Raleigh Experts, what is this?
12-09-19, 11:46 AM
#1
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Raleigh Experts, what is this?
Is this anything special, seller listed it as a Sprite, is he correct? I have never seen a Raleigh with Dot Decals on the seat tube. For 30.00 i am sure it is good to ride around the neighborhood, or is it worth putting time and effort to clean up?
Thanks for any input
Ruben in So Cal
Thanks for any input
Ruben in So Cal
12-09-19, 01:22 PM
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Are those dots, or drillings? Drillings would be a deal-breaker for me. No reason to think it isn't what's advertised. It doesn't have the Sports/Superbe fork, so Sprite sounds right.
If the bike fits you, and you have a use for it, and the wheels are true, it's $30 better spent than on almost anyone else's comparable machine. Also make sure the stem and seatpost aren't stuck. That saddle ...
If the bike fits you, and you have a use for it, and the wheels are true, it's $30 better spent than on almost anyone else's comparable machine. Also make sure the stem and seatpost aren't stuck. That saddle ...
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12-09-19, 01:26 PM
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Tell us what tune the flute plays as you ride when you test ride it!
12-09-19, 01:40 PM
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There is just something about how those dots don't shine in the same way the green paint does in the same light that bothers me. This is one needs to be seen in person.
12-09-19, 01:58 PM
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(The edges of a couple hint at an edge, and the reflection on the tube is distorted in a few spots.
12-09-19, 02:17 PM
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They were very obviously holes, when I looked at the larger image. My biggest questions are if it's the original tube that was drilled, or a 'convenient' replacement, and if they were drilled, what the reason was.
(The edges of a couple hint at an edge, and the reflection on the tube is distorted in a few spots.
(The edges of a couple hint at an edge, and the reflection on the tube is distorted in a few spots.
12-09-19, 03:11 PM
#8
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Sure looks like a Holy Sprite. Somebody went and ruined a perfectly good $5 frame. Looks like the front tire might need some air, too.
My wife has a 1974 Sprite 10speed and likes it quite a bit. They weren't bad inexpensive bikes for tooling around though the Huret mechs were other than "crisp". Same ones as used on the Schwinn Suburban, I think.
I've read that the frames were the same ones as used on the Record
My wife has a 1974 Sprite 10speed and likes it quite a bit. They weren't bad inexpensive bikes for tooling around though the Huret mechs were other than "crisp". Same ones as used on the Schwinn Suburban, I think.
I've read that the frames were the same ones as used on the Record
12-09-19, 03:19 PM
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Sure looks like a Holy Sprite. Somebody went and ruined a perfectly good $5 frame. Looks like the front tire might need some air, too.
My wife has a 1974 Sprite 10speed and likes it quite a bit. They weren't bad inexpensive bikes for tooling around though the Huret mechs were other than "crisp". Same ones as used on the Schwinn Suburban, I think.
I've read that the frames were the same ones as used on the Record
My wife has a 1974 Sprite 10speed and likes it quite a bit. They weren't bad inexpensive bikes for tooling around though the Huret mechs were other than "crisp". Same ones as used on the Schwinn Suburban, I think.
I've read that the frames were the same ones as used on the Record
12-09-19, 03:21 PM
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Ehh, it's probably fine. Those were made of pretty thick tubing and the metal is soft so it'll bend more than it would crack. Just listen for creaks when you ride it, and maybe put a cork in the seat tube so water doesn't get into the bottom bracket bearings.
The rims being rusty would be a bigger deterrent for me. If they're too far gone and the rust is too rough-surfaced and can't be corrected, the rust will grind down the brake blocks in a hurry.
The rims being rusty would be a bigger deterrent for me. If they're too far gone and the rust is too rough-surfaced and can't be corrected, the rust will grind down the brake blocks in a hurry.
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12-09-19, 04:10 PM
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Yes those are holes
I never even thought of the possibility the seat tube was swiss cheese, but i just spoke to the seller and yes 'for some reason someone drilled a bunch of holes'
I'll pass.
Ruben
I'll pass.
Ruben
12-09-19, 04:37 PM
#13
Bikes are okay, I guess.
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You probably need to buy it because of the holes, and definitely for the "most corroded Pletscher rack."
12-09-19, 04:41 PM
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It looks like a Raleigh Record I flipped not long ago, down to the color and drivetrain. What's the difference between the Record and Sprite, realistically?
Never ceases to amaze me what some folks will do! Although it almost has a cool aesthetic.
Never ceases to amaze me what some folks will do! Although it almost has a cool aesthetic.
12-09-19, 05:12 PM
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Surprisingly, not far off! Miyata first manufactured rifles before they were asked to build a bike, using their knowledge of manufacturing steel tube...
12-09-19, 06:16 PM
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Mossberg and Browning have made bikes too. And don't forget Birmingham Small Arms.
12-09-19, 09:07 PM
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And Royal Enfield ....
12-10-19, 01:12 AM
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You would have to ride that bike so hard for the holes in the seat tube to actually be of concern.
I'm not saying those holes are desirable, but, uhhh, somebody actually got off the couch and placed those holes there, they deserve a tiny bit of credit for that. They are pretty straight/symmetrical.
I'm not saying those holes are desirable, but, uhhh, somebody actually got off the couch and placed those holes there, they deserve a tiny bit of credit for that. They are pretty straight/symmetrical.
12-10-19, 01:21 AM
#19
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57mm "Reckless Rifle"
verktyg
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12-10-19, 01:42 AM
#20
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Should your seatpost ever become stuck, you have great access for spraying your favorite penetrating oil. Or cross drill the seat post and be the first in your neighborhood to use a clevis pin instead of a pinch bolt.
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12-10-19, 06:02 AM
#21
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Looks like the seat tube is bent at the FD.
Where they built with that tight clearance?
Where they built with that tight clearance?
12-10-19, 06:37 AM
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The fenders, fork, a Raleigh Chopper pie plate, Huret downtube cable stop, and a nice steel stem is about all you’re going to get for your money out of this one.
It’s fine if you have a Sprite that needs parts. Otherwise, $30 is already over the top.
-Kurt
It’s fine if you have a Sprite that needs parts. Otherwise, $30 is already over the top.
-Kurt
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12-10-19, 07:43 AM
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Rare and obscure Raleigh Sprite Lawn Boy Special. Pay off the purchase by earning money watering lawns with the built in high-volume sprinkler system.
Trailer and water buffalo sold separately.
Trailer and water buffalo sold separately.
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