Raleigh Equipe Wheels

[Shiney-Napper]

So I've established that the old Raleigh I've been given is not a Sprint as the labels would suggest but is in fact an Equipe. The wheels are salvageable (and I will keep them) but I am thinking instead of stripping them getting them re chromed and rebuilt I will just buy a replacement set with quick release hubs. Any suggestions on what to buy? I don't want to have to re mortgage the house to buy them just something to get the old girl back on the road is all I'm after.

Cheers

 

[DrewSavage]

I hesitate to say this, but unless you live far from a major conurbation or if you might risk offending the person who gave it you, or you're emotionally attached to it, I'd recommend selling the Equipe on eBay.

I could be wrong, and I don't want to offend, but I'm fairly sure the Equipe was made from standard heavy gas-pipe tubing. You'd probably get over £50 for it, and if you know what you're looking for, you can find lightweight road bikes made from Reynolds 501 tubing or similar for between £50 and £80 on eBay - certainly that's been my experience in the Manchester area. And the bike you'd be getting in terms of the riding experience would be a much bigger difference than the few quid extra you'll have paid - after all, you can change or upgrade pretty much anything about a bicycle except the weight of the frame.

 

[Shiney-Napper]

Re:

Thanks for the reply and no offence taken, I hear what your saying about a better quality bike but initially it was more about just having an old school bike and putting it back on the road, a bit of a project if you like. Now that I have been informed that it's an Equipe it's a bit more personal as I bought one new in the mid 80's so I'm keen to get it restored and back on the road.

 

[shed]

Re:

i have a pair of rx100 £28 bit of play in freewheel and need a cog

 

[DrewSavage]

That's fantastic - go for it!

I have an old Peugeot 3-speed, and I'm about to spend far more than it's worth on replacing the buckled rims on it, because I've got very attached to it and don't want to part with it, when it would be far cheaper and much more sensible to junk it and get something similar to replace it...

 

[Jonny69]

I've had the same problem in the past. Top-end kit from back in the day is quite easy to come by, but entry-level stuff can be notoriously difficult to find in good condition. If you don't mind buying new, eBay seller Matt Templeton does new wheels that look like old and the quality looks pretty good.

 

[Shiney-Napper]

Re:

Again thanks for the replies. I'm sorry I have no idea what RX100 wheels are as this is the first time I've delved into retro bikes, can they be fixed and whats the condition of the finish?

 

[shed]

Re:

there off an old raleigh

they run ok just the freewheel hs a bit of play and the cog is missing now as it was worn

 

[Shiney-Napper]

Re:

Thanks for the pic, I'm going into my LBS this week to speak to the owner re a set of new ones. If they are too expensive I will let you know if I'm interested.

 

[MrW]

If Shiney-Napper doesn't want these then I'm interested