Hi Guys, 1st post!
This is my new Raleigh Lizard. It's a usual story, had one when I was younger, want one again...
Sorry if you are a 'keep it original' enthusiast, but I've already started changing it to suit its future duties as a daily 5.5mile canal tow path commute.
It's pictured with the handlebars it came with, but I may experiment with the very 'Marmite' dropbars...
Ian


As it was...

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As it currently is...

Dont worry about the changing of parts to suit its duties.... a bike that is ridden is worth a hundred garage queens, anyday


Your legs had better be like machines to turn that gearing
Are the forks bent? Look like they have had a smack into a wall
Get a better lock


G

Legs and ass have earnt me the nickname 'J-Lo' so the gearing isn't concerning me too much at the moment, but it's all very early days..

I've only had the bike a day so it's all very new. I've just had a look at the forks using the MK1 eye-ball. I can't detect any major bendiness? I cant see any cracking or damage to the paint? I'm not sure the photo helps either...

Eyeball Mk1 is a very accurate guide, however Paintshop Mk1.1 indicates otherwise (OK, so both are probably equally crap )

Red line is the straight line down the head tube - Green line is parallel with the fork edge, and while they are taper blades, they still look like they've had a whack


Doesn't necessarily mean there's any paint damage however.
My stem was completely devoid of any paint damage despite this quite obvious twist



Nice bike, I had a Raleaigh Montage in mint green


G

The Lizard was my first mtb(?) too....chose it cos it was the loudest bike in the Raleigh warehouse! If I ever see one locally....I'm avin' it....fact. Happy memories

I bet it still weighs as much as a small country?!

Yes, the downside in returning to retro bikes is the fact that we've been through Cro-mo steel, aluminum, titanium and now carbon fibre is parr for the course. And I'm not 100% sure what the Lizard is listed as being but I think secretly its 'scaffold tubing...'

Removing the original wagon wheels has helped.

I remember barely being able to lift it when I was younger and must admit to being a little apprehensive when I collected it.
...but then I have put on 8 stone in weight since I last had a go, so I guess its all relative!

However, I scour the internet on a daily basis in search of my holy grail, the Raleigh Michigan.

I'm beginning to get the feeling there are not many about...

Never heard of a Michigan... one google throws up a sale in Dublin

http://www.adverts.ie/bikes/gents-raleigh-michigan-18-speed-all-terrain-bike/1990923

G

I know, I've seen that ad, I really want the bike, but not sure I'd travel to Dublin and pay that much for one...

Cheers for the heads up though!

RIGHT!!!

Single stoneage calipers fitted. Rear only.

Test ride time!!!





And the good 'ol British weather!

Nice....
Your brakes will work better with the clamp further down the cable and closer to the tire.... with the straddle not being quite so angled up



G

Hurray for the Raleigh Lizard! My first ATB too.

I'm surprised I haven't dug mine out my mum's garage yet to see what condition it's in ..... probably because I'm aware of the slippery slope that will lead to.

Acknowledged, cheers.

However...

Every downstroke is pulling the axle forward. Cant get nearly enough grip on the decrepid old QR fasteners.

Looks like I'll be going into wheel surgery swapping the QR axle for the stinky old axle with nuts...

DO IT!!!!

Even if just to sling it on fleabay and give someone esle a go!

I was suprised at how much interest they generate?

I'm not surprised with that bloody gearing!

Dont bother with a solid axel and nuts, just get a decent QR



G