Redux Raleigh Castorama with Reynolds 653 frame

out of interest most 653 frames were 126mm spacing at the rear - but it looks like you have a 10 speed casette on the rear wheel.
653 is notoriously stiff so did you manage to squeeze the rear hub into 126mm spacing or is it 130mm?
i'm particularly interested as i'm about to start a restoration of a Dave Russell 653 that has 126 spacing but will be putting record 10 speed on it.
Cheers! J

WOOPS! just read your blog and see argos respaced to 130mm (i'm using then for my restoration too)
any idea of the frame and fork weight?
bike weight?

As I said, taking a better look at the original paintwork, I can see why you had it refinished. I never said you needed anyone else's permission to get it done in a different colour, get any alterations, or add any of the bits.
As long as you enyoy it that's the main thing ..right?

All I was attempting to say, is in my experience Team replica bikes usually attract premium prices, so you might have benefitted from this. Given that, I guess, most of us on this forum are from the UK, there's usually a place in the heart for a Team coloured Raleigh. I've got enough of them so I didn't need it.

If anyone reading this, doesn't like Team Raleighs, or Team Replicas, or even Europas don't worry, I'm sure there is an Italian bike to tickle your fancy.

And this is exactly why this forum is damn good.....

Ok maybe I was being a bit oversensitive and I see what you were getting at regarding being able to get a good price for the Castorama. I just wanted to be clear that I was paying the bike the respect it deserves and believe me u have seen some things done to classic bikes as the fixie craze took off, that could make your eyes bleed!

In ref to the rear dropout widening, be warned that like you pointed out 653 has much less give than your average Reynolds so Argos weren't able to widen fully to 130mm but got it to about 128, so the rear has to be sprung out ever so slightly when fitting the wheel, but not so much that it's putting it under strain. All I can say is that if you are sending it to Argos then it's in good hands and they are worth every penny as I couldn't be happier with the job. That slightly pear Audi paint colour really has to be seen in the flesh to fully appreciate it!

No worries, I perhaps posted my original reply at the end of a long day when I didn't have enough brain power.

Agree with you about Argos, had a couple of frames altered and refinished there. It's not too far from me, so took them there personally when Argos were in their old location. It used to have the benefit of a Specialised shop a stones through away, so made for a good day out.

Nice job you've done there.

Like others I might have chosen to stick with (or at least refinish) in the team colours. The frame looks to have a nice patina in the top picture although you obviously have the benefit of having seen it.

As is always the case each to there own, horses for courses etc.

How long is that stem in the 'after shot'?

Just as a point of historical fact, ALL the Castorama frames were sprayed white only. All other colours were on large decals, with NO over lacquer.
This was even done on the ones we supplied to Fignon et al.
The reason being that any damage to the decals, resulting from a crash could be removed and replaced quickly and easily.

From a more personal perspective, I liked the Castorama scheme, but the main thing is that you are enjoying the frame.

Have a great time with it. That's what it's for.

Regards

I like that a lot and it's obvious from the time and money invested in it that you will continue to enjoy it too.

Sorry I didn't reply sooner, I only just saw your post.

The paintwork was OK in places but there were a lot of areas of damage and rust spots etc, which would have required respraying even if I had chosen to keep it all original, and as for the decals they were shot!

FYO The new stem is 75mm (which took some finding!)

Nice bike, I am about to do something similar (frame in Argos at the moment )

I hope it rides as good as it looks