The Thin Man 

Back in 1985, as you likely know, the Raleigh Portage was the upper echelon of the Raleigh touring line. In fact, this was the very first, modern, mass produced 650B bike and up until just a few years ago, that was an odd bird of a size.

The goal for this build was a stout, upright commuter I could ride in comfort only 650B tires could provide. But, being built in such a way that I could easily replace a few items and easily turn it back into a serious, long-haul touring juggernaut.

This bicycle has had a full restoration starting with frame alterations by Travis Cooper of Cooper Cycles. Modern spacing, chain slap mount, cable stops and other small additions were worked into the frame. Then, sandblasted and painted by a pro here in Portland with custom decals placed under the clear coat were also added. All components were selected with a "spare no expenses" attitude. All top-end equipment. The wheels were professionally hand built to gorgeous Campagnolo "Sheriff's Star" replicas and the Brooks saddle is still waiting to be broken in by the right owner.

Since the restoration, less than 100 shakedown miles logged on the frame and components. Currently, the Portage has the chain guard removed although it will come with the purchase.

This bicycle is in flawless condition and a true survivor. Its pedigree will only increase with value along with still giving you plenty of comfortable commuting or a tour across the nation, without batting an eyelash, if you so choose.

More images and details about this bicycle and its restoration are located here:
1985 Raleigh Portage (Part I)
1985 Raleigh Portage (Part II)
1985 Raleigh Portage (Part III)
1985 Raleigh Portage (Part IV)
1985 Raleigh Portage (Part V)
1985 Raleigh Portage Flickr Images

Color: Sage green metallic with silver panels
Frame Size: 59cm (C-T) seat post & 57cm (C-C) top tube
Frame/Drop-outs: 555 T Double-butted chro-moly steel; Suntour
Fork: 555 T chro-moly steel
Bars: Nitto B352 Albatross
Bar Grips: Brooks Slender Grips; Brown
Stem: Nitto Technomic
Headset: IRD Techno-Glide
Bell: Origin8; Brass
Saddle: Brooks B17; Brown
Seat Post: SR LaPrade A-83; Fluted
Chain Guard: Civia Bryant
Crankset: SunXCD Exceed 170mm cranks; Velo Orange Grand Cru 44T chainring
Rear Derailleur: SunXCD Exceed
Shifting: Paul Thumbie shifter mount with Shimano Dura-Ace 7700 lever
Brake Levers: Tektro FL750
Brake Calipers: Shimano BR-MC70 with Velo Orange Grand Cru straddle roller hangers; Koolstop pads
Cable and Housing: Shimano road with Velo Orange metallic housing
Cassette: 9-Speed Shimano HG-80 (11/12/13/14/16/18/21/24/28)
Chain: SRAM PC-951
Hubs: Electra Ticino Lux
Wheels: Velocity Atlas; 650B; 32h polished; Electra skewers
Tires: Pacenti; 650B x 38
Fenders: Honjo; 52mm, hammered
Pedals: Soma Oxford
Special Features: Double eyelets front/rear; Three bottle mounts; Flickstand mount; Chain rest; Brazed-on mounts for front/rear rack; Chainslap strap mount

Price: $2,200 Shipping includes a flat fee of $100 for professional breakdown, padding and boxing by a trusted, local Corvallis bicycle shop, along with insurance and processing through Bike Flights. I ship through BikeFlights and the buyer to pay the actual shipping charges.

Local pickup in Corvallis, Oregon is free and strongly encouraged.

beicster 

Beautiful! I can't decide whether I am bummed or relieved that it is too small for me. That is a bargain. GLWTS.

eom 

What a well executed project.
I'm going to save this post for reference. Next time I am wondering what parts to select I can check to see what The Man would use.

GLWS

The Thin Man 

Thanks, gang.
This was a true labor of love starting from the absolute ground up so I spec'd it out with the intention of keeping it as a permanent fixture in the fleet. Guess I should have really made sure the size would fit 100% before I went down that rosy path!

The Golden Boy 

Wow-wee!!

That's a beautiful bike and a most excellent build!

Way too big for me- but best of luck with the sale!

The Thin Man 

Still available!

The Thin Man 

Thanks again for the kudos, everyone.

There has been interest but still nobody has pulled the trigger.

To the top!

jjames1452 

That is a beauty!!!

ryansu

Dude, so sorry that it didn't fit after all that work, GLWTS some will get a beauty of a bike.

The Thin Man 

It's been a hard pill to swallow coming to that conclusion. I feel that maybe, just maybe, if I bring it back down with drops, it could fit. But, I know the odds are slim and I've slightly given in.
I'm convinced the right person will come along, purchase it and love this machine as much as I have.

noglider 

Maybe you should try flat bars with a stem with a short extension. It really doesn't look like it's too big for you.

noobinsf 

I agree with noglider above. Your seat post has a bit to travel down if that is the issue, and it looks like your stem is one of the longer versions of the Technomic (which is available all the way down to 50mm reach if necessary). After so much work and time, I think it's worth trying a shorter stem, especially because you say you love the bike.

noglider 

Also, your saddle is pointed down. This could put extra weight on your hands which might give the feeling that you're reaching forward too much. Also consider narrower bars.

I've done some experiments, and I find changing handlebars is the most drastic way to change a bike.

noobinsf 

Seconding Tom again -- I recently put porteur bars on a bike that had drops, and it completely changed the bike for me as a daily commuter.

Velo Orange's porteur bars are 6cm narrower than the albatross bars. Just sayin, it may be worth a bit more effort to get to use this bike. You may love it again...