Forty plus years old, thirty in storage.
08-13-11, 08:55 AM
#51
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Bikes: 2020 Masi Giramondo 700c; 2013 Lynskey Peloton; 1992 Giant Rincon; 1989 Dawes needs parts; 1985 Trek 660; 1985 Fuji Club; 1984 Schwinn Voyager; 1984 Miyata 612; 1977 Raleigh Competition GS
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Congrats on getting back on them. I've bought several "used" bikes from people just like you that never rode them and they weren't ever going to though, and I got essentially new bikes for cheap. Those bikes you have look fantastic, and they are rare, I can't even remember when the last time I saw one and I'm 58!
I hope you replaced the tires and tubes before you rode them. I wouldn't be afraid to ride one, they were very dependable bikes.
Ride with pride.
I hope you replaced the tires and tubes before you rode them. I wouldn't be afraid to ride one, they were very dependable bikes.
Ride with pride.
08-13-11, 09:44 AM
#52
Oldie but Newbie
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Location: The Monadnock Region, New Hampshire
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Bikes: 1969 Raleigh Sprite
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Interestingly, as I mentioned on another thread, I grew up with bikes of this type. Lived on 'em as kids in surburbia did back in the late `50s and very early `60s. I never experienced a flat and I never replaced a tire. How is that possible? I dunno. But it wasn't a fluke because none of my pals did either that I remember.
Oh, and my bike -- a late `50s Rudge -- moved with my folks to their retirement home in FL. They never had a flat or replaced a tire either. Probably some retiree in their condo (mom and dad passed on some years back) are still riding that bike and my ex-girlfriend's whose bike also went with them. (They paid her $25 for it as I remember)
"Raleigh - The All-Steel Bicycle" Tires too no doubt.
-don
08-13-11, 10:34 AM
#53
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Location: West of St. Louis
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Bikes: (3) 1970's Raleigh Sports, (1) 1968 Robin Hood 3 speed, 1974 Raleigh Grand Prix, 1976 Raleigh Grand Prix, 1969 Peugeot UO-18, 1971 Peugeot UO-08, 1980 Giant road bike, 1954 Humber, 1940ish Hercules Popular, 1963 Dunelt, 2007 Trek 3700 mountain bike
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Great story Don and what a sweet pair of matching Raleighs. Though not the original owner, I was able to grab a matching pair of Raleigh Sports several years ago; found them on Craigslist. Same color as your Sprites and had original Brooks B72 saddles with vinyl saddle bags attached. previous owners kept the pair well maintaained so all I needed to do was clean them up a bit. I've since replaced the vinyl saddle bag on my bike with a Carradice Barley bag.
as found:
mine today:
as found:
mine today:
08-13-11, 11:32 AM
#55
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Bikes: 2020 Masi Giramondo 700c; 2013 Lynskey Peloton; 1992 Giant Rincon; 1989 Dawes needs parts; 1985 Trek 660; 1985 Fuji Club; 1984 Schwinn Voyager; 1984 Miyata 612; 1977 Raleigh Competition GS
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I expected to on both. Had to on my wives as the gum-sidewalled tires had cracked and split. On mine I was told by the techs (and owner) of my local bike shop that it was unnecessary. The tech owns a bike of similar vintage (but much higher mileage) that still has the original tubes and tires. He rides it daily. Apparently these early nylon Dunlops are "forever." It took me more than a couple of rides (and hard hit roots) before I trusted therm fully but I do now.
Interestingly, as I mentioned on another thread, I grew up with bikes of this type. Lived on 'em as kids in surburbia did back in the late `50s and very early `60s. I never experienced a flat and I never replaced a tire. How is that possible? I dunno. But it wasn't a fluke because none of my pals did either that I remember.
Interestingly, as I mentioned on another thread, I grew up with bikes of this type. Lived on 'em as kids in surburbia did back in the late `50s and very early `60s. I never experienced a flat and I never replaced a tire. How is that possible? I dunno. But it wasn't a fluke because none of my pals did either that I remember.
I was rough on my bikes so I did get a few flats and wore out tires fast or simply destroyed them.
By the way, I bought a 250 mile used 88 Miyata 712 about 5 years ago that had the original tires barely used, the nubs were still showing, and the sidewalls were all cracked and blew when pressure was introduced. But then a few months ago I bought a even lighter used (5 miles) 84 Fuji Club with the original tires and the sidewalls on it are great, no cracks or anything suggesting age, and I've been riding on them. Not sure why one set was cracked and the other not.
08-13-11, 12:19 PM
#56
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Bikes: 1978 Trek TX700; 1978/79 Trek 736; 1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP; 1985 Trek 620; 1985 Trek 720; 1986 Trek 400 Elance; 1987 Schwinn High Sierra; 1990 Miyata 1000LT
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By the way, I bought a 250 mile used 88 Miyata 712 about 5 years ago that had the original tires barely used, the nubs were still showing, and the sidewalls were all cracked and blew when pressure was introduced. But then a few months ago I bought a even lighter used (5 miles) 84 Fuji Club with the original tires and the sidewalls on it are great, no cracks or anything suggesting age, and I've been riding on them. Not sure why one set was cracked and the other not.
According to Wikipedia it's true...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ozone
Ozone gas attacks any polymer possessing olefinic or double bonds within its chain structure, such as natural rubber, nitrile rubber, and styrene-butadiene rubber. Products made using these polymers are especially susceptible to attack, which causes cracks to grow longer and deeper with time, the rate of crack growth depending on the load carried by the product and the concentration of ozone in the atmosphere. Such materials can be protected by adding antiozonants, such as waxes, which bond to the surface to create a protective film or blend with the material and provide long term protection. Ozone cracking used to be a serious problem in car tires for example, but the problem is now seen only in very old tires. On the other hand, many critical products like gaskets and O-rings may be attacked by ozone produced within compressed air systems. Fuel lines are often made from reinforced rubber tubing and may also be susceptible to attack, especially within engine compartments where low levels of ozone are produced from electrical equipment. Storing rubber products in close proximity to DC electric motors can accelerate the rate at which ozone cracking occurs. The commutator of the motor creates sparks which in turn produce ozone.
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Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
08-13-11, 01:52 PM
#57
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I've heard ozone is the culprit- if the tires are near electric motors- that can cause higher ozone levels which crack the tires. Just what I've heard...
According to Wikipedia it's true...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ozone
According to Wikipedia it's true...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ozone
08-13-11, 02:01 PM
#58
Oldie but Newbie
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Mine were stored in sheds with some slated sides, soil floors and no electricity. Pretty much in a state of nature. Yet the gum ones were totally gonzo and the others near perfect.
Such are the vagaries of life.
(Or the gods chew gum)
-don
Such are the vagaries of life.
(Or the gods chew gum)
-don
08-13-11, 02:40 PM
#59
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I think your on to something, the gods do chew gum!
08-13-11, 05:42 PM
#61
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Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg)
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06-29-15 03:45 PM
