Show us your Raleigh Gran Sport/Grand Sport/Grand Sports
03-25-17, 04:11 PM
#151
What??? Only 2 wheels?
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Speaking of Gran Sportses, here is my current build from today's ride:
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03-25-17, 04:46 PM
#152
Full Member
I've posted this one before, the frame started with @nlerner, then @bear_a_bug, now my version of the build:
Last edited by cb400bill; 12-12-21 at 06:24 AM.
03-25-17, 04:47 PM
#153
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03-25-17, 04:48 PM
#154
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[QUOTE=bear_a_bug;19467669]
Well, just hafta find another one...
I've posted this one before, the frame started with @nlerner, then @bear_a_bug, now my version of the build:
Dang, Mark, that looks really nice! I'm feeling some seller's remorse...
Dang, Mark, that looks really nice! I'm feeling some seller's remorse...
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03-25-17, 05:17 PM
#155
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I wouldn't be too concerned about keeping equipment original for these mid-70s GS's, though period correct is appreciated. One reason I say that is, although the catalogs state what is standard, I've seen so many variations with period correct changes, that I'm starting to think that many original owners made changes right off the bat, or perhaps the bikes were originally built to order (or due to parts availability) with these variations. My particular example, a '76, I believe, came to me with Campy NR shifters & FD, and Shimano Crane GS RD; none of which I mind at all. I will change the RD to a standard cage Crane from my parts bin, as I don't need the long cage, which I think looks a little dorky with a 22 max cog cluster (my mod). The 14-28T cluster the bike came with didn't need the long cage either, for that matter.
11-11-17, 11:28 PM
#156
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Sorry to revive an old thread, but would like to hear your updated opinions on a Raleigh Gran Sport I found at a bike shop at an askng price of $150. I couldn't see the S/N, but it looks to be a 70's model. It has 27" wheels, incorrect fork and front brake and original Simplex plastic deraileurs. It has the proper rando bars and GB stem, not sure what the saddle is. The frame is a size too big for me, measured 24 1/2" crank to top of seat tube. It's been there a few weeks, and I hate to see it just sitting out like that. The paint looks decent, with a few scratches, including the decals. The rear chrome, stem and crank look very nice, and the wheels should clean up pretty well. I'm not crazy about 27" wheels. The reason I'm hesitating is that it's just a little big for me (I'm 6' even). Also, I just finished a '73 Super Course that I absolutely love. It was a bare frame find, so I went blank canvas on the build, Suntour derailleurs, Sugino AT triple, 700c Campys, and custom paint and decals. Both frames are similar looking geometry, 531 tubing, but it seems the GS is a higher spec than my SC. I'm not a flipper, and I don't really need another bike, but it sure looks like a fun project. I would try to keep the paint, but probably update the drivetrain. Would it ride any different than my SC? The SC fits me like a custom bike, at a 23 1/2 frame size. Thanks for listening to my long winded story, let me know if you think I'm crazy to go after another old Raleigh. Thanks! Pics of both GS abd the SC below.
11-12-17, 07:20 AM
#157
What??? Only 2 wheels?
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Sorry to revive an old thread, but would like to hear your updated opinions on a Raleigh Gran Sport I found at a bike shop at an askng price of $150. I couldn't see the S/N, but it looks to be a 70's model. It has 27" wheels, incorrect fork and front brake and original Simplex plastic deraileurs.
The non-original fork suggests a front end collision so check the TT and DT for bends. FWIW, it strikes me that the fork is a key element in a bike's handling. So when I see discussions about "a new fork", "replacement fork", "looking for a fork", "here a fork, there a fork, everywhere a fork, fork", I wonder how the bike's handling will be affected. But that's just my ignorance.
If it won't fit you then you'd be fixing it up for someone else. Probably will want to replace the derailleurs at least. Some of the other stuff is worth something or cool and should stay with the bike if possible, like the stem and bar, crankset, and those Carlton brake hoods. There is nothing wrong with 27" wheels. Put some Paselas on 'em and go ride.
So all that being said, especially about the fork, the GS is a nice bike, nominally a notch above your SC. (Nice job on yours!) My GS with 27" wheels is smooth, easy to ride, comfortable, agile. But the GS and SC probably similar enough that the difference is pretty subtle. Lot's of folks here like the SC. I don't know about prices in your area, but if I was looking for a project and didn't already have bikes I do now I'd consider it.
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Real cyclists use toe clips.
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jimmuller
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
11-12-17, 07:29 AM
#158
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The Super Course is, well, super so you don't need the Grand Sport. Since we can all easily rationalize our way into almost any questionable bike purchase based on want, re-measure your inseam carefully and then decide.
11-12-17, 10:01 AM
#159
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Keep in mind, the nominal top tube lengths are probably the same. The bigger frame will just let you get the bars a bit higher. But, take this with a grain of salt - Raleigh was famous for being loose with frame angles and tube lengths. They both probably have a 22.5" top tube on paper, but when comparing them in person, be sure to do it somewhat carelessly, with a poor measuring tape to keep in the proper spirit.
11-13-17, 01:57 PM
#160
Full Member
Here's a GS frame I fell into. Think I'll blast it and paint it pale yellow to match my 73 MGB GT. I've got an alloy shell Sturmey 3-speed I've been wanting to use on something, maybe this is the one. I can take this to car shows with the MG
11-13-17, 02:41 PM
#161
Senior Member
Sorry to revive an old thread, but would like to hear your updated opinions on a Raleigh Gran Sport I found at a bike shop at an askng price of $150. I couldn't see the S/N, but it looks to be a 70's model. It has 27" wheels, incorrect fork and front brake and original Simplex plastic deraileurs. It has the proper rando bars and GB stem, not sure what the saddle is. The frame is a size too big for me, measured 24 1/2" crank to top of seat tube. It's been there a few weeks, and I hate to see it just sitting out like that. The paint looks decent, with a few scratches, including the decals. The rear chrome, stem and crank look very nice, and the wheels should clean up pretty well. I'm not crazy about 27" wheels. The reason I'm hesitating is that it's just a little big for me (I'm 6' even). Also, I just finished a '73 Super Course that I absolutely love. It was a bare frame find, so I went blank canvas on the build, Suntour derailleurs, Sugino AT triple, 700c Campys, and custom paint and decals. Both frames are similar looking geometry, 531 tubing, but it seems the GS is a higher spec than my SC. I'm not a flipper, and I don't really need another bike, but it sure looks like a fun project. I would try to keep the paint, but probably update the drivetrain. Would it ride any different than my SC? The SC fits me like a custom bike, at a 23 1/2 frame size. Thanks for listening to my long winded story, let me know if you think I'm crazy to go after another old Raleigh. Thanks! Pics of both GS abd the SC below.
I, too, started with a Super Course. I ended up with a competition gs, then an international and finally a professional. If you are looking to upgrade I would look at one of those three. A derailleur hanger is pretty nice. The international and super course had more similar geometry. The Competition and Professional are ever so slightly more racy. If I had to choose one it would be the Professional MkIV
11-13-17, 07:00 PM
#162
What??? Only 2 wheels?
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It is hard to judge from those pics whether all those little specs are fixable, but that paint looks pretty decent otherwise. The GS was such a cool looking bike I'm not sure I'd paint that one. I'd just ride it as an "experienced" bike.
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Real cyclists use toe clips.
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05-23-19, 12:34 PM
#163
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Three different names for the 1970s blue on white or white on blue Raleigh bike. This was just below the Raleigh Competition in the hierarchy. It seems to be somewhat rare.
Here is a picture of my Grand Sports. It is about a 1973. I removed the dork ring (chain protector).
Here is a picture of my Grand Sports. It is about a 1973. I removed the dork ring (chain protector).
I just bought one on Craigslist for $30. I'm sure that, though this thread is years old, it is worth keeping alive. My Competition Mk. II needs a little work, so I'm thinking of putting the parts from it onto my new Gran Sport. Is there clearance, or the potential to make clearance, for 650b x 42mm tires ?
Here are the pictures from the ad- I saw it in person today when I bought it and it looks way better than the ad suggests. The paint is very clean and the chrome looks like it'll buff nicely. It has all original parts on it.
Last edited by fordbailey; 05-23-19 at 01:44 PM. Reason: ooops
05-23-19, 01:22 PM
#164
What??? Only 2 wheels?
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Nice find. That RD looks like an SX810GT. Good derailleur. The FD looks like a Prestige, which means you should inspect it carefully cracks in the mounting bracket. Consider updating both with Suntour of the Compe-V/VGT-Luxe/Vx variety. That's what an original owner might have done. But keep the RD anyway. Or at least don't toss it.
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Real cyclists use toe clips.
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jimmuller
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05-23-19, 01:40 PM
#165
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Nice find. That RD looks like an SX810GT. Good derailleur. The FD looks like a Prestige, which means you should inspect it carefully cracks in the mounting bracket. Consider updating both with Suntour of the Compe-V/VGT-Luxe/Vx variety. That's what an original owner might have done. But keep the RD anyway. Or at least don't toss it.
I'm attaching a photo of the bike I want to take parts from- shown during the Farmer's Daughter Gravel Grinder in Chatham, NY. I'm not sure the tires and fenders will fit on a Gran Sport, though--
Muddy 1973-4 Raleigh Comp. Mk II
05-23-19, 01:43 PM
#166
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Sorry this made me immediately think of
Bike looks nice. that Stronglight crank is highly coveted. Love the colorway too. Should clean up and be a hot rod. Post pics of it when you do.
Bike looks nice. that Stronglight crank is highly coveted. Love the colorway too. Should clean up and be a hot rod. Post pics of it when you do.
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05-23-19, 01:45 PM
#167
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Thanks- that wasn't my only mistake. I guess I was excited by buying an old bike...
05-23-19, 02:55 PM
#168
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@fordbailey, that competition is beautiful! The Gran Sport is excellent too. I agree about changing the old simplex derailleurs. I found my gran sport with suntour derailleurs and had the bright idea to throw a simplex rd on it. I did not like it... not one bit.
05-23-19, 06:10 PM
#169
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I just bought one on Craigslist for $30. I'm sure that, though this thread is years old, it is worth keeping alive. My Competition Mk. II needs a little work, so I'm thinking of putting the parts from it onto my new Gran Sport. Is there clearance, or the potential to make clearance, for 650b x 42mm tires ?
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If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
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05-23-19, 09:29 PM
#170
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Which one? The Competition Mk II, probably not unless you've got one that has indented chain stays. The Gran Sport? Almost certainly will fit 650b x 42's, I've put 700c x 35's on one of mine and it still had room to spare. 650b x 42's will give you that and room for fenders.
Here are pictures as bought. Tonight I stripped it.
05-24-19, 07:23 AM
#171
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Here's the one I picked up a few years back off CL. I haven't pulled the steerer to check there, but there is no serial number stamped anywhere on this bicycle. I need to work on matching the shellac color on the bars to the saddle a bit better - but for now, this one is what gets put on the trainer for the winter. After I wear out the tires, I'll replace the rims with something more comfortable.
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05-24-19, 08:39 AM
#173
bill nyecycles
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I should have just kept it when I was doing the tear down but it was really dirty and in rough shape. I was thinking of using white, but it doesn't wholly match the color of the bike - or the bar tape/saddle.
05-24-19, 09:54 AM
#174
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I've been looking for that exact kind/color of cable housing for my '74 Super Tourer rebuild that matches the Carlton hoods, with zero success. Can't even find plain old tan cable housing. Please let me know if you are able to find any!
I should have just kept it when I was doing the tear down but it was really dirty and in rough shape. I was thinking of using white, but it doesn't wholly match the color of the bike - or the bar tape/saddle.
I should have just kept it when I was doing the tear down but it was really dirty and in rough shape. I was thinking of using white, but it doesn't wholly match the color of the bike - or the bar tape/saddle.
I’m going to go with white cable housing.
05-24-19, 10:00 AM
#175
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I've been looking for that exact kind/color of cable housing for my '74 Super Tourer rebuild that matches the Carlton hoods, with zero success. Can't even find plain old tan cable housing. Please let me know if you are able to find any!
I should have just kept it when I was doing the tear down but it was really dirty and in rough shape. I was thinking of using white, but it doesn't wholly match the color of the bike - or the bar tape/saddle.
I should have just kept it when I was doing the tear down but it was really dirty and in rough shape. I was thinking of using white, but it doesn't wholly match the color of the bike - or the bar tape/saddle.
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