Raleigh Prorace modernise

[Bodga]

Hello
I have just picked up a Raleigh Prorace.
I would like to fit compact bars.
Would I be able to squeeze these into the quil stem?
If so what diameter of handle bar do I need?

Its fitted with aero brake levers.
Can I replace these with some Tektro brakes to improve braking?
Which ones would fit?

Were all the Proraces 501 frames?
There are no stickers to suggest it is.

 

[MrW]

Get your post count to 5 and post up some pictures for us to see, we will be able to help more then

 

[Pionir]

I would suggest getting a cheap pair of digital calipers to measure your current bars like these https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00W4Z7A3O/ and you can measure bars in shops too.

I expect most new bars are going to be a bit big for your quill stem as somewhere along the line diameters increased when threadless stems came in so you might need an adapter like this https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/stems/genet ... s-adaptor/

From memory all pro race were 501 but I sure Raleigh expert can confirm

 

[mikeymustard]

Yes, pro race was 501 main tubes. I've just "sympathetically" modernised a pro race with 7 speed brake shifters, 50-34t chainset based on an rx100 touring crank and 13-28 freewheel behind. It's a super bike to ride - comfortable yet stiff with a very racy geometry.

 

[PaulSE]

+1
A few years ago I rescued a Pro Race (racing green) from my next door neighbour who was about to throw it out, absolutely nothing wrong with it. Nice bike and yes quite racy geometry. It was a touch too big for me otherwise I would've kept it