1975 Raleigh Sprite 27
08-08-21, 09:51 AM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
1975 Raleigh Sprite 27
Howdy! Recently acquired a Raleigh Sprite 27. Serial # shows it was made in Handsworth (UK) in Jan 1975. Bought it from a Vietnam vet who was the original owner. Bike had been garage kept and very well maintained.
So far I replaced the tires, rebuilt the hubs and replaced bearings, replaced the brake cables and just cleaned her up. Pedals cannot be rebuilt but are in great shape. Bottom bracket and head set are great but I may rebuild as a winter project. There was some very minor surface rusting on various chrome components, but White Lightning polish and 0000 steel wool did the trick!
Found a great deal on a Brooks B17 and working on that project next. Project because the Brooks mattress saddle and seat stem bracket are a 2 rail set up. Mr “rhm” has already graciously offered to part with one of his extra brackets to help me out. Thank you!
I’ll be sure to post an update with the new saddle. Also as a leather crafter I’m working on a hand grip design to match the saddle. Later I’ll build a saddle bag as well. Brooks’ design is nice but love creating leather goods myself.
In the meantime, I’ll enjoy the Raleigh in between the sweltering daytime Texas heat!
So far I replaced the tires, rebuilt the hubs and replaced bearings, replaced the brake cables and just cleaned her up. Pedals cannot be rebuilt but are in great shape. Bottom bracket and head set are great but I may rebuild as a winter project. There was some very minor surface rusting on various chrome components, but White Lightning polish and 0000 steel wool did the trick!
Found a great deal on a Brooks B17 and working on that project next. Project because the Brooks mattress saddle and seat stem bracket are a 2 rail set up. Mr “rhm” has already graciously offered to part with one of his extra brackets to help me out. Thank you!
I’ll be sure to post an update with the new saddle. Also as a leather crafter I’m working on a hand grip design to match the saddle. Later I’ll build a saddle bag as well. Brooks’ design is nice but love creating leather goods myself.
In the meantime, I’ll enjoy the Raleigh in between the sweltering daytime Texas heat!
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08-08-21, 10:50 AM
#3
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beautiful bike and job with it!
do not recall seeing a red Sprite previously
thank you for posting
in case it may be of interest Huret made rubber lever covers for the bicycle's shift levers
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beautiful bike and job with it!
do not recall seeing a red Sprite previously
thank you for posting
in case it may be of interest Huret made rubber lever covers for the bicycle's shift levers
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Last edited by juvela; 08-08-21 at 09:38 PM. Reason: addition
08-08-21, 11:31 AM
#4
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Thread Starter
