bikemig 

Looking for some ideas in building up a new to me 1980 Raleigh Record Ace. Its a Worksop bike. This was not sold in the US; the bike still has the sticker from the British shop that sold it.

I'd like to build this bike up as a long distance machine. I'm a little stuck on the build and was hoping to get some input from the hive mind on how best to proceed. Usually I just decide on a build and do it. For some reason, though, I've been a bit stuck on this bike so I'm hoping this helps.

(1) Suntour barcons versus suntour power ratcheting shifters. The bike came with the downtube shifters; the barcons are nice though.

(2) 27 inch versus 700c wheels? Normally this is a no brainer and I'd opt for 700c given the wider tire availability. This bike came stock with Weinmann 605s and they may have trouble reaching to 700c (they max out at 60 mm). I could run a set of Tektro dual pivots that I have (R559s) which have a reach of 73 mm. They will look a bit fugly, IMO, on this bike but maybe I shouldn't care, right? Dual pivots with aero bars brake well and feel good in your hands when riding on the brake levers.

(3) Pedals will be a tough choice. I'm leaning towards Time Atac pedals but again they do look a bit odd on a bike like this.

Oh and thanks to bwilli88 who sold me the bike and did an excellent job of packing it up.

Once I've made up my mind on these decisions, I can build up the bike. Here are some pics:






"Wally" World Bury St. Edmund

Piff 

1) If you like barcons use barcons. Long-distance means choose whatever is most comfortable. Some Riv Silver2 shifters as barcons would be sweet (but $$$)

2) I'd go with 700c rims, and either gran compe 610 or mafac racers with cudak888's new brake booster.

Hot bike!

Insidious C. 

I like this bike as is. It will look fine with clip in pedals. Have you chosen the bar tape yet? Enjoy!

52telecaster

You only need 4 more millimeters reach for 700c many brakes will work if you go that way. I always do on a bike I plan to ride a lot. You'll have room for fenders and decent tire size. That triple you have makes gearing a cinch.

bwilli88 

When I had that bike I put a set of 700c wheels on it and they fit well. The Weinmanns are meh.

sd5782 

I bought a $40 bike just to get that same crank that you have. I even kept the 28-36-46 rings that came on it. Not much advice here on the build except a big plus on the power shifter choice. Nice bike with a generous wheelbase it looks like. I bet it will ride nicely.

bikemig 

I paid $50 for a bike with this crank and BB so you got a better deal than I did,

sd5782 

It wasn’t the stock crank on the bike I purchased. Was it stock on your frame as purchased? I was just curious as to what it was stock on.

bikemig 

It is one of my favorite vintage triples as well but it was not stock on my bike either.

bikemig 

I decided to keep this simple with downtube shifters, toe clips and straps, and sidepull brakes. The brakes, headset, and wheels are original to the bike. The derailleurs, crank, pedals, saddle handlebar and stem are not. I took it on a 20 mile ride yesterday. It is very nice riding bike. I'd forgotten how nicely suntour derailleurs work with a suntour freewheel.