80-90's Raleigh Lizard...

[caferacer]

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...

[/img]

As it currently is...

 

[unkleGsif]

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

 

[caferacer]

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...

 

[unkleGsif]

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

 

[Racin'snake]

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

 

[Racin'snake]

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...

[/img]

As it currently is...

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

 

[caferacer]

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...

 

[unkleGsif]

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

 

[caferacer]

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!

 

[caferacer]

RIGHT!!!

Single stoneage calipers fitted. Rear only.

Test ride time!!!

And the good 'ol British weather!