1985 Raleigh (USA) Alyeska
#1
Albatross bars are cool!!
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1985 Raleigh (USA) Alyeska
I picked this up about a month ago when I was figuring up all the stuff I wanted to add to one of my existing bikes, and then suddenly realized I could save quite a bit of money by getting something road-ish that came stock with rack mounts, cantilever brakes, and relatively sturdy wheels (helpful since its typical load is about 260 lbs). Made in Taiwan and marketed by Huffy (according to info I've gleamed online), so it can't have been all that special when new, but butted chromoly can't be that bad, and so far I'm rather enjoying the thing.
I find it entertaining how Huffy named the top three of their four Raleigh USA "touring" models after destinations in Alaska - Alyeska, Kodiak, and Portage.
Pic from the eBay auction:
Pic from this past week:
Original specs from Retro Raleighs:
Changes you might notice include the 28/38/48 Biopace chainrings, the Dia-Compe brake levers and Pyramid shift levers, and the cheapie Pyramid chromoly stem. I haven't really done much else with it other than a little polishing and repacking the bottom bracket, unless you count accessories and used bar tape, but for my purposes at least, I think it's really starting to come together.
I find it entertaining how Huffy named the top three of their four Raleigh USA "touring" models after destinations in Alaska - Alyeska, Kodiak, and Portage.
Pic from the eBay auction:
Pic from this past week:
Original specs from Retro Raleighs:
Changes you might notice include the 28/38/48 Biopace chainrings, the Dia-Compe brake levers and Pyramid shift levers, and the cheapie Pyramid chromoly stem. I haven't really done much else with it other than a little polishing and repacking the bottom bracket, unless you count accessories and used bar tape, but for my purposes at least, I think it's really starting to come together.
Last edited by 1987cp; 06-24-10 at 02:31 AM. Reason: Dia-Compe != Dura-Ace! D'oh!
#2
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IIRC the Alyeska is a decent model and is quite often sought out for commuter/light touring use. Regardless it is a nice find.
Aaron
Aaron
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ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
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"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
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Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
#3
Junior Member
I have the 1986 model and I is really a great bike. It very stable and comfortable.
#4
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The Alyeska is a very nice bike. The only thing is that I experience some high speed shimmy when under load; ie when towing a trailer with my tow kids.
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Ese dicho que me han dicho que tú has dicho que yo he dicho, ese dicho no lo he dicho, porque si lo hubiera dicho, ese dicho estaría bien dicho por haberlo dicho yo.
Ese dicho que me han dicho que tú has dicho que yo he dicho, ese dicho no lo he dicho, porque si lo hubiera dicho, ese dicho estaría bien dicho por haberlo dicho yo.
#5
Senior Member
I purchased a Raleigh Alyeska recently and am in the process of restoring it. I have completely disassembled it, cleaned and polished the frame and the componenets. This week the BB and hubs will be rebuilt and it'll get a new VO headset. My Alyeska came with the "hurricane" triple crankset and Suntour AR derailleurs. The front wheel is original (Raleigh branded high flange hub), but the rear is a replacement. I have yet to try and determine the date of the bike. I will be sure to update my post with before and after photos when she's complete.
The 25" frame has a standover nearly an inch higher than the 25" Schwinn frames I have from the same era (27 x 1 1/4). "Raleigh" is branded on nearly every single place imaginable on this bike. Mine is the brown/gold color.
Unfortunately it is slightly too tall for me, so I am restoring it for a friend. Thankfully I picked up an '87 Schwinn Voyageur at the same time for myself.
Other things I'm doing to the bike are adding VO fenders, brake pads, Pass Hunter rack, new cables, new hoods, Pasela TG tires, Grip King pedals and coverting to bar-end shifters.
gr23932, I would love to see more photos and a description of what you've done to your Alyeska.
The 25" frame has a standover nearly an inch higher than the 25" Schwinn frames I have from the same era (27 x 1 1/4). "Raleigh" is branded on nearly every single place imaginable on this bike. Mine is the brown/gold color.
Unfortunately it is slightly too tall for me, so I am restoring it for a friend. Thankfully I picked up an '87 Schwinn Voyageur at the same time for myself.
Other things I'm doing to the bike are adding VO fenders, brake pads, Pass Hunter rack, new cables, new hoods, Pasela TG tires, Grip King pedals and coverting to bar-end shifters.
gr23932, I would love to see more photos and a description of what you've done to your Alyeska.
Last edited by ColonelJLloyd; 06-24-10 at 07:34 AM.
#6
Albatross bars are cool!!
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Neat to hear from other Alyeska fans! I do find that this bike is a very comfortable ride. Seems to be basically my version of these new "comfort bikes", and for a lot less initial outlay. It's interesting to me how very differently it rides from my other bikes, a Paramount MOS and a pair of sport-tourers. The Alyeska seems to be very maneuverable without being too unstable. I'd be interesting to ride something like a Voyageur for comparison, since this is the only touring-style machine I've ridden.
I also noticed about the different height compared to a Schwinn. Not sure if the better Schwinns are different, but I have a '90ish Schwinn World that's 21" nominal (as is this bike), but IIRC, the Schwinn's 21" is to the top of the seat tube, and this bike's is to the middle of the top tube. I have an '84 Raleigh (USA) Record in 23" that I like really well even though I'm not very tall, so I may have been slightly happier if this one were 23" as well, but this frame is just short enough that I can manage a step-through when the child seat is preventing normal mounting.
I like the look of your bags and fenders, gr23932. That, and the leather saddle, seem to give it a rather elegant old-school look ... lots better than my current half-black scheme. I don't mind my black brake hoods, but black also on the saddle, bag, fenders, and chainrings all gets to be a bit much. I'm very interested to try a Brooks Flyer at some point, since for now the stock saddle offers about the best compromise of the ones I have on hand.
I also noticed about the different height compared to a Schwinn. Not sure if the better Schwinns are different, but I have a '90ish Schwinn World that's 21" nominal (as is this bike), but IIRC, the Schwinn's 21" is to the top of the seat tube, and this bike's is to the middle of the top tube. I have an '84 Raleigh (USA) Record in 23" that I like really well even though I'm not very tall, so I may have been slightly happier if this one were 23" as well, but this frame is just short enough that I can manage a step-through when the child seat is preventing normal mounting.
I like the look of your bags and fenders, gr23932. That, and the leather saddle, seem to give it a rather elegant old-school look ... lots better than my current half-black scheme. I don't mind my black brake hoods, but black also on the saddle, bag, fenders, and chainrings all gets to be a bit much. I'm very interested to try a Brooks Flyer at some point, since for now the stock saddle offers about the best compromise of the ones I have on hand.
#7
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Neat to hear from other Alyeska fans! I do find that this bike is a very comfortable ride. Seems to be basically my version of these new "comfort bikes", and for a lot less initial outlay. It's interesting to me how very differently it rides from my other bikes, a Paramount MOS and a pair of sport-tourers. The Alyeska seems to be very maneuverable without being too unstable. I'd be interesting to ride something like a Voyageur for comparison, since this is the only touring-style machine I've ridden.
-Kurt
#8
Junior Member
I've put about 700 miles on mine in the last 6 months and have yet to experience any shimmy... and the bike is definitely well loaded with my Clyde-self I've had it up to about 26 MPH or so and it's rock solid. I need to sell a bike as I have too many, but I just can't bring myself to let this one go... it rides too nice.
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I've put about 700 miles on mine in the last 6 months and have yet to experience any shimmy... and the bike is definitely well loaded with my Clyde-self I've had it up to about 26 MPH or so and it's rock solid. I need to sell a bike as I have too many, but I just can't bring myself to let this one go... it rides too nice.
Aaron
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Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
#10
Junior Member
I'll let you know. It's an 55 cm.
Thanks
Thanks
#11
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That's one bike I would love to own.
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Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#12
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the mid eighties Taiwan Raleighs are very under rated and often excellent values. Decent quality frames components and features for a typically low price.
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Man, this thread is so weird. Just last month everyone was low-balling some other kid about the value of his Alyeska and now everyone is going nuts.
#14
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Dayum...too small I ride a 64cm...
Aaron
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Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
#15
Albatross bars are cool!!
Thread Starter
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Bikes: 1984 Cannondale ST; 1975 Raleigh Grand Prix; mystery Nashbar tandem MTB; 1991 Paramount Series 20 PDG (in bits); 1984 Raleigh Record (in smaller bits, needs dropout repair); 1985 Raleigh Alyeska (wrecked, needs downtube repair)
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Man, this thread is so weird. Just last month everyone was low-balling some other kid about the value of his Alyeska and now everyone is going nuts.
Interesting, so it sounds like I may have made a smarter purchase than I even realized. I was looking at my side-on picture and noticed that the head tube did look noticably more upright than the seat tube. I need to throw some wheels back on the Record and compare head tube angles one of these days, since that was previously the bike I thought most comfortable and predictable. The MOS is quick and agile but gets wearing pretty quickly (or so it seems), and the cheap Schwinn, which seems to have a shallower head tube angle, always felt like its steering was totally stuck in a groove. Makes sense, then, that my first touring-type bike would make a big impression!
#16
Senior Member
Raleigh Alyeska Restoration
Here's some photos of the Alyeska I just finished restoring. I realize it wasn't (and isn't) economical for bike companies to spec different parts for different sized frames, but in what world does it make sense for a 65cm frame to have the same 170mm crank arms and narrow randonneur bend bars as a 49cm frame? Anyhow, I'm pleased with how it turned out.
I changed the bars, pedals, front brake cable stop, and replaced the caged bearings with loose ball bearings. I also purchased a used set of Raleigh branded Suntour bar end shifters (which it should've had when new IMO). PaselaTG 27x1 1/4 ties, VO cables/housing, adjustable brake pads, 48mm fluted fenders and SS Pass Hunter front rack round out the bike.
Before
After
I changed the bars, pedals, front brake cable stop, and replaced the caged bearings with loose ball bearings. I also purchased a used set of Raleigh branded Suntour bar end shifters (which it should've had when new IMO). PaselaTG 27x1 1/4 ties, VO cables/housing, adjustable brake pads, 48mm fluted fenders and SS Pass Hunter front rack round out the bike.
Before
After
Last edited by ColonelJLloyd; 07-09-10 at 10:12 PM.
#17
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Looks great. Can you share what the fenders and racks are that you added?
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#18
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Stunning! Are those VO cable housings?
#19
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#20
Senior Member
Thanks, Diego. They are from VO. I think their SS housing is beautiful, but they were out of stock so I went with brown. It's a lighter shade than the frame color and I think it compliments it well. It's a quality cable/housing kit. Granted, the derailleur kit is not long enough to route the cable under the bar wrap on such a large frame, but I don't imagine any kit available is long enough for that.
#21
Senior Member
For that application, you might need something for a recumbent or a tandem. In such a niche market, you'll probably be restricted to black only, unfortunately.
#22
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Beautiful job!
Aaron
Aaron
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Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
#23
Albatross bars are cool!!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 250
Bikes: 1984 Cannondale ST; 1975 Raleigh Grand Prix; mystery Nashbar tandem MTB; 1991 Paramount Series 20 PDG (in bits); 1984 Raleigh Record (in smaller bits, needs dropout repair); 1985 Raleigh Alyeska (wrecked, needs downtube repair)
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Thanks for sharing those pictures! The more subtle color scheme really does help the look of the bike, and I'm not surprised to hear that the narrow bars don't work at all for someone tall.
Did you do a lot of polishing on individual components, or was the bike just in very decent cosmetic shape when you got it?
Did you do a lot of polishing on individual components, or was the bike just in very decent cosmetic shape when you got it?
#24
Senior Member
Thankfully the bike had a lot of grease/oil buildup on it so there was very little rust. Everything was taken completely apart, short of removing the headset races. I cleaned all the componenets with Simple Green and hand polished them with Blue Magic. I used #0000 steel wool on the spokes and Simple Green was all the wheels and hubs needed. I used kerosene to clean the freewheel and bearings before reassembly. Polishing the Jim Blackburn rack really brought it back to life.