ollo_ollo

If you plan to start with a vintage bike and modify it to taste, the Shimano 7 or 8 speed IGH's are a big improvement over a classic SA 3 or 4 speed hub. Back in the 80's I found a Raleigh Sports adequate for my commute from home on NE 70th between Burnside & Glisan to Downtown 4th & Stark. Recently, a grand daughter's 7 spd city bike and my current, pedal assist, electric with 8 spd opened my eyes. Both had twist shift, which I found easy to adopt. Don

Stadjer

I suggest a properly upright roadster, swept handlebars higher than the saddle. It's very well possible to ride a flatbar in a suit but suits aren't made for a posture like that. The sleeves will creep up and the shoulders will fold in a way they're not supposed to, it's just not comfortable and won't make the suit look better when you get off your bike, and certainly not while riding.

fietsbob

No but they fit, integrated nicely on Phil CHP pedals, I added grip tape on the top surface of mine..


MKS 3000 can be taken apart, you could drill across through the rubber block.
but the bolt that holds the pedal together, runs through the center, lengthways,

so you have to allow for the re insertion of it when you put it back together ..

counter bore the back side for the bolt head.. to pass through to a smaller front side hole..




...

Velocivixen

I built new Sun Rhyno Lite rims for a Raleigh Twenty - used modern SA drum brake front and really like it. Used a modern 2-speed kickback with coaster in rear to avoid lots of cables. Works really nicely.

I think you want era specific though....

Oh, @gugie can mock up a pipe holder for the front. I’m sure of it.

brianinc-ville

I built this up as my ultimate city commuter and, after 2.5 years of daily use, I'm totally pleased.

I can't recommend the Hebie Chainglider highly enough. It's totally crucial if you're going to ride in dress pants, and ridiculously easy to mount. The drag is not noticeable when you're riding it. The best source is rosebikes.de -- Aaron's Bikes in Seattle also sells them, but it's usually cheaper to order from Germany, even with the shipping.

The flipped moustache bars look a little funny, but they feel great.

I was able to build this one up for almost exactly $500 (starting with $50 for the 1981 Takara frame). I'm really happy I did.



Equipment: Modern Sturmey-Archer 5-speed rear hub, X-RF5(w); Sanyo generator front hub (bought as a ready-made wheel from IDC Stout); Hebie Chainglider chainguard; Busch & Müller lights; CST Ciudad Kevlar tires; no-name bars, cranks, pedals, fenders, rack. The original brakes (pictured; crappy) have since been replaced with Tektro dual-pivots.

I did a similar build for my wife, using a $50 1984 Motobecane mixte frame and a C&V Sturmey-Archer AW 3-speed. She likes it much better than the Breezer Uptown 8 it replaced.

brianinc-ville

My wife's previous commuter was a Breezer Uptown 8. She found it a bit poky -- something about the frame geometry seemed inefficient, and the Shimano 8-speed hub seems to add significant drag. Lovely Bicycle had more or less the same review. We live in a very flat area, so a vintage Sturmey Archer AW 3-speed, combined with the slightly lighter and slightly more forward-tilted Motobecane mixte frame, works much better for her.

jyl

Ta da! The bike to start this project has been acquired!

Pics later - I know, I know, but I was too excited to take even a quick snap.

Grateful thanks to @gugie and @Velocivixen - will share the story later.

noglider 

You folks in Portland have all the fun.

jyl

Sounds like a plan! I'll use toe clips from the Box o Crap and get some scrap leather to wrap the toe clips (so as to not scratch up the dress shoes, of course).

I realize a Raleigh Sports with toe clips is a weird thing.

Velocivixen

Congratulations! I have a bunch of 3-speed stuff.....we’ve already talked but just FYI.

gugie 

That's a highly intelligent commuter build. Smart choices on all of the bits, nice, upright position for riding.

fietsbob

no fiber filled nylon half clips? Zefal still makes some..

brianinc-ville

Awesome! Keep us updated.

jyl

Pictures attached.

This is, I'm told, a 1970s Raleigh Sport. @Velocivixen found it, rebuilt it, then passed it on to @gugie, and he passed it on to me. In the language of the Humane Society, I hope to be its "forever home".

It is currently at Velocult getting a bit done. Funny thing is, two friends have seen it there, gotten the town bike bug, and descended into the Velocult basement and emerged with their own town bikes. One friend got a 1940s (?) Locomotief. Another got a Raleigh that looks much like mine. These guys are like me - all our bikes require clipless pedals and most are dropbar - and we all want bikes that we can ride in normal shoes, no bike kit, toodle down to the pub or the cafe, the grocery store or the bookstore, not stress over theft or keeping a flat back.

Maybe this is part of becoming old farts. But I like it!

ascherer 

Most excellent, you're on your way!

gugie 

I think that some black paint over the saddle badge, then carefully sand off the upraised lettering would make it really pop.

Velocivixen

Congratulations. What is VC doing for it? Hope it gives you what you seek.

jyl

@Velocivixen, Sky gave me some original Raleigh levers and is putting them on!
@gugie, I think the saddle will find its way back to you, as it doesn't fit my ____.

Looking for a B72. The upright bike saddle without the coil springs.

brianinc-ville

Good moves, w/r/t the levers and saddle. The calipers you've got there are probably quite a bit better than the originals (even if they make the rear cable routing a little weird) -- I'd keep 'em. The next move might be to replace the rims with aluminum (esp. given that you live in a rainy place). It's a less difficult DIY job than you might think.

noglider 

Living vicariously through you, we want a list of equipment you plan to use.

squirtdad

you may want to consider a flyer....it is a b17 on springs...but not too springy

ascherer 

+1 on sprung saddle. B66 on mine and B67S on my wife's. As far as I know there are now no potholes in Manhattan

agmetal

Another vote for the sprung saddle. My upright bikes all have them...B66 on both the ANT and the '37 Raleigh, and a Flyer on the unknown-frame 5-speed

USAZorro

Raleigh Sports/Superbe. Millions of commuters in the early postwar era couldn't have been wrong. Alternative option - wuss out and get an e-bike.

oh. you have it. Perfect,

The saddle on that should be great. It may take some time getting used to, but they're addictive.

swen0171 

Late-80s and early-90s MTBs and early "cross bikes" do a good job. Bars are not as high as they appear in this pic.

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