1954 Lenton Sports build thread

[pwebb]

Thanks folks, I particularly like the semi scientific approach to vandalising the axles from Matti I know what I will be doing this weekend ;-) and will post some progress pics when I have a rolling chassis.

 

[bagpuss]

Are you still requiring a pulley wheel . I think I still have one in the shed .Yours FOC just cover postage.
Away at moment ,so give me a few days to check.

 

[bagpuss]

Ps
Maybe also be able to help with axels .
If I haven't got some a mate will .
That's the type with the flat spots .

 

[pwebb]

Pics in this for sale thread have also been useful btw, original gear cable routing and brakes etc. https://www.retrobike.co.uk/threads/raleigh-lenton-sports-early-50s-56cm-£75.497687/

 

[pwebb]

Progress report.
Was stripped to frame and forks and paintwork cleaned and sealed.
I sourced some NOS 650b wheels and nice lightweight Soma tyres.
Slowly cleaning and refitting the salveagble components and sourcing other period parts.
Rolling chassis mock up ...


3 speed derailleur conversion nearly there also, hopefully will get this one over the line before the weather gets bad, so I can take it on a few rides, it is massively lighter already, so I must resist temptation to add too much back again.
Ok

 

[juvela]

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thanks very much for the update

good to see it moving forward

if stay with 650B calipers shall want locating

"as found" calipers appear to have had longer reach than what has been fitted for the mock up...

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[pwebb]

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thanks very much for the update

good to see it moving forward

if stay with 650B calipers shall want locating

"as found" calipers appear to have had longer reach than what has been fitted for the mock up...

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Yes I do believe longer reach calipers may be needed, I may fit some more reliable brakes and better levers as it is sometimes important to be able to stop

 

[elite504]

Why not stick with the original 27"?
I don't think you'll find calipers with that much reach, and if you do, surely they'll be a noodle?
No problem with putting flats on the axles. That's not a problem.

 

[pwebb]

The original wheels were 26 by 1 1/4 and so 650b is very close, these wheels are standard European size trekking style wheels so very little difference to the originals. The front and rear axle spacing was quite a bit different though, I am not used to 1950s sizes, lots of Imperial sized nuts and bolts , so I went to an antiques market and bought some vintage ring spanners and socket set for £10, bargain ;-)

 

[elite504]

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.