Raleigh Moonrun (AKA The Skip Bike)

I know there's not much love for these old low end Raleighs, but here it is anyway.

"Free Bike. Rough but a shame to throw it in the skip" the ad said. It was only a mile down the road so...

Nearly got a Hernia getting the bottom bracket out and seatpost was a right royal pain in the bum.

All in all it owes me £40 in parts + £10 for paint & sundries

Took it out for a gentle 6 mile ride today and it's not bad.

Spec as follows...

Frame - Lugged Reynolds 501 All Terrain

Headset - Tioga Avenger Oversize

Groupset - Suntour XC-Expert

Shifters - Suntour XCE Accushift

Brakes - Dia Compe XCE

Bottom Bracket - Firecloud Cycles (replacement, original rusted mess)

Rims - Alesa

Hubs - Suntour

Seatpost - ETC (replacement, original dissolved)

Saddle - Pioneer

Cables - Halfords (replacement from spares stash)

Tyres - General Style (replacement from spares stash, originals rotted)

Tubes - Halfords (replacement originals perished)

Chain - SRAM

Had one in my youth, good solid starter bike from what I remember.
Moved onto a thunder road after the moon run was stolen

Bloody brilliant!
Amazing the transformation which has taken place !
And I know what you mean - most people would just chuck these as they only go for looks or anything which looks ‘modern’ - but those in the know - know that this is a British built Lugged Reynolds steel Frame! And it will probably outlast us too with the care you’ve given it!
I like these restorations much more than that of exotic bikes - it shows that the restorer (you) has knowledge dedication and care !

^^^^^+1

You're very kind, it was just suppose to be a bit of fun during furlough. It does feel solid, not as light or quick as my Marin, but it feels like it could roll over (or through) anything. Bit like an old Land Rover.

Always had Raleighs as a kid/teenager so I have a soft spot for them. Weirdly there was a faded dealer decal on the frame from the same bike shop my old Raleighs came from.

Another massive Raleigh fan here. Especially massive ones. Loving the transformation. Top job. Now ride and smile. Great save.

I've reached the point of no return with the Moonrun, I'll never get my money back on it if I sold it so I may as well keep it. Plus it's been a useful distraction because my *^@$ing Lymphoma has made an unwelcome return.

With that in mind, and seeing as I don't have the energy to ride at the moment, I've redone the brakes with new blocks and levers (thanks Hamster). The bike now stops rather than the white knuckle slow reduction of speed it had. I also decided an all black bike was a little dull so I added lime green cable outers for a black and green theme. I've also swopped the red bottle cage with the Marin, which has a Grey and Red theme. (I'm an Art College dropout and can't help myself)

Looks like some of the bolts and small bits have started to rust again as well so I think I'll have to invest in some Evaporust or similar.

Sorry about the shaky photo, I was trying to get a shot between rain showers on Sunday.

And so it begins. Won’t be long before you join me. You are special. Walk the path less trodden.

An idea is starting to form but it will have to wait a while. Apparently I'm banned from spending hours in a cold damp shed until the end of treatment and warmer weather.

Ooooooooh