Raleigh Gran Sport Actually Built see P.23

Re: arrived Raleigh Gran Sport paint decisions........?

Can I get a 6? That would be great!

First campag bike. Never changed a free hub jobbie. What do I need?
 
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Should be able to get a 6 speed, firstly you need to see what block you have already get the proper tool and a vice. Catalogue says Suntour so could be 2 or 4 prong remover if so I should have one.
 
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kermitgreenkona88":tnr2wnu0 said:
Should be able to get a 6 speed, firstly you need to see what block you have already get the proper tool and a vice. Catalogue says Suntour so could be 2 or 4 prong remover if so I should have one.
Thanks I’ll have a look tomorrow. Are the hub threads standard so any 6sp 14/28 freewheel?
 
Re: arrived Raleigh Gran Sport paint decisions........?

As far as I know all freewheel hubs are the same thread (if listed as standard UK thread) as for the removal, it couldn’t be easier. Once you’ve worked out the correct removal tool that is… the three in the picture below have seen me right by a number of bikes, the one on the far left is a Shimano SRAM copy and probably the one I use a lot as most of the original freewheels often get swapped out with latter stuff.
Pop it in the vice, locate your wheel onto it then turn the wheel lefty loosey and away it comes, no need for chain spanners.

The cheap SRAM copy is on eBay, item number:122676250300 its released 6 freewheel cogs so far..
 

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Re: Raleigh Gran Sport change of direction.

Well. Thread title changed again. After the canine perambulations were completed I got to spend a couple of hours in the shed investigating the Gran Sport. It was a bit of an archaeological approach with gentle removal of years of grime from various sections of the frame and group to assess the condition. I wasn't expecting much but was pleasantly surprised. The paint condition is right on the edge of characterful descending into poor.

Having been a Shimano only builder over the last few years this Italian stuff all seems very delicate and exquisite in comparison. With a little persuasion everything loosened up, wanting to be loved and cosseted. After a bit of tin foil and water for the forks, I sat and thunk. And thunk some more.

I think it was NeilM who posted on my Europa build that 'it's only original once'. Looking at the damaged but largely complete paint with a few ham-fisted touch-ups and remarkably intact if a little scruffy parts, I am inclined to rethink my plans.

This will be sympathetically renovated rather than wiped of all past exploits. The outlay i was prepared to make on paint and postage will got towards sourcing a colour match for proper touch-ups once the small areas of rust have been stabilised. I really have bonded with the bike and colour, not even having slung a leg over it yet. It deserves respect, surviving 36 years unmolested.

I have a 14-28 sunrace block and shimano chain incoming, plus a park tool to remove the old suntour one. cables and more appropriate levers are here. Tyres may follow once I've had a ride or two. Current ones are holding 90psi.

It really is a lovely old thing, and at just over 10kg, no slouch in the right hands. That won't be me then. Unless it's downhill with a following wind.

Pictures to follow of selective cleanups that we bonded over. xxx I shall try and get it in the kitchen once i start loving it up a bit.

Note strange overstamp on serial number? a three on its side?
 

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Re: Raleigh Gran Sport change of direction.

Forks came up well considering. I only scratched toi surface on the rest of the bike. Wanted to assess rather than complete anything. That alone took a good while.
 

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Phew what a relief :!: :!: :!:

I always loved the Caramel colour was probably one of the most distinctive colours Raleigh ever did 8) 8) 8)
 
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That’s a good call. I prefer to do a sympathetic restoration, so the history and originality is maintained, than a full repaint which erases it all. I understand it if a paint job is too far gone, or the frame needs a repair, but I’m pleased this doesn’t warrant that action.
 
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