Bike Forums - Grand Sports dumpster find

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- - Grand Sports dumpster find (https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=1195981)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Road Fan (Post 21376767)

Great bikes!

Do those have different seat tube angles, or is it just a parallax or other optical error due to the lens?

The one in front seems older, at least due to downtube script. But certainly a bevy of bicycle beauties! I really like the sky blue cables, too! I've always been a big fan of the 1969 Competition.

The Competition is a 71 and the gs is a 73. The gs is marked 73 on the seat tube, the comp is not but they look like the same angle. The blue cables are the originals. I like the gs better because of the chrome rear stays.

I'm hoping the OP realizes what a nice find he made. If not yet, once he starts riding it he will.

Quote:

Originally Posted by big chainring (Post 21371762)

Yep, fresh from the dumpster....its a keeper.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...f218b4d27a.jpg

Great save! And considerable dedication. Really like projects like this -it doesn't have to be perfect, period this or that, but with end result as very presentable and fun bike.

Quote:

Originally Posted by steelbikeguy (Post 21372521)

I think we need to do a Northern Illinois Retro Raleigh ride sometime. I've got an International and a Team that could show up, and Dan M. has a big Pro in blue mink and silver that would help fill out the roster.

Steve in Peoria (not really northern Illinois, but adjacent)

I'm in, though maybe not with a racey Raleigh. (Only have 3 speeds ~ Twenty, DL-1 and Lady Sports)

Though would hope this jinx British marque be accepted. Part of the story was the marketing blokes threatened the gigantic Raleigh company. We know how that ended.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...e7b32105db.jpg

Quote:

Originally Posted by 76SLT (Post 21376888)

I'm hoping the OP realizes what a nice find he made. If not yet, once he starts riding it he will.

I had a Grand Sports in 23 1/2" a few years ago and enjoyed it. This one is a 24 1/2". With life long back/spine problems I prefer the larger bikes now. And with a short top tube I really like the fit on this bike. I also put my Lionrone saddle on the bike. Finest most comfortable saddle I have ever owned. But its REALLY old and don't want the leather to start tearing at the rivets. We'll see how it goes.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...bd4eab950a.jpg

Quote:

Originally Posted by crank_addict (Post 21376953)

.......
I'm in, though maybe not with a racey Raleigh. (Only have 3 speeds ~ Twenty, DL-1 and Lady Sports)

Though would hope this jinx British marque be accepted. Part of the story was the marketing blokes threatened the gigantic Raleigh company. We know how that ended.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...e7b32105db.jpg

I think that just having a paint scheme that is roughly similar to the lagoon blue & white used on the Gran Sport and the rare Competition ought to get you in the door!
Plus, there's just that overall funky style of the Viscount that is hard not to love!
and finally, I haven't seen this bike in person yet, so I definitely want you to bring it!

having said that... the DL-1 is such an iconic British bike that it's hard to not love it. Almost as much "charm" as French bikes, what with the 28" wheels, the rod brakes, the full chaincase, and the relaxed geometry. It might be the perfect Illinois bike too, since the weight and the rod brakes don't really make it appropriate for any place with hills. :)
So much cool stuff!

Steve in snowy Peoria (but isn't it spring??)

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...dd142288ef.jpg
Really cool new bridge near me. I'll try to get a pic from the bike next time. Makes a nice "S" curve on approach.