Raleigh Vitesse, 1990’s

[Psimpson]

I’ve had this bike kicking around for a couple of years and not sure what to do with it.
I am planning to cycle to Paris with 4 friends in September, not one of these there and back in a couple of days. No 3 days there and 3 back taking advantage of as many hosteleries there and back.
We will be doing it on old bikes but one of the guys has no old bikes so I thought this would be a good choice for him to do some training on and with mudguards and a rack even take it on the trip.
It’s in pretty good condition and just needs a seat pin and saddle, unless I leave it off to keep him on his toes!
It a Raleigh Vitesse and the serial number is YF97M06135, I am guessing it’s 1997.
The brakes are obviously not original but my friend likes the levers on tops.
More to follow.

 

[Psimpson]

A few of the components.

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

Looking forward to see what you do with this. Could you convince your friend to use cross top levers with aero main brake levers? I think it would work better and look more in keeping.

 

[Psimpson]

I have some mudguards and a lightweight rear rack on order, see what it looks like as a light tourer. Tyres look a bit iffy so will change them to something a wee bit bigger and more touristy.

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

I have some mudguards and a lightweight rear rack on order, see what it looks like as a light tourer. Tyres look a bit iffy so will change them to something a wee bit bigger and more touristy.

My R200 is tight with guards and 23mm tyres, hope you've a bit more space.

 

[Psimpson]

My R200 is tight with guards and 23mm tyres, hope you've a bit more space.

Doesn’t look too tight under forks, I have gone for some lightweight plastic ones.
He has only got a heavy hybrid bike at the moment, once I’ve converted him I will convince him he needs a proper old tourer.

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

Doesn’t look too tight under forks, I have gone for some lightweight plastic ones.
He has only got a heavy hybrid bike at the moment, once I’ve converted him I will convince him he needs a proper old tourer.

That looks fine for 28s hopefully.

 

[Psimpson]

Rack and saddle on, just waiting for mudguards to arrive then try bigger tyres. I think I will be able to get 28’s on.

 

[Psimpson]

Getting there, just mudguards, bartape and new pedals.
Looks to be good clearance for mudguards with 28’s fitted.
Then just a good service and lube.

 

[Psimpson]

A few more, not top end but says the frame was hand built in Raleigh factory.