tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post421374929588577285..comments2024-03-18T08:41:35.438-04:00Comments on Lovely Bicycle!: Lovely Bicycles on a Budget: Vintage vs ModernVelouriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comBlogger116125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-47838578833809106802016-02-17T21:35:02.873-05:002016-02-17T21:35:02.873-05:00Hi Velouria, I've been checking out your blog ...Hi Velouria, I've been checking out your blog for a long time, and finally used your advice to buy my "first bike", an '80s Speedwell 3-speed ladies step-through, which I brought home last night! It's nothing fancy or particularly collectible, but should be a good starting point (and inspired this post: https://preciousruthlesscaptures.wordpress.com/2016/02/18/new-old-bike-1980s-speedwell-classique-3/). Thanks so much for sharing your down-to-earth experience and expertise, and for enabling others to get into trying something new!Itchy Hearthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11505883541610661473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-15932408289591954642015-02-09T11:06:03.163-05:002015-02-09T11:06:03.163-05:00I was just pulling out from a stop sign, and a car...I was just pulling out from a stop sign, and a car coming from the right, which also had a stop sign, ignored their stop sign, so I had to jam on the brakes to stop, but I wasn't going very fast, so basically I just had to do a really quick dis-mount, after which I noticed that my bike wouldn't roll anymore, so I had to basically pick it up and carry it over to the sidewalk. After examining it, I noticed that the fork was bent at the spot where the brake arm was attached to the fork. I had had so many problems with both hubs, and the possibility of finding the exact same fork to replace this one was slim enough, that I just decided to sell the bike rather than try to replace the fork and replace both hubs, rebuild both wheels, get new brake levers and a new stem and handlebars (mine had rod brakes, so the stem, bars and brake levers were all inseparable) - it would have just been a mammoth project to rebuild the bike from there, so I sold it to someone who wanted to do it.Dave Feuchthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06103790541088515008noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-26445165600087413582015-02-08T18:16:09.314-05:002015-02-08T18:16:09.314-05:00Oh dear. Dave, I just outfitted a Raleigh Superbe...Oh dear. Dave, I just outfitted a Raleigh Superbe with an X-FDD front hub and X-RD5 rear. I have read about problems regarding the rear hubs so I knew it would be a bit of a gamble, but the front is what worries me. When your hub seized up, what exactly happened - did you have to bail or was it at a slower speed? Do you think it was a result of the fork dropouts not being completely parallel and bending the axle and generator part? Jay Tyanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16379343653425080261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-820277493431785222015-02-08T18:07:34.649-05:002015-02-08T18:07:34.649-05:00I realize this is an old comment but I guess just ...I realize this is an old comment but I guess just as an fyi, Robin Hoods were made by Raleigh. Scroll a little ways down here http://sheldonbrown.com/english-3.html and you'll see other names that essentially the same bike could be sold under. If it matters to you, Raleigh was the only one that featured the dimpled fork crown. Good luck on your project!Jay Tyanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16379343653425080261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-9300011898023302012015-02-08T17:56:31.294-05:002015-02-08T17:56:31.294-05:00Dang, this is pretty much exactly the advice I'...Dang, this is pretty much exactly the advice I'd give someone to consider as well. As you might remember saying, I really fell in love with my '58 lady's Sports the moment I got it and after having tried a few other types of bikes, I still love the Sports frames for all around commuting. That being said, I just finished restomodding a '79 Superbe two days ago http://stuffjaydoesforfun.blogspot.com/2015/02/gilbert-lives.html and predictably spent well over $500. Maybe almost twice that. After a few test rides, I'm loving it and of course if I end up liking it less in the future, I can carry the components onto a different frame and return the Raleigh to stock. In case anyone was wondering, drum brake hubs with Sun CR-18 rims weigh the same as AW or Dynohub with the original steelies. Jay Tyanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16379343653425080261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-32947015228059285932014-10-03T09:06:29.466-04:002014-10-03T09:06:29.466-04:00If you have found a restorable bike at a great pri...If you have found a restorable bike at a great price go for it!<br />The initial price paid is a significant chunk of the total project cost.<br />I suggest getting the bike working with existing parts and ride it for a spell. Then you will develop a set of priorities on which parts to upgrade and accessories to buy. Keep any old parts which may interest a future buyer. Remember you are merely the custodian of the bike! <br />Tyres can be restored. I use Meguiar's Hot Shine Tire Spray. Two generous coatings works wonders. Even forty year old tyres may have life left in them. Any additional mileage helps spread the project cost. When replacing inner tubes make sure you get the collared-type which prevent the tube moving inside the tyre.<br />Good luck with the project!RLThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17875300042751975542noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-8104420965367749352014-10-02T11:08:31.360-04:002014-10-02T11:08:31.360-04:00I have REALLY been enjoying your blog while I'...I have REALLY been enjoying your blog while I'm on the search for a city bike after being bikeless for some time. :) Given my budget, I am going to go your route of finding a vintage Raleigh 3 speed and working over the winter to modernize it.<br /><br />My question is...I note on your modern vs vintage guide, you suggest a Raleigh Lady Sports. I have found a ladies Robin Hood for a GREAT price. Will the same modernization work with that bike as well or do I really need to hold out for a Lady Sports :) Laurenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07938199932270285913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-18329965774615541622014-08-23T10:57:20.915-04:002014-08-23T10:57:20.915-04:00Upsetting to think you ditched the Sachs gears - a...Upsetting to think you ditched the Sachs gears - arguably the best component on the bike - for want of a small component. The Sachs dreigang is the finest three speed hub ever made. What piece was missing? You could recoup some cost by selling it?RLThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17875300042751975542noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-43367319197347516772014-01-06T14:32:38.155-05:002014-01-06T14:32:38.155-05:00Wow...zillions of comments here....
I have three t...Wow...zillions of comments here....<br />I have three three-speeds, one of which I'm going to use for the parts (fenders, handlebars etc.).<br />One is an original 1972 Raleigh, less the seat, still has the original tires and rock-hard brake pads on it. Got it free through my local FREECYCLE site.<br />I'll go with those leather/faced brake pads since I'm broke (steel rims). I have gumwalls for it, got them at an auction with a lot of other tires for $5 total.<br />The seat (I'd love a nice leather one) is going to be a cheapo sprung plastic one for now, salvaged off another discard bike.<br /><br />The shifter cable needs replacing. So, cheap bastard that I am, I'll probably have all of $35 into this by Spring time.<br />As I salvage bikes all the time for the asking, and donate others to Bikes Not Bombs, I'm doing OK for now.<br />Still, a larger-frame 3-speed wouldn't be bad.....Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-68152544346511920512014-01-06T10:39:36.303-05:002014-01-06T10:39:36.303-05:00Awesome. Thanks so much for the details. Will stic...Awesome. Thanks so much for the details. Will stick to Shimano and avoid SA. I love this old english 3-speed.<br /><br />Anyone else have thoughts on whether I should go with drum+steel rims or callipers+steel rims? Would love to hear more thoughts/experiences.<br /><br />Thanks!Testhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11436051713666865160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-88733097407870683432014-01-05T16:04:29.296-05:002014-01-05T16:04:29.296-05:00I had the 70mm fron brake dymohub, and the three s...I had the 70mm fron brake dymohub, and the three speed rear drum brake hub. The rear hub would have problems with gears slipping and would periodically become very draggy. My bike shop pulled it apart probably 5 times, and worked with Sturmey archer, even getting new parts, and were never able to resolve these issues.<br /><br />The front hub ended up destroying my bike by locking up completely and bending the fork.<br /><br />I haven't used the shimano hub myself except on a couple of loaner bikes (so not enough to really comment on durability), but i have heard good things in general about shimano hubs from people I trust to know what they're talking about (such as Henry, the owner of WorkCycles in Amsterdam). I have used a shimano front hub with a large drum brake, and the braking power was amazing, you could easily skid on a 40lb bike.<br /><br />Anyway, best of luck with the work, i absolutely loved my Raleighs, they were amazing bikes to ride.Dave Feuchthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06103790541088515008noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-4202512965786999972014-01-04T18:26:00.365-05:002014-01-04T18:26:00.365-05:00Thanks Dave. Thats timely - I was looking at "...Thanks Dave. Thats timely - I was looking at "Sturmey Archer XL-FDD 36h 90mm Dynamo Drum Brake Hub" mostly because they are easily available and some people talk about using it.<br /><br />Can you expand - what kind of trouble did you have with you SA? Was it 90mm or 70mm and did that have anything to do with the troubles? And have you used Shimano and have had no trouble with it?<br /><br />I'll probably go with the dynamo in the hub - whether or not I get the lights right now. The good dynamo lights seem prohibitively expensive.<br /><br />Looking forward to learning more about your experience.Testhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11436051713666865160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-56292619665967801352014-01-04T15:37:46.579-05:002014-01-04T15:37:46.579-05:00If i might interject a bit, as someone who has don...If i might interject a bit, as someone who has done just what you're mentioning, if you go with the drum brake, get a shimano drum brake/dynamo combo on the front and then get dynamo lights so you don't have to worry about batteries, taking them on/off all the time, etc.<br /><br />I personally went with new Sturmey Archer hubs, and they caused me endless trouble, i had a terrible experience with them.<br /><br />The drum brake will definitely provide stronger braking than the current brakes, even with new alloy rims (at least, that was my experience).<br /><br />Anyway, hope that's helpful.Dave Feuchthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06103790541088515008noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-77530245555548673822014-01-04T10:37:08.161-05:002014-01-04T10:37:08.161-05:00Hello fellow Bostonian,
Over the last 3 months, I...Hello fellow Bostonian,<br /><br />Over the last 3 months, I've gone from not having biked since I was a kid to biking to work regularly. And unlikely as you expected, I've followed your advice and purchased a well maintained 1963 Raleigh Sport for $150. Your advice was spot on. It's so perfect for riding and so stunning that I park it next to my desk and admire its beauty regularly.<br /><br />Now comes time for the upgrades and I need some advice in 1 areas: BRAKES.<br /><br />As expected, the steel rims aren't great in wet weather. I could change the front rims to aluminum alloy as you suggest or I could install drum brakes in the front (and keep the steel rims).<br /><br />- Which do you think is a better choice given that I want to ride it in light rain and light/medium snow? On your winter riding posts, you suggest drums strongly so I'm not sure whether I should pick drum or allow rims.<br />- If drum, do you have any suggestions on make/model?<br /><br />Since the rear brakes aren't as important as the front, I was thinking of keeping the steel rim as is. I've replaced the brake pads to the red Kool ones. This is mostly a financial choice. Your expert reaction welcome.<br /><br />Thanks for your help! And thanks for your blog. I've been reading it regularly although this is my first comment.<br />Prashant.Testhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11436051713666865160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-78655168615002615702013-12-22T12:52:07.699-05:002013-12-22T12:52:07.699-05:00I've been looking at Gazelle frames and they r...I've been looking at Gazelle frames and they ra ge from 27.00 to 550.00<br />Call me or write<br />323.791.2345. Matthew-Ross@Comcast.net Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08671156688225430148noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-45979052593835279452013-12-09T12:31:26.689-05:002013-12-09T12:31:26.689-05:00I have a 30 year old Gazelle city bike that I purc...I have a 30 year old Gazelle city bike that I purchased in Holland and brought back to the U.S. It has been inside all these years. How much would it be worth if I sell it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-5553534748076449092013-09-29T15:03:57.937-04:002013-09-29T15:03:57.937-04:00I really must stop reading your blog! Every time ...I really must stop reading your blog! Every time I read, I see another lovely bike I want to own.<br /><br />I just bought a brand new, vintage-style bike, and you have me scouring Craigslist for a Raleigh 3-speed. Suddenly I've just gone from having 1 bike to owning 3.<br /><br />Seriously, though, thank you for the well-written blog, honest opinions, and wealth of information here.Rosiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03108325052142108505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-5958168690984000962013-08-25T00:44:41.826-04:002013-08-25T00:44:41.826-04:00Your 3 speed vintage upgrade idea is definitely so...Your 3 speed vintage upgrade idea is definitely sound. My wife wanted a nice bike to ride 2 miles to work. I avoided the initial cost of a ladies 3 speed by restoring a lovely 1960s chrome AMF Hercules 3 speed gathering dust in my mother's garage. I cleaned and rebuilt the Sturmey Archer AW 3 speed hub, replaced all the cables, restored the Sturmey Archer 3 speed twist grip shifter, replaced the saddle with a cheap women's cruiser saddle, and installed Schwalbe Delta Flyer whitewall tires. I didn't replace the chrome steel rims yet (where can I find polished aluminum rims that look right on a vintage English 3 speed roadster bike?). With an easily-removable wicker basket in front, the bike is stunningly cute and my wife likes riding it. :)<br /><br />As for where to find old ladies 3 speed bikes? In the Denver/Boulder area, you can try Community Cycles in Boulder -- it is a bicycle co-op that accepts old bicycles as donations. Occasionally, you will find vintage 3 speed bikes there which have been repaired and restored. In Philadelphia, check out Via Bicycle on S 9th Street. It is a treasure trove of vintage bicycles for reasonable prices. retrogrouch58https://www.blogger.com/profile/15962269097067088520noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-80900492493302705552013-08-14T07:18:08.575-04:002013-08-14T07:18:08.575-04:00I am looking for a vintage bike, but I don't k...I am looking for a vintage bike, but I don't know if I should put 26" or 28" wheels on it. I am 5' 1/2" tall. I am looking for a mixte frame (19" or 20"). Which size wheels would you suggest. And could you explain what the difference would be (aside from the weight difference). Thanks!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-57491672436034404032013-07-16T22:29:13.762-04:002013-07-16T22:29:13.762-04:00Tweedyness can be built in. Yes I regret giving my...Tweedyness can be built in. Yes I regret giving my old Raleigh 3 speed away 30 years ago. Yes a Giant Schwinn accepts Brit BBs and 126 or 135 rear hubs with ease. Tweedyness is optional.<br /><br />http://www.flickr.com/photos/rob1955/9234340850/Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05448360948207996674noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-1179032632836740272013-07-03T18:07:27.416-04:002013-07-03T18:07:27.416-04:00This is exactly what I did with my 1976 mens 3 spe...This is exactly what I did with my 1976 mens 3 speed Raleigh. Picked it up for 20 bucks at a goodwill, replaced the tires and tubes, had my local bike shop do a tuneup and it's now my main source of transportation!<br />I did a blog post about it with a little bit of Raleigh history as well on my blog 2Rummage4 http://www.2rummage4.com/Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12356852203726373776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-23517447251170761272013-04-28T08:21:50.953-04:002013-04-28T08:21:50.953-04:00I've been reading your blog for some time now,...I've been reading your blog for some time now, it got me interested in bicycles again, so i decided to start restoring and customizing old Swedish bike since i live in Sweden. <br />I opened a blog to document the process, i don't go into very much detail, but i can answer technical question if someone is interested.<br />I mostly post pictures of before and after restoration, and some videos of me at work :)<br />Hope you enjoy it :)<br /><br />http://zicustoms.blogspot.se/<br /><br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11370677668151068136noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-67677267855239021782013-02-28T20:23:15.774-05:002013-02-28T20:23:15.774-05:00Hi,I don't know if you fix your little problem...Hi,I don't know if you fix your little problem about your bike!!!If not,e-mail me please!!!!<br />legocanada@hotmail.com!!!<br />Regean.<br />Montreal,QuebecAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-14329476070924069352013-02-16T21:55:22.811-05:002013-02-16T21:55:22.811-05:00I know you love all things bicycle so i thought I ...I know you love all things bicycle so i thought I would tell you about the gorgeous old city bike I just found on the thai/cambodian border in a border market. Lugged steel frame, single speed freewheel, rear drum brake, front caliper brake, 26 inch wheels, 26x1.75 tires, sprung seat,solid steel completely enclosed chain guard. It has been completely refurbished and repainted in a modest burgundy. And the price was $40.00 US!!! There were literally dozens of these bikes in this market and local shops were buying them by the truckload!! What a gold mine!. I'd love to send you a picture of this bike but I can't figure out how to do that here and I don't see a "contact us" address.tony dadsonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-2137209287220114692012-12-19T00:17:08.609-05:002012-12-19T00:17:08.609-05:00Virginie,
Try Googling Raleigh Cameo decal, or Ra...Virginie,<br /><br />Try Googling Raleigh Cameo decal, or Raleigh Cameo in Google photos. Not familiar with that model, you can find some older bike decals on Ebay, perhaps elsewhere online, perhaps a shop that might have new/old stock-good luck.<br /><br />There is a link during the write up of this restore:<br /><br />http://threespeedgallery.blogspot.com/2012/07/restored-vintage-raleigh-cameo-loop.htmlKOhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12249864841833653481noreply@blogger.com