Wednesday tip find Friday rider - '84 Raleigh Record Ace

[KermitGKona88]

I might be in the same situation as LGF and be lucky enough to have a re-cycling centre rather than a tip on my doorstep, I have made a few choice finds myself and redistributed the wealth on here

I found a Raleigh Flyer (Oh wow I bet your thinking a flyer!!!) It had a Dura-Ace 7200 rear mech, 3t record stem, Cinelli bars, Mafac levers, Original turbo saddle, and a Mavic BB, all for £5 :shock:

Then I found an old and very nice Falcon Mountain frame with some nice bits too.

So these finds are about :!: :!: :!:

Just not normally as pristine as this one

 

[legrandefromage]

Cheers guys!

I dont get bikes that often now, its gone from 2 -3 a week (!) to maybe 2 -3 a year. I dont even see that many at car-boot sales anymore.

Anyway, took it off road at the weekend and it didnt embarrass itself, which was nice.

I have a spare champagne coloured 105 headset that I think I might fit to get rid of that unsightly steel monster. Plus a few other bits to make it more, not modern but easier to live with. The brakes are not up to much and those levers are a bit naff but they work so might just leave it all in peace...

 

[daccordimark]

Yep, 605s were never very good, the rubber is way too hard. The levers look fine to me although personally I'd put them lower down the 'bars. It's such a great looking bike don't tinker with it too much!

Mark.

 

[legrandefromage]

a just done 60 miles n'off-raod' type bump.

not much traction from michelin world tours...

gold sugino cranks too.

 

[legrandefromage]

Found it in the catalogs:

 

[SilverSurfer]

I had one exactly like this but a bit more 'weathered'. Ran it fixed for a while, one of the few road bikes that fitted me properly. If it was in this condition I would never have got rid, great bike.

 

[legrandefromage]

An 'its still here and the garden still needs tidying' type bump...

Must change the spoke nipples as the concave bit is rusting them through.

 

[legrandefromage]

So, took it out of its winter slumber storage, a polish and a lube and we're off.

Forgot why I liked this frame, then remembered after a few miles. It just rides nice, theres no other word for it.

Will need to replace the freehub soon. Rebuilt the front hub as it was getting crunchy - found a few dead bearings.

Tyres are a bit to fat, but its not meant for speed so will think on these old style Michelins.

 

[retroracer]

I have a Raleigh zenith, in the same colour and design as yours. The ride is very smooth and has an up right ish riding style. I was in fact given that bike and it got me into roadbikes. I now have a Merckx and swapping between each ride is an entresting experience.

I keep looking at this post of your lovly racer, great to see more updates !
James.

 

[nammonk]

Looking great! I ran mine with Ultra Gatorskins, which made quite a difference to the feel (for the better) compared to World Tours.
Nick