Raleigh Summit - to upgrade or sell for parts?

[Driller1974]

Folks

I have a Raleigh Summit 19" MTB which I've had from new, some 19yrs ago. I'm not a biker at all really these days, but I'm looking at trying to breathe a bit of life into my old bike and inspire me to start using it again.

What I'm trying to avoid is buying a new bike as the moneys not there, so thinking of how I can upgrade my existing bike as I still believe it has life in it yet.

Everything works fine and has been reliable, main problem is the Rock Shox are failing, they don't hold the pressure using the syringe pump tool and also leak oil. I don't know if they are repairable or if its better to just get some new or 2nd hand forks. In which case, which ones are compatible and what do people recommend as I literally have no idea? :?

Also, interested on what people think are other worthy upgrades to improve performance or weight or even the cosmetics.

Specs are:
19" Chrome Allloy Raleigh frame
DeoreLX chainset, pedals and arms, front and rear deraleur and hubs.
DeoreDX STI SLR brakes/gear shifters
Rock Shox Magnesium Series II forks (air/oil?)
Rigida Laser400 rims
Original tyres
Original Zoom stem
Proponent Seat stem
Onza Bar-ends added and seat recently replaced from Halfords shelf.

Go easy, I know nothing. Pics attached hopefully.

thx

 

[mikee]

if you really want to use it again i'd just give it a clean then take it for a thrash
note what things you dont like about it then make a judgement, fix or sell

the other thing to do is to get out with your local retro-bike loons
they will advise , befreind , help and hurt you in equeal measures


bike looks good just needs some TLC
think fork seals are still available for a re-build

post up where your located
welcome btw
mike

 

[brocklanders023]

If all the parts work (except the forks) there's no real need to change them as it's quite well spec'ed as it is. You should be able to pick up replacement forks for less then £50 so job done. Someone might even be able to fix the one's you've got. Get yourself to the Yorkshire section and introduce yourself.

What's the headset size on these? If it's 1 1/8th you'll have a choice of loads of forks.

 

[Splatter Paint]

I had one of those brand new too

The fork manual can be found here:

http://www.enduroforkseals.com/sitebuil ... ervice.pdf

The price to rebuild yours will be prohibitively expensive I would think so swapping the headset to ahead and fitting an aheadset stem will allow you a much wider range of replacement forks. You need to measure the length from where the fork enters the frame (crown) to the centre of the wheel (axle). Comparing your axle-crown height (abbreviated a-c) in most sale adverts here should give you an idea of suitable forks. I'd estimate the a-c on your forks is about 420mm. Your forks are 1 1/8" diametre steerer tube.

A cheap headset is £15ish and you can get a second hand stem for under a tenner here. Forks will be £25-35 I expect - second hand. Labour in a bike shop will be expensive to do the whole lot, so time to make some friends on here!

The rest of the bike looks fine, though changing the cable inners and new brake pads would help restore some performance.

SP

 

[chrisv40]

Hi and welcome, whereabouts are you in East Yorkshire? If your local to enough to me (Hull area) we ride most Sundays and you are more than welcome to join us.

I won't name any names without asking him 1st but a good friend of mine and longstanding member on here is a bit of an expert when it comes to the earlier Rockshox so if yours are in need of a good service I'm sure he would take a look for you.

 

[elPedro666]

Lovely bike!

As has been said, just give it a good scrub-up and possibly some new cables although some oil goes a long way! Someone on here will be able to service the forks if you don't fancy it. Suspensionforkspares.com (something like that) if you do

Then get out with the NE ladies!

 

[oldave]

Why not just pop a set of rigid forks in it? 20 quid max!

 

[Driller1974]

responses..

Thanks for responding people, I appreciate the word 'Raleigh' in the post title is maybe not that 'cool' a brand for some of you hardcore bikers....but as someone said, it had some good components for its day....

In response to:

Splatter Paint: The a-c measurement is indeed 420mm. Any suggestions for suitable replacements appreciated, incase mine are beyond a refurb.

chrisv40: I'm in Brough, so down the road from yourselves. I am interested to hear if they are serviceable, if it works out to be economical. Drop me a private message, if you associate is willing?? Forks can be handed over, no immediate rush to get done. £100 deposit required for none return

oldave: rigid forks...?? truly retro!

 

[Splatter Paint]

I go for a set of steel coil / oil Rock Shox Judys. From what I can remember the steerer is quite long on the Summit.

SP

 

[chrisv40]

Re: responses..

Thanks for responding people, I appreciate the word 'Raleigh' in the post title is maybe not that 'cool' a brand for some of you hardcore bikers....but as someone said, it had some good components for its day....

In response to:

Splatter Paint: The a-c measurement is indeed 420mm. Any suggestions for suitable replacements appreciated, incase mine are beyond a refurb.

chrisv40: I'm in Brough, so down the road from yourselves. I am interested to hear if they are serviceable, if it works out to be economical. Drop me a private message, if you associate is willing?? Forks can be handed over, no immediate rush to get done. £100 deposit required for none return

oldave: rigid forks...?? truly retro!

I will have a word with him and point out this thread. I will pm you next time we have a local ride if you fancy joining us. Welton is the usual start point.