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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle After Restoration |
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| 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.
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Before - |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Before Handlebars |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Before Stem |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Before Head Badge |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Before Front Brake |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Before Fender Cap |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Before Front Wheel Hub |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Before Front Wheel Rim |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Before Brake Levers & Grips |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Before Head Tube |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Before Fork Crown |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Before Front Wheel |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Before Front Fenders |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Before Saddle |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Before Seat Tube |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Before Seat Tube |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Before Crank |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Before Pedals |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Before Rear Brake |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Before Rear Wheel Hub |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Before Rear Fender |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Before Rear Fender |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Before Rear Wheel Rim |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Before |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Before Head Tube |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Before Head Tube |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Before Down Tube |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Before Down Tube |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Before Seat Lug |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Before Seat Tube |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Before Bottom Bracket |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Before Bottom Bracket |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Before Bottom Bracket |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Before Seat Lug |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Before Drop Outs |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Before Fork |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Before Fork Crown |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Before Fork Crown |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Before Fork Drop Outs |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Polished |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Polished Head Tube |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Polished Head Tube |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Polished Down Tube - Decal |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Polished Seat Lug |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Polished Seat Tube Decal |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Polished Bottom Bracket |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Polished Bottom Bracket |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Polished Drop Outs |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Polished Fork |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Frame Polished Fork Crown |
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| 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.
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bottom Bracket & Headset Before |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration Bottom Bracket & Headset - Polished |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration Headset Cups - Pressed |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration Headset Bearings - Packed |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration Headset Bearings - Packed |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration Headset - Complete |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Headset Bearings - Packed |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bottom Bracket Bearings - Packed |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bottom Bracket Complete |
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| 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.
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Handlebars, Stem Brake Levers - Before |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Stem - Before |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Stem & Handlebars Before |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Handlebars Before |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Stem Polished |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Stem - Complete |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - New Handlebars |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - New Brake Levers & Cork Handlebar Grips |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Brake Levers & Cork Grips - Installed |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration Brake Levers & Cork Grips - Installed |
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| 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.
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Crank - Before |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Crank Polished New Cotter Pins |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration Crank - Installed |
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| 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.
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Brake Calipers Before |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Brake Calipers Exploded |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Brake Calipers Polished |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Brake Calipers Complete |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Front Brake Caliper Installed |
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| 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.
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration Front Fender - Before |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Front Fender Before |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Front Fender Before |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration Front Fender - Before |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration Front Fender - Complete |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration Front Fender - Complete |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration Front Fender Complete - Beautiful Shine! |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Rear Fender - Before |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration Rear Fender - Before |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Rear Fender - Before |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration Rear Fender - Before |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration Rear Fender - Before |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Rear Fender - Polished |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration Rear Fender Polished - Beautiful Shine! |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration Rear Fender - Polished |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Rear Fender Complete |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Rear Fender Complete |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Rear Fender Reflector Before |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Rear Fender Reflector After |
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| 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.
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Chain Guard - Before |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Chain Guard Polished |
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| 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.
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration Rear Wheel - Before |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Rear Wheel Hub Before |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Rear Wheel Hub Before |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Rear Wheel Rim Before |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Wheel Hubs Before |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Rear Wheel Hub Before |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Rear Hub - Exploded |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Rear Hub - Polished |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Rear Hub Complete |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration New Rim & Spokes |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration Rear Wheel - Complete |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration New Kenda Tires |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration Rear Wheel - Complete |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration Front Wheel - Before |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Front Wheel Hub Before |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Front Wheel Rim Before |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Wheel Hubs - Before |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Front Wheel Hub Before |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Front Wheel Hub Exploded |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Front Wheel Hub Polished |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Front Wheel Hub Polished |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Front Hub Complete |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration Front Wheel - New Spokes & Rim |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Front Wheel Complete |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration Front Wheel - Complete |
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| 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.
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Seat Post & Saddle Before |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Seat Post - Exploded |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Seat Post - Polished |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration Seat Post - Installed |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration New Saddle |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration Saddle - Installed |
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| 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.
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Three Speed Pieces Before |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Three Speed Shifter Polished |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Three Speed Shift Lever Complete |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Pedals Before |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Pedals Complete |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration Pedals - Installed |
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| 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.
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration Masked for Shellac |
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Complete |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Complete |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Complete Handlebars |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Complete Handlebars |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Complete Headtube |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Complete Front Brake |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Complete Front Wheel Hub |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Complete Front Wheel Rim |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Complete Cork Handlebar Grip |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Complete Three Speed Shift Lever |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Complete Stem |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Complete Raleigh Axle Bolt |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Complete Front Half |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Complete Made in England Decal on Top Tube |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Complete Down Tube - Cable has been tightened. |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Complete Saddle |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Complete Drive Train |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Complete Crank |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Complete Rear Brake |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Complete Raleigh Sports Chain Guard Decal |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Complete Rear Hub |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Complete Rear Fender |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Complete Rear |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Complete Test Riding - Snow Melting!!! |
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| 1970's Raleigh Sports 3 Speed Restoration - Bicycle Complete Test Riding - Snow Melting!!!!!!!!!!! |
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.
ReplyDeleteGreat job on the restoration and the restoration details. Looks fantastic.
ReplyDeleteHey! Did you sell this bike yet? I had one just like it and I just lost it. Been looking around. Let me know--Susan
ReplyDeleteWhat 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..
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the effort and time that you put into this beauty. What do you do to polish the paint and the chrome.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the effort and time that you put into this beauty. What do you do to polish the paint and the chrome.
ReplyDeleteFound one very much like that, now I wish I had your experience. Fingers crossed!
ReplyDeleteI came across this same bike. Wish to do it again? XD
ReplyDeleteReply at woff.casey@gmail.com
DeleteWe 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?
ReplyDeleteI 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