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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Bicycle After Restoration |
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!
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Bicycle Before |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Bicycle Before Handlebars |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Bicycle Before Brake Levers |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Bicycle Before Head Tube |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Bicycle Before Front Brake Caliper |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Bicycle Before Front Wheel Hub |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Bicycle Before Front Wheel Rim |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Bicycle Before Stem & Shift Levers |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Bicycle Before Fork Crown |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Bicycle Before Top Tube |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Bicycle Before Down Tube |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Bicycle Before Saddle |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Bicycle Before Tube Decal |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Bicycle Before Bottom Bracket |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Bicycle Before Crank |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Bicycle Before Front Derailleur |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Bicycle Before Seat Lug |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Bicycle Before Rear Brake Caliper |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Bicycle Before Rear Derailleur |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Bicycle Before Rear Wheel Hub |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Bicycle Before Rear Wheel Rim |
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| 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.
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Before |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Before Head Tube |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Before Head Tube |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Before Head Tube |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Before Top Tube |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Before Down Tube |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Before Top Tube - Top Layer Damage |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Before Seat Lug |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Before Seat Tube |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Before Bottom Bracket |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Before Bottom Bracket |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Before Bottom Bracket |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Before Seat Lug |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Before Seat Stays |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Before Chain Stay |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Before Chain Stay |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Before Drop Out |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Before Fork |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Before Fork Crown |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Before Fork Crown |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Before Fork Blade |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Before Fork Drop Outs |
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| 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!!
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Polished |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Polished Head Tube |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Polished Head Tube |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Polished Head Tube |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Polished Top Tube |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Polished Down Tube |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Polished Bottom Bracket |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Polished Bottom Bracket |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Polished Bottom Bracket |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Polished Seat Stays |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Polished Chain Stays |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Polished Drop Outs |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Polished Fork |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Polished Fork Crown |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Polished Fork Crown |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Frame Polished Fork Blades |
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| 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.
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Head Set & Bottom Bracket Before |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration - Headset & Bottom Bracket Polished |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Pressing Headset Cups |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Headset Cups Pressed |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Headset Bearings Packed |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Headset Complete |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Headset Complete |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Headset Complete |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Bottom Bracket Bearings Packed |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Bottom Bracket Complete |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Bottom Bracket Complete |
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| 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!
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Handlebars Before |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Stem & Handlebars Before |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Handlebars Before |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Stem Before |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Stem Exploded |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Stem & Handlebars Polished |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration handlebars Polished |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Stem Polished |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Stem Complete |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Stem & Handlebars Complete |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Stem & Handlebars Complete |
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| 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.
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Brake Levers Before |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Brake Levers Exploded |
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| 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.
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Shift Levers Before |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Shift Levers Exploded |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Shift Levers Polished |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Shift Levers Complete |
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| 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.
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Cable Guide Before |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Cable Guide Polished |
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| 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!
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Seat Post & Saddle Before |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Seat Post & Binder Bolt Before |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Seat Post & Binder Bolt Polished |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Seat Post Installed |
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| 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.
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Brake Levers Before |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Brake Levers Exploded |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Brake Levers Polished |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Brake Lever Complete |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Front Brake Caliper Installed |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Rear Brake Caliper Installed |
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| 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.
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Crank Before |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Crank Exploded |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Crank Polished |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Crank Complete |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration New Crank Cotters |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Crank Installed |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Crank Installed |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Derailleurs Before |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Front Derailleur Before |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Front Derailleur Exploded |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Front Derailleur Polished |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Front Derailleur Complete |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Rear Derailleur Before |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Rear Derailleur Exploded |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Rear Derailleur Polished |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Rear Derailleur Complete |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Rear Derailleur Installed |
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| 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.
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Rear Wheel Before |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Rear Wheel Hub Before |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Rear Wheel Hub Before |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Rear Wheel Rim Before |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Rear Wheel hub Old Grease |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Rear Wheel Hub Polished |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Rear Wheel Rim Polished |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Rear Wheel Bearings Packed |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Axle Pieces Ready |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Rear Wheel Complete |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Front Wheel Before |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Front Wheel Hub Before |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Front Wheel Rim Before |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Front Wheel Hub Old Grease |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Front Wheel Hub Polished |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Front Wheel Bearings Packed |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Front Wheel Complete |
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| 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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
Last thing to do was installed the rear rack. It looks great!
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!!!
Thank you for the interest!
John Z.
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!
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration New Panracer Tires & Tubes |
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| 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.
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration New Saddle |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Replacement Seat Coupler |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Saddle Installed |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration New Cables |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Cables Installed |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Pedals Before |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Pedals After |
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| 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.
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| 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!
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Rear Fender Before |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Rear Fender Before |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Rear Fender Before |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Rear Fender Before |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Front Fender Before |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Front Fender Before |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Front Fender Before |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Fenders Polished |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Front Fender Polished |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Front Fender Polished |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Front Fender Polished |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Rear Fender Polished |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Rear Fender Polished |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Rear Fender Polished |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Front Fender Installed |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Front Fender Installed |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Rear Fender Installed |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Rear Fender Installed |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Fenders Installed |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Rear Rack Installed |
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| 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!!!
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Bicycle Complete |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Bicycle Complete |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Bicycle Complete - Handlebars |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Bicycle Complete - Stem & Handlebars |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Bicycle Complete - Head Tube |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Bicycle Complete - Front Brake |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Bicycle Complete - Front Wheel Hub |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Bicycle Complete - Front Wheel Rim |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Bicycle Complete - Stem & Shift Levers |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Bicycle Complete =- Front Half |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Bicycle Complete - Top Tube |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Bicycle Complete - Down Tube |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Bicycle Complete - Saddle |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Bicycle Complete - Seat Tube |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Bicycle Complete - Drive Train |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Bicycle Complete - Crank |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Bicycle Complete - Rear Brake Caliper |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Bicycle Complete - Rear Derailleur |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Bicycle Complete - Rear Wheel Hub |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Bicycle Complete - Rear Fender |
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| Jason's Raleigh Sprite Restoration Bicycle Complete |
John Z.
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