1954 Lenton Sports build thread

[pwebb]

Lol! I didn't realise it was a 26" machine originally.
I had a Lenton of some flavour aeons ago, and I was sure it was a 27". However, in the mists of time, it's possible I've mis-remembered.
I do recall the forks were 1" "Raleigh", so need a 1" x 26 tpi (rather than the more usual 24tpi) headset. I *think* it was also a special Raleigh thread on the BB too.

I can confirm the headset and BB are not BSA sized, remarkably, the BB was aok with just cleaning and re-greasing, I have fitted new cotter pins to the cranks and the BB spindle was not unduly worn where the cotter pins fit so happy with that, the chainring teeth run very close to the chainstays, I am surprised at such close tolerances. Biggest headache is going to be cable routing, might take several attempts.
I had to cut the handlebar in two to free it from quill stem ( was fused solid) so have gone for some moustache style nitto flat bars instead. I replaced quill with a more modern upright stem as I dint want the original heavily corroded stem to get stuck in the steerer after I managed to remove it.

 

[Ecurie Peril]

Am enjoyable read. Looking forward to seeing this finished

 

[pwebb]

You win some and you lose some...



Not one of my shrewdest eBay purchases, rotted right through.
Back to hunting for sensibly priced vintage saddles.

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

Bottom bracket and headset will be 26tpi

 

[pwebb]

Bottom bracket and headset will be 26tpi

Indeed thanks for reminder, I have disassembled and regreased for now, both appear to be remarkably functional. There is even a greasing nipple for the BB so it can be topped up.

 

[pwebb]

I am still scouring the interwebs for long reach side pull calipers that won't look out of place, the sticking point seems to be the thickness of the mounting bolts, since the originals have a very slender threaded shaft and consequently the mounting holes front and rear won't accommodate the brake sets I have tried to-date. Overall this is proving a frustrating renovation to get it over the last few hurdles.

 

[Mark Manley]

I am still scouring the interwebs for long reach side pull calipers that won't look out of place, the sticking point seems to be the thickness of the mounting bolts, since the originals have a very slender threaded shaft and consequently the mounting holes front and rear won't accommodate the brake sets I have tried to-date. Overall this is proving a frustrating renovation to get it over the last few hurdles.

That is odd, I have just measured the Lenton frame I have and it takes 1/4" bolts so any English or indeed many foreign caliper bolts should fit.

 

[pwebb]

That is odd, I have just measured the Lenton frame I have and it takes 1/4" bolts so any English or indeed many foreign caliper bolts should fit.

ok - maybe I need to get a round file in there then - thanks for the heads up

 

[Ecurie Peril]

You win some and you lose some...

View attachment 1012159

Not one of my shrewest eBay purchases, rotted right through.
Back to hunting for sensibly priced vintage saddles.

Ouch! That's annoying.