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Originally Posted by Slash5
(Post 17954808)
I picked up a 1946 Raleigh Sports at the bike show on the weekend. At first glance it looks to be in decent shape for it's age, hopefully no surprises.
Can anyone suggest a thread to refer to on working on an older bike where the patina and age of the bike need to be preserved? It's not something easily searched for. I gather the frame should just be washed and wiped down with an oily rag, at least at first. I assume chrome and mechanicals are pretty well the usual - clean, grease and lubricate. I figure all new cables and housing are OK - although new housing is going to stand out like a sore thumb. |
Originally Posted by Slash5
(Post 17954808)
I picked up a 1946 Raleigh Sports at the bike show on the weekend. At first glance it looks to be in decent shape for it's age, hopefully no surprises.
Can anyone suggest a thread to refer to on working on an older bike where the patina and age of the bike need to be preserved? It's not something easily searched for. I gather the frame should just be washed and wiped down with an oily rag, at least at first. I assume chrome and mechanicals are pretty well the usual - clean, grease and lubricate. I figure all new cables and housing are OK - although new housing is going to stand out like a sore thumb. Might be able to reuse the cable casings unless they are bent badly. Even rust can be removed by soaking in vinegar or evapo-rust. Some people advise against using polishing compound on original paint. Personally, I like removing that dull oxidation and restoring some of the original luster. There's different opinions about patina. I use wax to protect the paint and chrome. My favorite is ICE liquid wax by Turtle. |
Originally Posted by Slash5
(Post 17954808)
Can anyone suggest a thread to refer to on working on an older bike where the patina and age of the bike need to be preserved?
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2 Attachment(s)
Originally Posted by markk900
(Post 17954415)
Wow - what a stunner - sorry I missed the show but had family obligations......
What tires are those on the bike? Always looking for period style tires and those look new. |
4 Attachment(s)
Originally Posted by 3speedslow
(Post 17953745)
browngw,
That Robin Hood is quite the eye catcher ! Fantastic that you found one in 23". As for the stem, you could go with an old GB one, would look stunning and functional. What wrapping is on the handle bars ? I have an old 60 Raleigh Gran Sport in that copper Colour but need to replace the tape. Is that one fresh wrap ? Ride report when you can. http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=462770http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=462771http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=462772http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=462773 |
Originally Posted by browngw
(Post 17955532)
The bar tape is not fresh and is an older plastic thin style. I find it hard to believe that its original after 40 years but the bike is totally corrosion free and shows no signs of use other than some paints scuffs and scratches. The cables appear original as well. The bearings feel loose in the front wheel so I will have to address that before a ride report.
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=462770http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=462771http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=462772http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=462773 More items to save up for on a rebuild. |
Originally Posted by browngw
(Post 17955499)
The tires are not new but in good condition. They are marked "COASTER" 37-590 26x1 3/8. I am slightly confounded by this bike. There is no evidence of restoration or even a coat of dirt. It seems to be a time capsule.
Didn't take picture of it but here's a couple others. Lots and lots of 3 speeds there. http://i.imgur.com/IfLUASU.jpg http://i.imgur.com/C795bHS.jpg |
What where? I need a new 3 speed here in AZ. My other meet a untimely demise in November when I got hit.
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[MENTION=298130]browngw[/MENTION], I think the handlebar tape is original. I think everything is original except the tires. I think the bike was never ridden or very, very little.
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Originally Posted by jamesj
(Post 17956102)
What where? I need a new 3 speed here in AZ. My other meet a untimely demise in November when I got hit.
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Originally Posted by noglider
(Post 17956413)
@browngw, I think the handlebar tape is original. I think everything is original except the tires. I think the bike was never ridden or very, very little.
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Originally Posted by arex
(Post 17956425)
I'd be curious to know how the bike had been stored all this time. It's amazing.
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Originally Posted by noglider
(Post 17956444)
My guess is that it was somewhere out of humidity and ultraviolet rays.
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I took the beast out to a nearby church's parking lot for its shakedown run and photos this evening. Some things became evident that might require some waiting to solve.
1. It was squirmy...REALLY squirmy. I was afraid of this...I've no doubt these are solid bikes, but it's clear they aren't built for someone my size. Coasting down a slope was fine, but when I started pedaling hard, it squirmed. I may not be able to ride this much until after my bariatric surgery. 2. I was also afraid that the frame would be a bit too small for someone my height, but it felt good size-wise. I did raise the seat about 3/4" and moved it back about the same, which made a positive difference. I also had to straighten out the handlebars, which were pointed to the right a little bit. 3. First time actually riding with a Brooks saddle. Felt great on my arse, but not so much on the huevos. I tipped the nose down a bit, which made a big difference. 4. I was afraid the heel of my 13W foot would snag on the shift cable, but it didn't. Huzzah! 5. The brakes work great. I do need to back the rear brakes off a little...they were pretty grabby. Might need to check the toe again. 6. I was wrong to worry about the gearing. It's good. Going to have to check the shift cable adjustment, it wouldn't always shift into 1st. |
Originally Posted by Velocivixen
(Post 17953130)
[MENTION=101819]Sixty Fiver - I'm not sure I've seen your daughter's Raleigh Saffron. Have you posted it before? If not, would really like to see some photos.
Can you tell me if it's possible to "tighten up" the kickstand on my Twenty? I see the pin at the end. I've sprayed WD40 in there and cleaned the best I can from the outside. When I put the kickstand up it seems sort of loose. Thanks in advance. http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/saffy1.JPG The Saffron was the non folding version of the Compact, these were made in Italy for Raleigh and do have Italian bottom brackets. The Saffron is a very nice bike as it does not have the poor quality hinge of the Compact, it has custom built wheels and that new 7 speed hub will make my daughter very happy. Will also look to build up a dynamo front wheel for her as well. |
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Absolutely gorgeous! Good work.
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Originally Posted by arex
(Post 17956720)
I took the beast out to a nearby church's parking lot for its shakedown run and photos this evening. Some things became evident that might require some waiting to solve.
1. It was squirmy...REALLY squirmy. I was afraid of this...I've no doubt these are solid bikes, but it's clear they aren't built for someone my size. Coasting down a slope was fine, but when I started pedaling hard, it squirmed. I may not be able to ride this much until after my bariatric surgery. 2. I was also afraid that the frame would be a bit too small for someone my height, but it felt good size-wise. I did raise the seat about 3/4" and moved it back about the same, which made a positive difference. I also had to straighten out the handlebars, which were pointed to the right a little bit. 3. First time actually riding with a Brooks saddle. Felt great on my arse, but not so much on the huevos. I tipped the nose down a bit, which made a big difference. 4. I was afraid the heel of my 13W foot would snag on the shift cable, but it didn't. Huzzah! 5. The brakes work great. I do need to back the rear brakes off a little...they were pretty grabby. Might need to check the toe again. 6. I was wrong to worry about the gearing. It's good. Going to have to check the shift cable adjustment, it wouldn't always shift into 1st. Wow, beautiful bike! I love the brazed cable lugs. Really, really nice work. |
Originally Posted by Commando
(Post 17957246)
Absolutely gorgeous! Good work.
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Originally Posted by BigChief
(Post 17957945)
Wow, beautiful bike! I love the brazed cable lugs. Really, really nice work.
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Originally Posted by Sixty Fiver
(Post 17957041)
"Saffy"
http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/saffy1.JPG The Saffron was the non folding version of the Compact, these were made in Italy for Raleigh and do have Italian bottom brackets. The Saffron is a very nice bike as it does not have the poor quality hinge of the Compact, it has custom built wheels and that new 7 speed hub will make my daughter very happy. Will also look to build up a dynamo front wheel for her as well. |
[MENTION=308017]arex[/MENTION] - to say this bike is gorgeous is an understatement. Thanks you so much for the detailed photos and for sharing. Simple, elegant, effective. Nice.
[MENTION=101819]Sixty Fiver[/MENTION] - Saffron is a beauty. |
Originally Posted by arex
(Post 17958330)
How's that seat tube work? Is there an inner tube for carrying the seat post, or does the seat post only make contact in those few inches at the top by the clamp?
The construction quality is rather good and it is a very nice riding bicycle... they appear to be fairly uncommon and suspect they were not produced in high numbers while the folding version is easier to find. I would avoid the folding model as the clamp just isn't up to par. |
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