Thursday, May 12, 2016

Jason's Awesome Raleigh Sprite Restoration

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Bicycle After Restoration
This is Jason's Raleigh Sprite in for restoration.  Most everyone knows how much I love Raleigh Sprites.  I think they are extremely underrated.  They are very comfortable and great riding bikes that can be great all around bikes.  They are great for all day rides, tooling around town, running errands or just cruising the neighborhood.  
Raleigh Sprites can be built up many different ways.  They have good tire clearance to fit wider tires or tires with tread like I like.  My Raleigh Sprite can be seen by clicking here.  I ride my Raleigh Sprite a lot.  Lots of errands and grocery shopping but also some very long all day rides on it.  Those all day rides don't have speed in mind but seeing a lot of the country side.

Jason is going to use his for riding around but also pulling a kid trailer.  The Sprite should do well at this.  The Sprite is in great starting shape.  The Sprite was stored in an attic for decades so a very dry environment.  The paint is a little rough from storing but there are no nicks or chips at all.  The paint should look like new after polishing.  The components are in good shape.  The pivot points are dry and a little gritty but after restoration the components should look like new and function perfect.

The Sprite will receive a complete restoration along with new cables, cable housings, bearings new brake pads, a new seat and new tires and tubes.  I can't wait to see the results and give it a test ride.  It is a little small for me but I think I am going to be very jealous of the Sprite when its done!  


Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Bicycle Before

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Bicycle Before
Handlebars

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Bicycle Before
Brake Levers

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Bicycle Before
Head Tube

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Bicycle Before
Front Brake Caliper

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Bicycle Before
Front Wheel Hub

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Bicycle Before
Front Wheel Rim

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Bicycle Before
Stem & Shift Levers

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Bicycle Before
Fork Crown

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Bicycle Before
Top Tube

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Bicycle Before
Down Tube

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Bicycle Before
Saddle

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Bicycle Before
Tube Decal

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Bicycle Before
Bottom Bracket

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Bicycle Before
Crank

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Bicycle Before
Front Derailleur

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Bicycle Before
Seat Lug

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Bicycle Before
Rear Brake Caliper

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Bicycle Before
Rear Derailleur

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Bicycle Before
Rear Wheel Hub

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Bicycle Before
Rear Wheel Rim

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Bicycle Before
Rear Fender

I broke the Sprite down and found the frame to be in great shape.  The paint is dirty and dull with some weird etching or damage to the top layer of paint on the top tube.  I think the frame will polish very nice and that top tube top layer will polish away to a very nice finish.

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Before

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Before
Head Tube

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Before
Head Tube

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Before
Head Tube

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Before
Top Tube

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Before
Down Tube

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Before
Top Tube - Top Layer Damage

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Before
Seat Lug

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Before
Seat Tube

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Before
Bottom Bracket

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Before
Bottom Bracket

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Before
Bottom Bracket

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Before
Seat Lug

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Before
Seat Stays

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Before
Chain Stay

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Before
Chain Stay

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Before
Drop Out

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Before
Fork

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Before
Fork Crown

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Before
Fork Crown

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Before
Fork Blade

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Before
Fork Drop Outs

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Before
Fork Blades

I cleaned the frame and started working through the polishing grits.  Wow!! That paint is amazing!!  The shine is deep and perfect.  The top tube top layer damage went away and shines beautifully!  The top tube and down tube decals are perfect!  The High Tensile tube decal is gone and the chain stay decal but that is okay.  I love the deep dark slightly burnt brown color!  I love this stuff!!

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Polished

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Polished
Head Tube

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Polished
Head Tube

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Polished
Head Tube

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Polished
Top Tube

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Polished
Down Tube

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Polished
Bottom Bracket

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Polished
Bottom Bracket

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Polished
Bottom Bracket

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Polished
Seat Stays

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Polished
Chain Stays

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Polished
Drop Outs

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Polished
Fork

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Polished
Fork Crown

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Polished
Fork Crown

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Polished
Fork Blades

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Polished
Fork Blades
With the frame polished I started work on the components.  The headset and bottom bracket had a lot of old dried grease and grime so I through them in the crock pot for cleaning.  The crock pot cleaned them very easily.  With the pieces cleaned I worked through the polishing wheels.  The headset and bottom bracket polished amazing.  Installed the headset and bottom bracket look even better and spin very well with the new bearings and grease.

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Head Set & Bottom Bracket
Before

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Headset & Bottom Bracket
Polished

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Pressing Headset Cups

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Headset Cups Pressed

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Headset Bearings Packed

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Headset Complete

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Headset Complete

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Headset Complete

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Bottom Bracket Bearings Packed

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Bottom Bracket Complete

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Bottom Bracket Complete

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Headset & Bottom Bracket Complete

The handlebars and stem are in great starting shape.  Just a very little road rash on the handlebars, not even a normal amount of use road rash.  Polished and installed the handlebars and stem are perfect against that polished brown paint!

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Handlebars Before

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Stem & Handlebars Before

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Handlebars Before

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Stem Before

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Stem Exploded

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Stem & Handlebars Polished

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
handlebars Polished

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Stem Polished

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Stem Complete

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Stem & Handlebars Complete

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Stem & Handlebars Complete

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Stem & Handlebars Complete

The brake lever are actually in good shape.  I would have thought the plastic housing would have melted or cracked being in an attic.  I cleaned all the pieces and worked through the polishing wheels.  The brake levers turned out great!  I need a photo of them installed.
Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Brake Levers Before

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Brake Levers Exploded

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Brake Levers Complete

The shift levers are gritty and tight but in descent starting shape.  I broke the levers down and cleaned everything.  With everything cleaned it was quick work on the polishing wheels.  Assembled the shift levers work very well now and look great.  My Raleigh Sprite is a little newer then Jason's because on mine I have the large Sun Tour Power Ratchet shift levers.
Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Shift Levers Before

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Shift Levers Exploded

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Shift Levers Polished

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Shift Levers Complete

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Shift Levers Installed

Just some quick cleaning and a run over the polishing wheels and the cable guide looks great.  I always love the look of a polished cable guide against polished paint.

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Cable Guide Before

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Cable Guide Polished

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Cable Guide Installed

The seat post is in good shape.  The saddle is actually in good shape but the saddle is going to be replaced because these mattress saddles are very uncomfortable and can burn the thigh skin pretty bad.  For now the seat post and binder bolt are installed and looking great!

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Seat Post & Saddle Before

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Seat Post & Binder Bolt Before

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Seat Post & Binder Bolt Polished

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Seat Post Installed

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Seat Post Complete
The brake calipers also show me that the Sprite is a mid 1970's version.  Later versions had Die Comp brake calipers.  These brake calipers are in great shape considering.  I broke the calipers down and cleaned all the pieces and then worked over the polishing wheels. Assembled the calipers just shine.  When I install the new brake pads the calipers will work well to.

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Brake Levers Before

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Brake Levers Exploded

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Brake Levers Polished

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Brake Lever Complete

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Front Brake Caliper Installed

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Rear Brake Caliper Installed

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Brake Calipers Installed
I like the crank a lot!  It has so much more character then the one on newer sprites.  Beautiful!  I broke the crank down and cleaned all the pieces.  I then polished the crank arms on the power polisher and the chain rings by hand.  Polished hardware really brings the crank together.  I also installed new crank cotter pins.

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Crank Before

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Crank Exploded

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Crank Polished

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Crank Complete

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
New Crank Cotters

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Crank Installed

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Crank Installed
The derailleurs are the Huret derailleurs.  I broke the derailleurs down and cleaned and polished all the pieces.  I think this is the best condition rear Huret derailleur I have ever come across.  I love this stuff.
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Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Derailleurs Before

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Front Derailleur Before

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Front Derailleur Exploded

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Front Derailleur Polished

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Front Derailleur Complete

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Rear Derailleur Before

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Rear Derailleur Exploded

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Rear Derailleur Polished

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Rear Derailleur Complete

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Rear Derailleur Installed
 That completes the main body components.

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Bicycle So Far
 On to the wheels.  The tires are dry and brittle.  The wheels are in great shape to start with.  The wheel rims are in fantastic condition under the storage grime and dust, best rims I have started with in a while!.  I broke the wheels down and cleaned and polished the wheel hubs and rims.  The wheel hub grease was pretty nasty.  New bearings and grease have the wheels spinning forever!  I am amazed whith these wheels and wheel rims.  The rims are beautiful!  Almost new!  New Panaracer Pasela tires arrived early this evening and will be installed soon.

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Rear Wheel Before

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Rear Wheel Hub Before

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Rear Wheel Hub Before

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Rear Wheel Rim Before

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Rear Wheel hub Old Grease

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Rear Wheel Hub Polished

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Rear Wheel Rim Polished

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Rear Wheel Bearings Packed

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Axle Pieces Ready

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Rear Wheel Complete

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Front Wheel Before

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Front Wheel Hub Before

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Front Wheel Rim Before

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Front Wheel Hub Old Grease

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Front Wheel Hub Polished

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Front Wheel Bearings Packed

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Front Wheel Complete

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Wheels Complete
That is all for now, check back soon!


First thing for the Sprite is the new Panracer Pasela tires.  A good choice for around here on road and the crushed lime stone paths.  They also look great installed!

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
New Panracer Tires & Tubes

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
New Tires Installed

Next is a new saddle.  This XLC is a very comfortable saddle but also is to big and chunky.  I great look for the Sprite!  I needed to go into the parts collection for a seat coupler. The one for old mattress saddle is a different style.

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
New Saddle

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Replacement Seat Coupler

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Saddle Installed
 Time to wire the Sprite.  I went through every color of cable housing I have and by far the best looking color for the polished chestnut color is the light silver.  I think it looks great installed!

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
New Cables

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Cables Installed
 The pedals are in very good condition which is nice because pedals usually take a beating.  I cleaned, lubricated and polished the pedals and they look great and spin even better!

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Pedals Before

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Pedals After

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Pedals Installed

Below is the original chain cleaned and lubricated.  The chain ended up being way to far worn so I had to install a new chain.  The new chain can be seen in the final photos.

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Drive Train Complete

The fenders are in very good starting shape.  Fenders usually got all beat up and then thrown away.  I polished out the fenders and they look amazing.  I did do a lot of straightening of the fender struts.  I am thrilled with the fenders results!

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Rear Fender Before

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Rear Fender Before

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Rear Fender Before

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Rear Fender Before

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Front Fender Before

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Front Fender Before

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Front Fender Before

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Fenders Polished

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Front Fender Polished

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Front Fender Polished

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Front Fender Polished

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Rear Fender Polished

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Rear Fender Polished

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Rear Fender Polished

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Front Fender Installed

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Front Fender Installed

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Rear Fender Installed

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Rear Fender Installed

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Fenders Installed
 Last thing to do was installed the rear rack.  It looks great!

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Rear Rack Installed

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Bicycle Complete

I test road the Sprite and had to immediately replace the chain.  With a new chain the Sprite rides great!  Such a comfortable bike.  Would be great for all day riding!  The Sprite also shifts very well.  Spot on for friction shifting.  The Panaracers tires really make for a smooth cushy ride!  I love the ride of the Sprite.

As nice as the ride is the looks of the Sprite are even better!  I love the chestnut color!  The paint polished beautifully!  The chrome came back perfect!  I think all the accent colors are perfect!  I love this stuff!!!

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Bicycle Complete

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Bicycle Complete

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Handlebars

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Stem & Handlebars

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Head Tube

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Front Brake

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Front Wheel Hub

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Front Wheel Rim

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Stem & Shift Levers

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Bicycle Complete =- Front Half

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Top Tube

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Down Tube

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Saddle

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Seat Tube

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Drive Train

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Crank

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Rear Brake Caliper

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Rear Derailleur

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Rear Wheel Hub

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Bicycle Complete - Rear Fender

Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration
Bicycle Complete
Thank you for the interest!
John Z.

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