ac921ol

Bringing it back from the dead.

Looking at a grand prix in about an hour. She said she would budge a little bit on the price too.
I'm looking to make this a single speed, maybe fixed by the end of it's time.

https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/n...378557201.html

mapleleafs-13 

I was pretty shocked when i saw the picture you started the thread with, I just finished one of these last month.

It actually felt really well when i took it out for a spin, shifting was super smooth, handled really well, i would actually keep it for myself if i didn't have 4 bikes already, thats how nice it was, it was very surprising for a massed produced bike like that, i didn't think it could ever feel that good, i'm not sure if it's a grand prix though, but the lugwork on it was exceptionally nice, plus the raleigh decal was really awesome too!!

When i got it it was a mess, covered in mud, and seemed to have bicycle-neglectus-syndrome (BNS) i cleaned it up, took everything apart, regreased hubs and bb, new cables and wraps, new beige wall tires, new chain, new housing and a good clean up and here's the finished product:







i sold it last month, and the person who got it was extremely great full to be able to buy the bike, i had alot of people reply to the ad but this guy got to it first. He sent me an email about 2 weeks later to tell me how awesome the bike was, i'm glad to see that the bike went to someone that will truely appreciate it. It makes the sale even better

gaucho777 

Bought this one in the dark.



At least I made a nice profit on the parts, and kept a few nice Suntour bits.

cehowardGS

This is my BEATER bike. An 86 Raleigh Grand Prix, 531..The seller told me it had a little rust on it from him sweating!! I went for that, he must sweat like the Atlantic Ocean. Anyway, the bike serves as my beater bike, and a bike that can be expendable..
I paid $70 for the bike..
It does good beater duty, it was raining pretty good, and when the rain stopped I took this pic..

Dav305z

...and Thread is back to life! Reason is my new Raleigh GP, which is actually my dad's old Raleigh GP. Huret Challenger derailleur. I've added the Wright saddle and aluminum wheels (still have the steelies, though).

Absolutely love the way it rides. Anyone who thinks it's too heavy is welcome to sample the Schwinn mountainbike I've been riding for the last ten years...

realestvin7

I'm down with this thread.

RavingManiac

Very nice. I'd like to see some more pics with close-ups. I've got a neglected one I'm going to work on over the winter. Yours is in excellent condition compared to mine.

suncake

Did Raleigh have multiple variants of GP's? The 1986 (not "racing USA") is Celeste/Purple with 531 & 105's.

SoulReaver

Anyone know what year this grand prix is? https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/bik/2500375880.html

Is it a good deal? The way the frame looks is a bit odd...

EDIT: The guy says its a late 70s, early 80s model

auchencrow

It looks about a '73 Mixte model to me with a later, cotterless crank - Appears to be in decent shape too.
Worth the asking price IMO. Mixte's tend to bring a premium these days.

SteveSGP

I can't believe I have not posted any updates in here,

My current prime ride, a 1979 Nottingham Super Grand Prix.



And a Grand Prix I rehabbed and sold this year,

Dav305z

Does anyone know if there's touch up paint that closely matches the Raleigh metallic green? I'd love to touch up a few spots on mine.

Sorry for the delay, as well as for the poor lighting. I'll add more tomorrow after my ride. If you'd like to see something specific, lemme know.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/44586860@N07/5979564415/


Have put many more miles on it and have gotten compliments from owners of much more valuable bikes. This winter upgraditis may compel me to add a Brooks saddle (the used Wright saddle shown ripped during my first long ride!), modernize the brakes, and, perhaps, go to cotterless (an easy conversion on the Gazelle GPs, I believe). On that last note, does anyone have specs on the Holland GPs? I've found a few things by searching around here, including that they use Carlton forks, but don't know much else.

redneckwes

My late 70's Canadian made GP. Finally completed! This was my Pay-it-forward frame.

Maxturbo

Wow! Just found this GP thread after several weeks of posting elsewhere and searching, and now finding this one. A "Maillard" search led me here.

I'm refurbing a newly acquired 74' GP at the moment and of interest was how some folks run their rear brake cable in front of the handle bars, while others go over the top and down. It's pretty much 50 / 50. Judging from the 74' catalog though, it should run over the handle bar and drop down. I don't think it is the most direct / least bent route though, and wasn't my first choice, but...

https://www.bulgier.net/pics/bike/Cat...0GrandPrix.jpg

This is my completed project...

Kanegon

My month-old 84/5 Huffy Grand Prix! 23lbs with index and HG, I'm no purist. Marks my "return" to drops after converting my white (Jr High) Record to a flat bar in college, a v-e-r-y long time ago and never really regretting it. (Flat barred from Portland ME to Canada and back one summer). Freewheelers Unite!

Kanegon

I searched and searched, although mine was just plain RED, getting the right shade wasn't easy. I finally found something that came naked-eye close at the hobby shop. TESTORS modeling enamel. Take a chip (in my case there was plenty...) and try to match it. I think lacquer may be preferable since it dries faster and harder, but we're talking a few spots here and there, aren't we? The enamel takes a week to truly harden, especially if glopped on to fill in missing paint.

sauze

Currently my only pic uploaded of my first vintage bike ! A Canadian made Raleigh Super Grand Prix. Tange 5 tubing , originally Shimano light action equipped I ended up going the SS route for winter. It was far from light but fit me like a glove, I foolishly sold it to a good friend of mine who had it stolen from his appt (grrr!) I honestly wish I had it back as my winter rider.

michaeljames

i just bought an 86 canadian grand prix. havent snapped any pics yet. was wondering if anyone knew, is it hard to upgrade to ultegra or tiagra derailleurs, brifters, brakes etc. i dont need/want to change the cassette unless its a neccesity for the upgrading. i would love to have a older bike with modern gear.

noglider 

Here's a Grand Prix mixte I sold in 2009, along with the young woman who bought it. The bike was a bit too small for her, but she was satisfied.

Bike Cottage

Here's my Grand Prix. I believe it's a "79. Pictures were taken at the same time, just from different angles.

dugan661

im thinking this a 74' i cant find the serial number...

i found the bike on Craigs List as it sits for 25$ + $10 for the wheels/tires .
its got a few nicks here and there but every thing seems org other then the tires.
its in undeliverable shape for a bite that's close to 40 years old...after a lil wash and tiny amount of scrubbing the paint looks almost like new and the shine on the rims looks like a mirror!

i ordered this saddle for it

https://www.aawyeah.com/origin8-pro-u...-saddle-brown/

this set of brakes

https://www.aawyeah.com/pyramid-side-...cle-brake-set/

and this chain

https://www.aawyeah.com/sram-pc-1-cha...ack-114-links/

i had never hurd of aawyeah before but they seem to have the best prices on everything they stock....good customer service also...the lady told me shes sending me a few free gifts+ i got free shipping!

she gave me a free shipping/ $4.44 off $99+ order coupon code which is

AAWYEAH12

im looking for the org 52T ring gear...it only came with the 40t 2nd gear (converted to a fixed gear by last owner) i feel that the 40t/14 which is what it has now is gonna be too soft for my taste... any one know where i can find it?

im also looking for a pair of original or any vintage quick release skewers

auchencrow

Hi Dugan and welcome to C&V.

It would be good to see a pic of your GP.
You have ordered the wrong chain. -At least if you intend to reinstall the freewheel, the quarter inch ss chain will be too wide. You can order a 5/6 speed KMC chain for $5 from Niagara cycle along with cone wrenches, bearings, tires and whatever else it is you need.

If it is a '74 as you say, it likely has a cottered crank. so you will have to deal with this to service the bottom bracket bearings.
My advice is to bite the bullet and purchase the correct tool and cotters from Biikesmith Design. It's pricy, but a good investment and not much more than the LBS would charge (IF they even are equipped to do the work for you - many are not).

I'd look on eBay for a 52T chainwheel, If you are lucky you'll find one w/o having to buy the complete crankset. Make sure it is specific to your crank - likely a Nervar or equivalent.
You can find skewers there too.

A final bit of advice is to read up as much as you can on SheldonBrown.com. There is great info there on servicing bikes and more.


PS- As a courtesy to your readers here, please capitalize the first letter of every sentence. Also, the first-person "I" is always upper case. - Never use lower case "i" when referring to yourself.

redneckwes

Welcome Dugan!

I think we can probably find you a better set of calipers than those. A set of Weinmann or Dia-compe centerpulls will look right, and work a heck of a lot better.

Kanegon

I've mulled these decisions before and would recommend used quality parts, eg Dia compe, weinnman , over brand new low-end stuff. More bang and certainly better looks and feels on the long run since that bike is likely to outlive you with minimal maintenance. Did I mention it looks a whole lot better and CV correct?

dugan661

im sorry guys i thought i added a pic on my first post but i guess it didn't show up...

here she is! this is not my first bike i own 2 modern mid/high end rodies a giant high end free ride bike and a Fuji hard tail....this is how ever my first classic build and shes beautiful!!!
I cant wait to take her out for the first time!

so my chain is gonna be too wide? hmmm well seeing as how im looking to keep this as a fg/ss ill prob look in to just getting a single speed clog with around 9-10 teeth
anyone know where i can find this? i figure if i get a cog this small i can just keep the 40t chain ring basically killing 2 birds with one stone.

also not to sound like a noob but how will i know if the chaining will fit my crank? what am i to look for on ebay?

ill upload detailed pics if u guys ask for them