Raleigh Grand Sports - worth upgrading?
04-24-24, 11:29 AM
#1
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Raleigh Grand Sports - worth upgrading?
There's a mid 70s (?) Grand Sports for sale near me and if i could get it for $100, would it be worth upgrading the Simplex derailleurs to make it a good rider? I understand the GS was a step above the Supercourse so it should have a decent frame. I'm looking to replace a Dawes Galaxy that unfortunately was too tall for me.
Last edited by swampyankee2; 04-24-24 at 11:30 AM. Reason: Add pic
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04-24-24, 11:54 AM
#2
Pedal to the medal
Definitely worth upgrading as long as it fits you. Looks like a full 531 frame with a salvageable brooks in lovely white and blue livery. These bikes have great sport-touring geometry and can take some wide rubber. I also personally love the maes bend handlebars from that era.
Be careful with that Stronglight crank, it will likely need a special puller.
Be careful with that Stronglight crank, it will likely need a special puller.
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04-24-24, 12:21 PM
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Honestly, a lot of the parts that came with the Gran Sport were pretty basic. Good enough to ride for a while, but not durable. When I bought mine around 1975, I sold a lot of parts back to the shop at the time of sale. I think I only kept the cranks, brakes, and headset. I already had some wheels, pedals, etc. to use, and bought some SunTour Cyclone derailleurs and bits. I rode it that way for 14 years, so no complaints from me!
If the frame is in good shape, no reason not to upgrade the bits.
Steve in Peoria
If the frame is in good shape, no reason not to upgrade the bits.
Steve in Peoria
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04-24-24, 12:28 PM
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Here’s my upgraded 77 GS Comp, built from a bare frame graciously gifted from Mad Honk . Everything is updated, including the paint. It’s a lovely ride. I certainly wouldn’t hesitate to pull the trigger on that one and rebuild it.
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04-24-24, 12:51 PM
#5
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There's a mid 70s (?) Grand Sports for sale near me and if i could get it for $100, would it be worth upgrading the Simplex derailleurs to make it a good rider? I understand the GS was a step above the Supercourse so it should have a decent frame. I'm looking to replace a Dawes Galaxy that unfortunately was too tall for me.
the Dawes came with Simplex and I swapped it out for some period Huret stuff I had laying around. I'd want to do better than that for this bike if it fits.
04-24-24, 07:28 PM
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Google — Grander Sportier.
You certainly can.
You certainly can.
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I don't do: disks, tubeless, e-shifting, or bead head nymphs.
I don't do: disks, tubeless, e-shifting, or bead head nymphs.
04-24-24, 09:14 PM
#7
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Yes, I have 2.
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04-24-24, 11:14 PM
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Did someone say Gran(d) Sport(s)?
El Jefe has sent up the bat signal.
I've got a stable of them. The least expensive all 531 tubed bike from Raleigh BITD. They have loooong legs, room for fatter tires and fenders together. The frame build is dependent on whether Nigel had one or 3 pints for lunch, but for the most part they ride quite nicely.
Here's my Grander Sportier - lots of frame mods that wouldn't be financially responsible to pay for, but I've got a torch. Powder coated in a non-Raleigh color.It's been on a couple of credit card tours
I built one on with a 5 speed IGH hub for commuting. The frame is stock.
This one got built up for vintage events. It's been to Cino and Eroica California a few times each. I call it my Pimp bike, lots of vintagy bits. I added shifter and bottle bosses, then had it powder coated at Groody Brothers in Topeka.
Here's a rare, fully chromws one. It was built up with a 2 speed kickback hub, good for my commute days.
I've had a few frames come through for other people.
Used as a porteur bike with big front bag for zipping around Portland.
@bwilli88 had some neat ideas on this one. Note the scorch marks from torching, this is pre-paint
So in answer to the OP's question, yeah, I think they're worth upgrading. I did keep one OEM, shifters and brakes are kinda crappy.
I've got a stable of them. The least expensive all 531 tubed bike from Raleigh BITD. They have loooong legs, room for fatter tires and fenders together. The frame build is dependent on whether Nigel had one or 3 pints for lunch, but for the most part they ride quite nicely.
Here's my Grander Sportier - lots of frame mods that wouldn't be financially responsible to pay for, but I've got a torch. Powder coated in a non-Raleigh color.It's been on a couple of credit card tours
I built one on with a 5 speed IGH hub for commuting. The frame is stock.
This one got built up for vintage events. It's been to Cino and Eroica California a few times each. I call it my Pimp bike, lots of vintagy bits. I added shifter and bottle bosses, then had it powder coated at Groody Brothers in Topeka.
Here's a rare, fully chromws one. It was built up with a 2 speed kickback hub, good for my commute days.
I've had a few frames come through for other people.
Used as a porteur bike with big front bag for zipping around Portland.
@bwilli88 had some neat ideas on this one. Note the scorch marks from torching, this is pre-paint
So in answer to the OP's question, yeah, I think they're worth upgrading. I did keep one OEM, shifters and brakes are kinda crappy.
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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.
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.
Last edited by gugie; 04-24-24 at 11:18 PM.
04-25-24, 05:29 AM
#9
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Grand Sport was equipped with the long cage Simplex derailleur. Really nice shifting. I would try it out before replacing.
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04-25-24, 06:39 AM
#10
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I'm planning to look at a Schwinn Voyageur 11.9 as well. I think the frame is the bext size down, so whichever one fits me best.
04-25-24, 06:46 AM
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Originally Posted by gugie
i've got a stable of them. The least expensive all 531 tubed bike from raleigh bitd. They have loooong legs, room for fatter tires and fenders together. The frame build is dependent on whether nigel had one or 3 pints for lunch, but for the most part they ride quite nicely.
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1987 Mercian Pro, 1985 Shogun 500, 197? Falcon San Remo, 1972 Peugeot PX-10, 1972 Schwinn Paramount P13-9, 1971 Peugeot PX-10, 1971 Raleigh International, 1970 Raleigh Professional Mark I
Curator/Team Mechanic: 2016 Dawes Streetfighter, 1984 Lotus Eclair, 1975 Motobecane Jubile Mixte, 1974 Raleigh Sports, 1973 Free Spirit Ted Williams, 1972 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Philips Sport
1987 Mercian Pro, 1985 Shogun 500, 197? Falcon San Remo, 1972 Peugeot PX-10, 1972 Schwinn Paramount P13-9, 1971 Peugeot PX-10, 1971 Raleigh International, 1970 Raleigh Professional Mark I
Curator/Team Mechanic: 2016 Dawes Streetfighter, 1984 Lotus Eclair, 1975 Motobecane Jubile Mixte, 1974 Raleigh Sports, 1973 Free Spirit Ted Williams, 1972 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Philips Sport
Last edited by ascherer; 04-25-24 at 06:48 AM. Reason: MIXED CASE
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04-25-24, 08:31 AM
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I'd say worthwhile, with a caveat; I've never ridden a stock GS, when I got mine it had been significantly upgraded by a previous owner:
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Larry:1958 Drysdale, 1961 Gitane Gran Sport, 1974 Zeus track, 1988 Masi Gran Corsa, 1974 Falcon, 1980 Palo Alto, 1973 Raleigh Gran Sport, 1974 Legnano. Susan: 1976 Windsor Profesional.
Larry:1958 Drysdale, 1961 Gitane Gran Sport, 1974 Zeus track, 1988 Masi Gran Corsa, 1974 Falcon, 1980 Palo Alto, 1973 Raleigh Gran Sport, 1974 Legnano. Susan: 1976 Windsor Profesional.
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04-25-24, 08:59 AM
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I have a stock one with the long cage Simplex. A Suntour VGT shifts circles around it.
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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.
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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04-25-24, 11:24 AM
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SunTour deraileurs and Bar-Cons is the way to go!
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04-25-24, 11:32 AM
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Here’s my upgraded 77 GS Comp, built from a bare frame graciously gifted from Mad Honk . Everything is updated, including the paint. It’s a lovely ride. I certainly wouldn’t hesitate to pull the trigger on that one and rebuild it.
04-25-24, 11:56 AM
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I'd like to try a set of barcons on my next vintage road bike
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04-25-24, 03:59 PM
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I’ve also gone the IGH route on Gran(d) Sport(s):
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04-25-24, 04:48 PM
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El Jefe has sent up the bat signal.
I've had a few frames come through for other people.
@bwilli88 had some neat ideas on this one. Note the scorch marks from torching, this is pre-paint
So in answer to the OP's question, yeah, I think they're worth upgrading.
I've had a few frames come through for other people.
@bwilli88 had some neat ideas on this one. Note the scorch marks from torching, this is pre-paint
So in answer to the OP's question, yeah, I think they're worth upgrading.
8 speed IGH and shifter on the top tube with Mavic Racer Center pulls, rack mounts on seat stay.
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04-26-24, 06:46 AM
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Oh, here is my other converted to single speed!
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04-26-24, 08:49 AM
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I like that one even better; the OEM color scheme is a chunk of the Gran Sport's appeal.
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Larry:1958 Drysdale, 1961 Gitane Gran Sport, 1974 Zeus track, 1988 Masi Gran Corsa, 1974 Falcon, 1980 Palo Alto, 1973 Raleigh Gran Sport, 1974 Legnano. Susan: 1976 Windsor Profesional.
Larry:1958 Drysdale, 1961 Gitane Gran Sport, 1974 Zeus track, 1988 Masi Gran Corsa, 1974 Falcon, 1980 Palo Alto, 1973 Raleigh Gran Sport, 1974 Legnano. Susan: 1976 Windsor Profesional.
04-30-24, 01:33 AM
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Help with a Raleigh Technium
Hello folks!
I have got a second-hand Raleigh Technium made in US and I was curious to know the manufacture year.
Unfortunately the serial number is barely readable.
Here what I can read R?312?03
At the place of the question mark, it seems to be either an “8” or a “0”….maybe even a 3?
Does anybody know the manufacture years of Raleigh Technium in US ?
I have got a second-hand Raleigh Technium made in US and I was curious to know the manufacture year.
Unfortunately the serial number is barely readable.
Here what I can read R?312?03
At the place of the question mark, it seems to be either an “8” or a “0”….maybe even a 3?
Does anybody know the manufacture years of Raleigh Technium in US ?
05-01-24, 03:44 PM
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Hello folks!
I have got a second-hand Raleigh Technium made in US and I was curious to know the manufacture year.
Unfortunately the serial number is barely readable.
Here what I can read R?312?03
At the place of the question mark, it seems to be either an “8” or a “0”….maybe even a 3?
Does anybody know the manufacture years of Raleigh Technium in US ?
I have got a second-hand Raleigh Technium made in US and I was curious to know the manufacture year.
Unfortunately the serial number is barely readable.
Here what I can read R?312?03
At the place of the question mark, it seems to be either an “8” or a “0”….maybe even a 3?
Does anybody know the manufacture years of Raleigh Technium in US ?
__________________
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.
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.
