the one on your bike (which I love, by the way.) I always thought my lamp would make a great three-speed bike accessory, and here you are, showing me that it is, in fact, a great three-speed bike accessory! Quite honestly, I wasn't even sure mine was a bike lamp. I know we'd all love to see more detailed photos of the bike once you get it in your hands, along with the requisite close ups - I'd appreciate seeing some details of how that lamp is connected to the bike.

Good looking ride!

noglider 

Ha. I have a 1974 Raleigh International (under reconstruction), 1971 Raleigh Super Course, a 1973 Raleigh Twenty, and a 1962 Rudge Sports, made by Raleigh. I've had others in the past, too. There are many worthy makers, and I never thought of myself as loving Raleigh more than others, but my collection says a lot.

officerbogus

What are some of the requisite close ups I need to take? I will be able to take pics tomorrow morning.