Tuesday, February 17, 2015

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 speed Women's Step Through Restoration

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle After Restoration
1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Before Restoration
I came across this Raleigh 3 speed step through last week and I thought it would be a good candidate for restoration and sale.  I have a weakness for 3 speeds, they are working and living bikes and they are designed to do the job well.  In the past, mostly in Europe or outside the U.S. the 3 speed was the main source of transportation, it was freedom, especially for the home maker when the family's car was being driven to work.

The 3 sped is so well designed to easily travel through town, just a few gears needed and the internal 3 speed hub is practically bullet proof.  Through a rack on the back or a good sized basket on the front and you can carry all you need for the day out and then load it up with groceries for the ride home.

I often wish American cities where laid out better for the bicycle.  I do ride my bike every where but a lot of the times it does not feel the safest when trying to reach somewhere and you rush through those areas as fast as you can.  Urban sprawl is the main culprit, it keeps a person isolated in there car, you tend to drive right into the garage, the neighborhoods are less friendly.  Well, maybe this will be one more three speed back on the road improving the world.

This Raleigh Sports three speed should restore very nicely, it is in rough starting shape but then I like the challenge.  The Sports will receive a complete restoration along with new cables, break pads, bearings, brake levers, handlebars, handlebar grips, tires, tire tubes, wheel rims and a new saddle.  After looking at that list of new components I think I will be lucky to break even but then its more a labor of love.

I do look forward to the finished results,  There are very few classic looks like a Raleigh 3 speed step through with those fenders and the lines.

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Before - 

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Before
Handlebars

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Before
Stem

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Before
Head Badge

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Before
Front Brake

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Before
Fender Cap

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Before
Front Wheel Hub

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Before
Front Wheel Rim

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Before
Brake Levers & Grips

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Before
Head Tube

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Before
Fork Crown

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Before
Front Wheel

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Before
Front Fenders

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Before
Saddle

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Before
Seat Tube

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Before
Seat Tube

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Before
Crank

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Before
Pedals

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Before
Rear Brake

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Before
Rear Wheel Hub

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Before
Rear Fender

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Before
Rear Fender

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Before
Rear Wheel Rim

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Before

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Before
Head Tube

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Before
Head Tube

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Before
Down Tube

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Before
Down Tube

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Before
Seat Lug

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Before
Seat Tube

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Before
Bottom Bracket

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Before
Bottom Bracket

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Before
Bottom Bracket

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Before
Seat Lug

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Before
Drop Outs

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Before
Fork

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Before
Fork Crown

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Before
Fork Crown

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Before
Fork Drop Outs

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Polished

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Polished
Head Tube

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Polished
Head Tube

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Polished
Down Tube - Decal

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Polished
Seat Lug

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Polished
Seat Tube Decal

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Polished
Bottom Bracket

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Polished
Bottom Bracket

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Polished
Drop Outs

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Polished
Fork

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Polished
Fork Crown

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Polished
Fork Blades
The headset and bottom bracket are in good starting shape, a trip to the crock pot and a good polishing and they both look great!  I replaced the bearings and packed them in grease.  Raleigh headsets are not fun with all those loose bearings but in the end both the headset and bottom bracket spin fantastically.  I am very happy with the results of the headset and bottom bracket.

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bottom Bracket & Headset
Before

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration
Bottom Bracket & Headset - Polished

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration
Headset Cups - Pressed

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration
Headset Bearings - Packed

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration
Headset Bearings - Packed

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration
Headset - Complete

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration -
Headset Bearings - Packed

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bottom Bracket
Bearings - Packed

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bottom Bracket
Complete

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Headset & Bottom Bracket
Complete
The stem is in good shape but the handlebars and brake levers are a little rough.  I replaced the brake handlebars with new and replaced the brake levers with new Velo Orange city brake levers.  I am using my usual choice of cork handlebar grips with coats of shellac.

The stem polished very nice and with the new handlebars, brake levers and cork grips installed the Raleigh Sports is really coming along beautifully.

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Handlebars, Stem
Brake Levers - Before

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Stem - Before

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Stem & Handlebars
Before

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Handlebars
Before

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Stem
Polished

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Stem - Complete

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - New Handlebars

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - New Brake Levers &
Cork Handlebar Grips

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Brake Levers &
Cork Grips - Installed

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration
Brake Levers & Cork Grips - Installed

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Brake Levers &
Cork Grips - Installed

The crank cleaned and polished beautifully! I am really happy with the results of the crank, it looks great next to the polished blue paint.  I also really like the Raleigh Heron crank, it has nice character.

I also installed new crank cotter pins, the old removed fine but after so many years I feel its just best to start with new.

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Crank - Before

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Crank Polished
New Cotter Pins

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration
Crank - Installed

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Crank - Complete

The brake calipers are the standard Raleigh calipers.  I broken the calipers down and polished the pieces, the polishing turned out great and with new brake pads the calipers will work good too.


1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Brake Calipers
Before

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Brake Calipers
Exploded

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Brake Calipers
Polished

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Brake Calipers
Complete

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Front Brake Caliper
Installed

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration
Rear Brake Caliper - Installed

The fenders may look rough to start but I am very pleased the fenders are in this good of starting shape.  Fenders take such a beating its hard to find straight fenders that are not rusty.

I cleaned the fenders and then worked through the polishing grits.  The fenders turned out fantastic, some of the photos below really show off the shine.

I am very happy the rear fender has its original reflector, the reflectors are usually broken off or missing all together.  The reflector cleaned up very nice and looks great installed.

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration
Front Fender - Before

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Front Fender
Before

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Front Fender
Before

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration
Front Fender - Before

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration
Front Fender - Complete

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration
Front Fender - Complete

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration
Front Fender Complete - Beautiful Shine!



1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Rear Fender - Before

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration
Rear Fender - Before

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Rear Fender - Before

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration
Rear Fender - Before

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration
Rear Fender - Before

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Rear Fender - Polished

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration
Rear Fender Polished - Beautiful Shine!

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration
Rear Fender - Polished

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Rear Fender 
Complete

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Rear Fender
Complete

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Rear Fender Reflector
Before

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Rear Fender Reflector
After

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration
Rear Fender Reflector - Complete

Chain guards are usually pretty beat up, they get hit, knocked, bent and torn.  This chain guard is straight and in good shape and after cleaning and polishing its looks fantastic installed.

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Chain Guard - Before

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Chain Guard
Polished

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Chain Guard
Polished
The wheels where rough, I was hoping I could save the wheels but I decided to replace the rims and spokes.  I remove the old spokes and rims and got to polishing the wheel hubs and replacing the bearings and grease.

I laced the new spokes and wheel rims and the wheels look fantastic with them.  I could not be happier with the results.  New Kenda 1 3/8' cushy tires installed top the wheels off, such a great look with the gum walls.  I am very happy I decided to replace the rims and spokes.

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration
Rear Wheel - Before

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Rear Wheel Hub
Before

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Rear Wheel Hub
Before

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Rear Wheel Rim
Before
1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Wheel Hubs
Before

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Rear Wheel Hub
Before
1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Rear Hub - Exploded

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Rear Hub - Polished

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Rear Hub 
Complete

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration
New Rim & Spokes

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration
Rear Wheel - Complete

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration
New Kenda Tires

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration
Rear Wheel - Complete
1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration
Front Wheel - Before

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Front Wheel Hub
Before

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Front Wheel Rim
Before

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Wheel Hubs - Before

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Front Wheel Hub
Before

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Front Wheel Hub
Exploded

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Front Wheel Hub
Polished

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Front Wheel Hub
Polished

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Front Hub
Complete

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration
Front Wheel - New Spokes & Rim

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Front Wheel
Complete
1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration
Front Wheel - 
Complete

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Front Wheel
Complete
It would have been nice if the Brooks mattress saddle was in better condition but I would probably have replaced it anyways, its just not a good looking saddle.  I chose this brown synthetic leather saddle I have been using lately, it looks great with the themes of the bicycles and is pretty comfortable.  I just wish the saddle did not have the big white logo lettering on the rear quarter, I just don't like advertising all over my bicycles.

The seat post polished nice and with a newly greased seat tube works great.  Overall I am very happy with the results, the saddle makes all the difference in the Raleigh Sports.

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Seat Post & Saddle
Before

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Seat Post - Exploded

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Seat Post - Polished

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration
Seat Post - Installed

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration
New Saddle

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration
Saddle - Installed

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Wheels & Saddle
Compete
Next is kind of the finishing odds and ends.  I polished the cable brackets and installed them.  I also installed a new shift lever cable along with all new cables and cable housings.  The Ice Gray cable housings really complement the Raleigh nicely. 

At this time I also cleaned and polished the Raleigh Block pedals. the pedals turned out amazing, I am very proud of the results of the pedals and they look great installed.

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Three Speed Pieces
Before

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Three Speed Shifter
Polished

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Three Speed Shift Lever
Complete

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Pedals
Before

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Pedals
Complete

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration
Pedals - Installed
1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - New Cables &
Cable Housings
With the Raleigh pretty much complete its time to shellac the handlebar grips.  I went with amber shellac this time for a little darker look, the darker look complements the saddle nicely.  I love the look of shellac on cork handlebar grips, such a classic look and a different look.

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration
Masked for Shellac

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration
7 Coats of Shellac Applied

That completes the Raleigh Sports 3 speed, just time to test ride it.

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle - Complete


I am thrilled with the results of the Raleigh Sports restoration.  I put way to much money into the Raleigh and hope to just brake even but I have a love of three speeds and think its all worth it.  We have actually had a few days with temperatures in the 40's and low 50's so I have gotten to ride and test ride the Raleigh 3 speed.  I dialed in the 3 speed shifting and the Raleigh Sports rides beautifully, very very comfortable and smooth and shift very easily.  I love the ride.

For how good the Raleigh rides I think it looks even better.  The handlebars grips, saddle and gum wall tires bring it all together and the blue color shines so very nice.  I love it!!  It going to make someone a great bicycle for many many years.

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Complete

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Complete

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Handlebars

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Handlebars

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Headtube

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Front Brake

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Front Wheel Hub

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Front Wheel Rim

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Cork Handlebar Grip

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Three Speed Shift Lever

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Stem

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Raleigh Axle Bolt

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Front Half

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Made in England Decal on Top Tube

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Down Tube - Cable has been tightened.

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Saddle

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Drive Train

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Crank

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Rear Brake

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Raleigh Sports Chain Guard Decal

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Rear Hub

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Rear Fender

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Rear

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Test Riding - Snow Melting!!!

1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Complete
Test Riding - Snow Melting!!!!!!!!!!!

11 comments:

  1. Gorgeous- someone is going to get a great deal on this bike, I can't believe the difference with the pedals after you restored them, they look new out of the box. If I lived in a less hilly area I would add a 3 speed to my stable in a heartbeat, as you say such great workhorse and practical bikes not to mention classic.

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  2. Great job on the restoration and the restoration details. Looks fantastic.

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  3. Hey! Did you sell this bike yet? I had one just like it and I just lost it. Been looking around. Let me know--Susan

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  4. What value would you say the bike was worth before and after? Retail store price? you may PM me im curious because i just got one of these.....and it needs restoration..

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  5. I appreciate the effort and time that you put into this beauty. What do you do to polish the paint and the chrome.

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  6. I appreciate the effort and time that you put into this beauty. What do you do to polish the paint and the chrome.

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  7. Found one very much like that, now I wish I had your experience. Fingers crossed!

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  8. I came across this same bike. Wish to do it again? XD

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  9. We live in Toronto and have a Raleigh Sport men's bike - vintage. Not sure what year it would be but I am interested to know what you used on the handlebars to get the rust out - SOS pads?

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  10. I appreciate the effort and time that you put into this beauty. What do you do to polish the paint and the chrome.]Raleigh home improvement

    ReplyDelete