Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Folding Bikes
Reload this Page >

Raleigh Twenty buildup complete

Notices
Folding Bikes Discuss the unique features and issues of folding bikes. Also a great place to learn what folding bike will work best for your needs.

Raleigh Twenty buildup complete

Old 12-11-10, 08:51 PM
  #1  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Richmond, VA
Posts: 425

Bikes: Torelli Titanio; Serotta Atlanta Concept; Specialized Rockhopper, Raleigh Twenty, Velo Orange Polyvalent

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 17 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times in 4 Posts
Raleigh Twenty buildup complete

At long last, I have finished building up my Raleigh Twenty. It took a lot longer than I expected for various reasons, choosing a part that didn't work, missing some small part here and there, and when you get down to it, I'm not much of a mechanic. But it's done, so here are some pics.

The build is:
Frame & fork-1973 Raleigh Twenty;
Headset-Tange G32STR Aheadset, used with 26tpi nuts from original headset and Sinz seatpost clamp;
Stem-Nitto Periscopa (Technomics not quite tall enough, don't ask me how I know that);
Handlebar-Soma Sparrow (installed upside down to get the grips higher);
Grips-Rivendell Portuguese cork, with three coats of Zinser Bullseye Amber (when you glue them to the handlebars, the glue may set better and faster if you shellack them AFTER you glue them, don't ask me how I know that);
Brake Levers-Tektro BMX levers;
Shifter-SA SLS 3C (grip shift won't work on Sparrows, don't ask me how I know that);
Bell-Crane Copper Suzu;
Front hub-SA HBT, 36x451;
Rear hub-SA SRF3, 36x451;
Rims-Velocity Synergy;
Tires-Primo Comet 37x451;
Brakes, Tektro R-365 (had to make a drop plate to use these with the Pletscher rack);
Pedals, KKT Top Run;
Crankset-Sugino RD2, 165mm;
Chainring-Sugino 46 tooth;
Chain-SRAM PC-7X 1/8 inch;
Cog-SA, 18 tooth;
BB-Shimano UN72, 116mm, with Phil Wood cups;
Saddle, Brooks B17;
Seatpost-Thomson Elite, 28.6x400 (330mm Kalloy Uno not tall enough, don't ask me how I know that);
Seatpost clamp-Crow Cycles;
Rack-Pletscher C?;
Kickstand-Pletscher Esge (if I were a good mechanic, I wouldn't have had to cut it five times to get the right length--at least I didn't cut it short).

I've added a couple photos of the drop plate I made so that brakes could fit with the Pletscher rack. Nothing big, just some flat bar with a couple holes drilled in it, but it works.

Also, I should point out that the wheels were built by 3Sports, my LBS in Richmond. The paint job on the frame and the pump is by Canyon Custom Air, also in Richmond. Both did a great job and I recommend them.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg
R201.jpg (101.4 KB, 302 views)
File Type: jpg
R205.jpg (102.6 KB, 268 views)
File Type: jpg
R202.jpg (99.9 KB, 234 views)
File Type: jpg
R203.jpg (104.9 KB, 243 views)
File Type: jpg
R204.jpg (98.9 KB, 252 views)
File Type: jpg
rsz_img_0136.jpg (53.4 KB, 203 views)
File Type: jpg
rsz_img_0138.jpg (66.3 KB, 198 views)

Last edited by harlond; 12-15-10 at 10:56 AM. Reason: Added some detail to build list; added some picturesl added attributions
harlond is offline  
Likes For harlond:
Old 12-12-10, 07:01 AM
  #2  
Member
 
Flitzer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 44

Bikes: Raleigh Twenty

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Very nice, you should be proud of your build. Others may have a different opinion but I think you should consider fenders, some nice hammered silver ones.
Bob
Flitzer is offline  
Old 12-12-10, 07:24 AM
  #3  
Senior Member
 
SunnyFlorida's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Eating oranges of course!
Posts: 561

Bikes: Sun Miami Trike - 2007

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
WOW!!!! That's some sweet looking bike. Love the color, Brooks saddle, Soma Sparrow handlebars, brake levers and grips. Hell, I love the bike!!!

I'm printing out your post that list the changes in detail for future reference for my Sybil.

What a handsome bike. And you consider yourself not that much of a mechanic? Puhlezze!!!!!

P.S. Unless you really need the fenders for practical purposes, I wouldn't get them. The bike shines as is.

Last edited by SunnyFlorida; 12-12-10 at 07:53 AM.
SunnyFlorida is offline  
Old 12-12-10, 08:39 AM
  #4  
Membership Not Required
 
wahoonc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: On the road-USA
Posts: 16,855

Bikes: Giant Excursion, Raleigh Sports, Raleigh R.S.W. Compact, Motobecane? and about 20 more! OMG

Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 70 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 15 Times in 14 Posts
Originally Posted by SunnyFlorida
WOW!!!! That's some sweet looking bike. Love the color, Brooks saddle, Soma Sparrow handlebars, brake levers and grips. Hell, I love the bike!!!

I'm printing out your post that list the changes in detail for future reference for my Sybil.

What a handsome bike. And you consider yourself not that much of a mechanic? Puhlezze!!!!!

P.S. Unless you really need the fenders for practical purposes, I wouldn't get them. The bike shines as is.
I always want fenders, you never know WHAT is on the road ways that you may inadvertently run through.

Beautiful job on the build up!
__________________
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(

ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.

"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"
_Nicodemus

"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"
_krazygluon
wahoonc is offline  
Old 12-12-10, 10:41 AM
  #5  
Senior Member
 
social suicide's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Marquette
Posts: 697
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Liked 12 Times in 7 Posts
You must have fenders on Mackinac Island. Thats not a puddle of water on the road!
Lovely bike. Whats the gearing like with that 46/18 combo?
Attached Images
File Type: jpg
100_0354.JPG (34.2 KB, 299 views)
social suicide is offline  
Old 12-12-10, 11:13 AM
  #6  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Richmond, VA
Posts: 425

Bikes: Torelli Titanio; Serotta Atlanta Concept; Specialized Rockhopper, Raleigh Twenty, Velo Orange Polyvalent

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 17 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times in 4 Posts
Originally Posted by social suicide
You must have fenders on Mackinac Island. Thats not a puddle of water on the road!
Lovely bike. Whats the gearing like with that 46/18 combo?
Thanks. According to Sheldon's calculator, with the 165mm crank, the gears are 39, 52, and 69 inches. So far I've only ridden it around the block three times, but I think that's a good range for the riding I'll be doing.

As for fenders, I don't expect to ride it much in the wet, so I think I'll be OK without them.
harlond is offline  
Old 12-12-10, 11:32 AM
  #7  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: San Rafael, California
Posts: 2,097
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 113 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times in 6 Posts
Nicely done! it's always an extra pleasure to work on something yourself and actually enjoy the fruits of your labor.
BruceMetras is offline  
Old 12-12-10, 04:44 PM
  #8  
jur
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Albany, WA
Posts: 7,393
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 321 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times in 6 Posts
Originally Posted by harlond
... don't ask me how I know that)
Looks like knowledge was gained at some expense. You & me both.
jur is offline  
Old 12-13-10, 09:11 PM
  #9  
Member
 
Flitzer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 44

Bikes: Raleigh Twenty

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Fenders

Sorry if it sounds like I'm beating a dead horse but here is something you might want to read. Briefly:

"Please see my article on fenders. Here is the first paragraph: Fenders are not just to protect you from what’s falling on you. They’re to protect you from what your tires pick up and throw up at you. That includes more than just water, sludge and mud. That includes dog poo, urine, vomit, chemicals spilled on the pavement, oil, grease, pieces of roadkill, basically anything you wouldn’t want to step into when walking as well as small debris and pebbles and those hot, sticky bits of asphalt and tar we see in big cities in Summer.

I think that explains the need for fenders pretty much. Fenders are useful in any conditions, wet or dry as you never know what you’re going to run into. It could be a perfectly sunny, dry day but you may pass by a construction site or car wash and end up with dirty water on your face and your clean clothes."

This was taken from: https://nycbikecommuter.info/?p=1041
Flitzer is offline  
Old 12-13-10, 10:23 PM
  #10  
Senior Member
 
Dave1899's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Gainesville, FL
Posts: 138
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
You did a fantastic job! I love it and like SunnyFlorida, I'm printing your build specs in case I get a wild hair and up-grade one of my Twin R20's. It would be nice if you posted over on the raleigh twenty forum also.
Dave1899 is offline  
Old 12-13-10, 10:42 PM
  #11  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Richmond, VA
Posts: 425

Bikes: Torelli Titanio; Serotta Atlanta Concept; Specialized Rockhopper, Raleigh Twenty, Velo Orange Polyvalent

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 17 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times in 4 Posts
Originally Posted by Dave1899
You did a fantastic job! I love it and like SunnyFlorida, I'm printing your build specs in case I get a wild hair and up-grade one of my Twin R20's. It would be nice if you posted over on the raleigh twenty forum also.
Thanks, that's nice of y'all. And I did post over there in my gallery.
harlond is offline  
Old 12-13-10, 11:39 PM
  #12  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 7,143
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 261 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 11 Times in 10 Posts
Originally Posted by harlond
Thanks. According to Sheldon's calculator, with the 165mm crank, the gears are 39, 52, and 69 inches. So far I've only ridden it around the block three times, but I think that's a good range for the riding I'll be doing.

As for fenders, I don't expect to ride it much in the wet, so I think I'll be OK without them.
Your choice of gearing is perfect. I prefer a 54 inch direct drive but 52 is just fine. Very nice bike.
Dahon.Steve is offline  
Old 12-14-10, 07:30 PM
  #13  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Richmond, VA
Posts: 425

Bikes: Torelli Titanio; Serotta Atlanta Concept; Specialized Rockhopper, Raleigh Twenty, Velo Orange Polyvalent

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 17 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times in 4 Posts
Annals of Excess

I modified a pump to fit the pump pegs, and then went overboard and got it painted to match the bike. Stupid, but I like to think of it as part of the stimulus package. Doesn't look bad though.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg
rsz_img_0147.jpg (78.5 KB, 135 views)
File Type: jpg
rsz_img_0148.jpg (70.0 KB, 123 views)
File Type: jpg
rsz_img_0151.jpg (64.6 KB, 133 views)
harlond is offline  
Likes For harlond:
Old 12-15-10, 10:49 PM
  #14  
Senior Member
 
Dave1899's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Gainesville, FL
Posts: 138
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Can't believe I forgot about your post on the RaleighTweny forum. You did a lot of work on that bike. Looks like you did the same pump mod I did. Did you replace the rubber boot on the frame QR?
Dave1899 is offline  
Old 12-16-10, 09:55 AM
  #15  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Illinois, USA
Posts: 109
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Your Twenty looks great. What brand of pump did you use?
folderfan550 is offline  
Old 12-16-10, 10:31 AM
  #16  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Richmond, VA
Posts: 425

Bikes: Torelli Titanio; Serotta Atlanta Concept; Specialized Rockhopper, Raleigh Twenty, Velo Orange Polyvalent

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 17 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times in 4 Posts
Originally Posted by Dave1899
Can't believe I forgot about your post on the RaleighTweny forum. You did a lot of work on that bike. Looks like you did the same pump mod I did. Did you replace the rubber boot on the frame QR?
Yes, and I did do the same pump mod.

Originally Posted by folderfan550
What brand of pump did you use?
Thanks. Zefal Lapize
harlond is offline  
Old 01-02-11, 05:01 PM
  #17  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Richmond, VA
Posts: 425

Bikes: Torelli Titanio; Serotta Atlanta Concept; Specialized Rockhopper, Raleigh Twenty, Velo Orange Polyvalent

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 17 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times in 4 Posts
Wooden crate

I wanted my Twenty to be more useful, so I built this crate to put on the rear rack. I could have used a regular plastic milk crate, but I preferred wood. And I could have looked for a wooden crate, but building it myself made for an appealing project itself. The crate frame is made of 1x2 poplar, the slats of 1x4 poplar, all painted green to match the lettering on the frame. I made two cleats to attach it to the rack. Though not shown, the cleats are cut so that they are inset on the rack, preventing sliding. The crate is about 15x9x9, so an ordinary paper grocery bag fits easily. It's raining so I haven't been to the grocery store yet, but soon, very soon.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg
rsz_img_0178.jpg (59.3 KB, 123 views)
File Type: jpg
rsz_img_0167.jpg (94.5 KB, 133 views)
File Type: jpg
rsz_img_0177.jpg (44.9 KB, 114 views)
File Type: jpg
rsz_img_0169.jpg (60.8 KB, 116 views)
File Type: jpg
rsz_img_0179.jpg (53.2 KB, 116 views)
File Type: jpg
rsz_img_0171.jpg (60.0 KB, 128 views)
harlond is offline  
Old 01-02-11, 05:25 PM
  #18  
Senior Member
 
Foldable Two's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Vancouver, Washington and Ocean Shores, Washington, USA
Posts: 1,319

Bikes: 2 - 2007 Custom Bike Fridays, 2 - 2009 Bike Friday Pocket 8's, Gravity 29'er SS, 2 - 8-spd Windsor City Bikes, 1973 Raleigh 20 & a 1964 Schwinn Tiger

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Nice job, but the crate looks a tad "overbuilt".

I used the same connection method to mount a pseudo milk crate to the rack on my Dahon S1. Works great even with a gallon of milk and a 1.5L bottle of wine in it.

Lou
Foldable Two is offline  
Old 01-02-11, 05:29 PM
  #19  
Bicycle Repair Man !!!
 
Sixty Fiver's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: YEG
Posts: 27,272

Bikes: See my sig...

Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 67 Post(s)
Liked 128 Times in 95 Posts
Stunning and inspirational build... will see if we can't make your bike the pin up for January or February.
Sixty Fiver is offline  
Old 01-02-11, 08:58 PM
  #20  
Banned.
 
folder fanatic's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Anti Social Media-Land
Posts: 3,078
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 2 Posts
Originally Posted by harlond
At long last, I have finished building up my Raleigh Twenty. It took a lot longer than I expected for various reasons, choosing a part that didn't work, missing some small part here and there, and when you get down to it, I'm not much of a mechanic. But it's done, so here are some pics.

The build is:
Frame & fork-1973 Raleigh Twenty;
.....Rack-Pletscher C?;
Kickstand-Pletscher Esge (if I were a good mechanic, I wouldn't have had to cut it five times to get the right length--at least I didn't cut it short).

I've added a couple photos of the drop plate I made so that brakes could fit with the Pletscher rack. Nothing big, just some flat bar with a couple holes drilled in it, but it works.

Also, I should point out that the wheels were built by 3Sports, my LBS in Richmond. The paint job on the frame and the pump is by Canyon Custom Air, also in Richmond. Both did a great job and I recommend them.
Another beautiful R20 now being enjoyed and appreciated by someone who cared enough to resurrect it!

I do wish I knew you wanted to add a double pronged or legged kickstand to your own Raleigh Twenty. On my own Twenty, I decided I wanted a double prong legged kickstand. So....I headed off to one of my favorite LBS. And their solution, a kickstand that does not have to be cut down to fit the smaller wheels. Here is the Webpage with all the details on this particular kickstand (except that the price is wrong, it is more like 25 dollars).

https://pasadenacyclery.com/product/giant-mode-kickstand-10070.htm

While it is a perfect fit as far as fitting on the bike, you do have to remember not to bump it against a curb a stair step, or the like as it hangs a bit low under the frame, then it either interferes with the cranks turning or becomes loose-or both as you can see from my photo below before readjusting it (just 1 time, now I know about lower hang). I have been using it for 6 months. I rather liked it.

It seems to be on the Dahon Curve too as this video from NYCEWheels shows:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-REiNFRS7Hw&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL
Attached Images
File Type: jpg
New Double Prong &.jpg (101.1 KB, 135 views)

Last edited by folder fanatic; 01-05-11 at 12:16 AM.
folder fanatic is offline  
Old 01-02-11, 09:03 PM
  #21  
Senior Member
 
Dave1899's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Gainesville, FL
Posts: 138
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Very nice project. Yes, you could have bolted on a milk crate but the home made wooden crate is so much more personalized and better looking!
Dave1899 is offline  
Old 01-13-11, 03:32 AM
  #22  
Senior Member
 
FishBiscuit's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 54

Bikes: 1976 Raleigh Tourist, 1973 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh International

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
That's one sweet R20!
FishBiscuit is offline  
Likes For FishBiscuit:
Old 01-15-11, 09:43 AM
  #23  
well hello there
 
Nachoman's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Point Loma, CA
Posts: 15,430

Bikes: Bill Holland (Road-Ti), Fuji Roubaix Pro (back-up), Bike Friday (folder), Co-Motion (tandem) & Trek 750 (hybrid)

Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 503 Post(s)
Liked 334 Times in 206 Posts
Yes. Nice job on the build.
__________________
.
.

Two wheels good. Four wheels bad.
Nachoman is offline  
Old 01-16-11, 11:33 AM
  #24  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Angus, Scotland
Posts: 406

Bikes: Many

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
fine looking bike. paint job looks seventies. so matches the bike.
alecw35 is offline  
Old 02-08-11, 09:17 AM
  #25  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: West Philly
Posts: 95

Bikes: Brompton S2L, Trek Belleville, Kona Ute, Raleigh Twenty (1971 folder, 1969 non-folder)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Gorgeous R20! I love it!
carfreephilly is offline  
Likes For carfreephilly:

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.