Fitting a compact crank to an 80's Raleigh ?

[widowmaker]

I have a question that hopefully will save my knees, I have a Raleigh Clubman 12 speed, I have changed the freewheel from a 13/22 to a 13/28, which has made the hills a little easier just wondering if its possible to fit a compact crank set on this bike.

I just need to know what the gearing limits are, as I am struggling up the hills.

Could I change the smaller of the 2 rings and get better climbing gears at the expense of mid-range gears?

Maybe its time to put the old girl out of her misery and buy a modern bike

 

[mattsccm]

the bolt diameter (BCD) on the chain ring will determine how small you can go. Investigate that.
Compact should go, look for a used one maybe? Whats there at the moment? Bottom bracket may need changing to get chainline and taper right.

 

[lewisfoto]

You could buy a triple and have it all. Most likely would have to swap out the rear mech for one with a long cage. Also need a longer BB spindle.

 

[widowmaker]

Re:

I am determined to keep the bike and at least hold my own against my friends with modern bikes :twisted:

I need new wheels, so could fit 700c wheels and at the same time fit some modern albeit Tektro brakes ?

My head hurts

 

[carlrh]

Tektro brakes? if you got to get some have a look at these instead.
http://www.chickencycles.co.uk/index.php?cat=42&ord=1

 

[widowmaker]

Tektro brakes? if you got to get some have a look at these instead.
http://www.chickencycles.co.uk/index.php?cat=42&ord=1

Pretty nice for the money


I see someone has a Classic 15 Raleigh of similar age to mine so would have thought just a new bottom bracket ? and a triple crank and Ill be flying up those hills

 

[carlrh]

Miche do some nice kit at good prices. they do a nice wheel set for £100 use them on some of our custom builds.
http://www.chickencycles.co.uk/index.ph ... ub=7&ord=1

 

[widowmaker]

Miche do some nice kit at good prices. they do a nice wheel set for £100 use them on some of our custom builds.
http://www.chickencycles.co.uk/index.ph ... ub=7&ord=1

Thanks for the links, I had never heard of Chicken cycles before

 

[carlrh]

Re:

They are importers on there public site you will be able to find a local dealer near you if you cant find one or need any help let me know ive been dealing with them since the early 90s. take a look at the retro vittoria road shoes wish my old Time ones would fall apart. lol

 

[Midlife]

Blimey...........are R J Chicken and sons still on the go? they were importing lightweigh stuff way back when I was a kid in the 70's (like Selle Italia).

Shaun