Greetings all
My latest project, a 1970's Raleigh Twenty, I'm not sure of the year? anyone know? I have seen interesting things being done to them, so I got this one off flea bay for £35 quid. It was in pretty good nick with a bit of patina. I have always liked smaller bikes and the ease of storage, also the the green colour so I decide to opt for this particular bike. Prior to this I bought an expensive minty 1980 Mongoose BMX, which is great but not suited for my intended use, as below.
I’ll cobble it together to fulfil the role of a commuter/errand/cruiser/everyday use bike, with a rat look, probably something like the last photo (credit to whoever owns that). A bike I could leave outside a shop/library/off-license etc and it not get nicked.
Off with original wheels and perished tyres. Ordered some BMX wheels, tyres and tubes. A 17T freewheel and chain to go to the 46T Raleigh Chain ring (Complete with Herons) It should give me a nice gear ratio. So off with the 3-speed Sturmey Archer. I’m keeping the grip shifter on as I think it looks great.
The kickstand will stay on, as its functional and sturdy. Mudguards removed. The carrier rack will be staying for cargo functionality with groceries etc and or when riding to the skatepark on it with board, pads and helmet etc.
The stock pedals are a bit creaky and will probably be replaced with something functional and hard-wearing. Probably platform types.
Original saddle to be kept for the time being.
I'll re-attached the old chain guard too.
Because of the height reduction from 451 wheels to standard BMX (405mm) I will have to be careful cornering, though not a problem as I have always habitually keep them level when going around corners.
I 'tickled' the drop-out's with a metal file to accommodate the 10mm BMX wheel axles.
Noticed when taking a photo that it's stamped Made in Germany? Thought all old Raleighs were made in UK? Obviously not.
At the mo, I'm giving it a clean. W Removing some chrome pitting with WD4- and kitchen foil. I'll probably clear cote the 'patina'.
Finally, the most important bit of the build left to the last- It will be decorated with random stickers! I have an idea for a theme.
Thanks for looking, Stay Tuned.
My latest project, a 1970's Raleigh Twenty, I'm not sure of the year? anyone know? I have seen interesting things being done to them, so I got this one off flea bay for £35 quid. It was in pretty good nick with a bit of patina. I have always liked smaller bikes and the ease of storage, also the the green colour so I decide to opt for this particular bike. Prior to this I bought an expensive minty 1980 Mongoose BMX, which is great but not suited for my intended use, as below.
I’ll cobble it together to fulfil the role of a commuter/errand/cruiser/everyday use bike, with a rat look, probably something like the last photo (credit to whoever owns that). A bike I could leave outside a shop/library/off-license etc and it not get nicked.
Off with original wheels and perished tyres. Ordered some BMX wheels, tyres and tubes. A 17T freewheel and chain to go to the 46T Raleigh Chain ring (Complete with Herons) It should give me a nice gear ratio. So off with the 3-speed Sturmey Archer. I’m keeping the grip shifter on as I think it looks great.
The kickstand will stay on, as its functional and sturdy. Mudguards removed. The carrier rack will be staying for cargo functionality with groceries etc and or when riding to the skatepark on it with board, pads and helmet etc.
The stock pedals are a bit creaky and will probably be replaced with something functional and hard-wearing. Probably platform types.
Original saddle to be kept for the time being.
I'll re-attached the old chain guard too.
Because of the height reduction from 451 wheels to standard BMX (405mm) I will have to be careful cornering, though not a problem as I have always habitually keep them level when going around corners.
I 'tickled' the drop-out's with a metal file to accommodate the 10mm BMX wheel axles.
Noticed when taking a photo that it's stamped Made in Germany? Thought all old Raleighs were made in UK? Obviously not.
At the mo, I'm giving it a clean. W Removing some chrome pitting with WD4- and kitchen foil. I'll probably clear cote the 'patina'.
Finally, the most important bit of the build left to the last- It will be decorated with random stickers! I have an idea for a theme.
Thanks for looking, Stay Tuned.
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