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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bicycle After Restoration |
Bridgit recently found this Superbe on Craigslist I believe. It has some fairly rare features like the front generator hub and locking fork. The Raleigh Superbe is in good starting shape. The wheel rims are in fantastic condition for the age and the paint is in descent condition.
The Superbe will receive a total restoration along with new tires, new bearings, new cables, new cable housings, new brake pads and new wiring for the generator hub and lights. The wires for the lights and hub are in very bad condition and cut in a few places. I love three speed bicycles and can't wait to see the Superbe complete and to give it a good ride.
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bicycle Before |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bicycle Before Front |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bicycle Before Handlebars |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bicycle Before Handlebars |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bicycle Before Head Lamp |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bicycle Before Head Tube |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bicycle Before Front Brake |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bicycle Before Head Badge |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bicycle Before Front Brake |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bicycle Before Front Generator Hub |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bicycle Before Front Wheel Rim |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bicycle Before Brake Levers |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bicycle Before Stem |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bicycle Before Head Tube |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bicycle Before Fork |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bicycle Before Raleigh Decal |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bicycle Before Seat Tube decal |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bicycle Before Drive Train |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bicycle Before Superbe Decal |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bicycle Before Crank |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bicycle Before Rear Rack |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bicycle Before Saddle Area |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bicycle Before Rear Brake |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bicycle Before Three Speed Hub |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bicycle Before Three Speed Hub |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bicycle Before Rear Wheel Rim |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bicycle Before Rear Fender |
With the frame stripped of the components I see the frame is dirty and dull and the paint has some chips and scratches and the decals have some bad spots. Even with the few chips and scratches the original paint does not need to be repainted it should polish back very nicely.
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Frame Before |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Frame Before Head Tube |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Frame Before Head Tube |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Frame Before Head Tube |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Frame Before Head Tube |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Frame Before Seat Lug - Decal to be removed yet. |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Frame Before Seat Tube Decal |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Frame Before Bottom Bracket |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Frame Before Bottom Bracket |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Frame Before Bottom Bracket |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Frame Before Seat Stays |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Frame Before Drop Outs |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Frame Before |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Frame Before Fork |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Frame Before Fork Blades |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Frame Before Fork Crown |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Frame Before Fork Lock - Poor Photo |
I gave the frame a good cleaning and started working through the polishing grits. Raleigh paint is softer then most paints so it polishes very nice. The green paint polished very nice with a very deep shine. I really like the green color. The paint chips will just receive a clear touch up for protection. Bridgit in the future will replace the decals with new. I am pleased with the results of the paint polishing.
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Frame Polished |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Frame Polished Head Tube |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Frame Polished Head Tube |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Frame Polished Down Tube |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Frame Polished Seat Lug - Decal yet to be removed. |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Frame Polished Seat Tube |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Frame Polished Bottom Bracket |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Frame Polished Bottom Bracket |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Frame Polished Bottom Bracket |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Frame Polished Seat Stays |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Frame Polished Chain Stays |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Frame Polished Drop Outs |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Frame Polished |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Frame Polished Fork |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Frame Polished Fork Crown |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Frame Polished Fork Blades |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Frame Polished Fork Blades |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Frame Polished Drop Outs |
Yesterday was wheel Wednesday here in the shop, I restored twelve wheels through the day including the wheels for the Superbe. I don't think I want to restore twelve wheels in one day again. The order of the Superbe restoration is a little different since I started with the wheels first yesterday.
The front wheel is a very cool Sturmey Archer DynoHub. It is very cool but also takes a little knowledge to restore correctly. One thing to know about the DynoHub is the magnet area should never be removed from the iron area. If its removed for even a second the magnet will loose a lot of power and will not be restored.
I removed the generator area and very carefully kept it together. With the generator removed I cleaned the hub and removed as much rust as I could from the generator compartment. With the rust removed I polished the hub and cleaned the axle pieces and replaced the wheel bearings. The hub polished beautifully! With the wheel hub rebuilt I then very carefully installed the generator and installed the Kenda Gum Wall Tires.
I am extremely pleased with the results of the front wheel. It is a beautiful wheel to start with and when everything is polished it is stunning. The gum wall tire is perfect for the Superbe. What I am most happy with is how well the wheel rim polished. The rims usually rust over time from being stored in damp garages and basements but this rim is as near as perfect as you can get.
My philosophy with three speed hubs has changed over the hundreds I have overhauled. I use to completely dismantle the hub and build it back up. But the three speed hubs are so bullet proof that if there is no problem with the hub already I just go into the bearings and clean the components and replace the bearings. I opened up the bearings and replaced and backed them in new grease. All the pieces cleaned very nicely and I oiled the hub. The three peed hub looks fantastic and functions perfectly. The rear wheel looks stunning and the new gum wall tire tops it off, I love this stuff!!
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration Front Wheel - Before |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Front Wheel Generator Hub Before |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Generator Hub - Before |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Front Wheel Rim Before |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Generator Removed |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Wheel Bearings |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Generator Compartment Before |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Front Wheel Hub Before |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Generator Compartment Polished |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Front Wheel Hub Polished |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Front Wheel Rim Polished |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Axle Components Ready |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Front Wheel Bearings Packed in New Grease |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Generator Hub Complete |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Generator Hub Complete |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration New Kenda Gum Wall Tires |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration Front Wheel Complete |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Front Wheel Rim Complete |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration Rear Wheel - Before |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Rear Wheel Hub Before |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Rear Wheel Hub Before |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Rear Wheel Rim Before |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Cog Bearings Before |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Rear Wheel Bearings Before |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Cog Bearings Packed |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration Rear Wheel Complete |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Rear Wheel Hub Complete |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Rear Wheel Rim Complete |
I love these wheels.
Today I started assembly of the Superbe. The headset and bottom bracket where in pretty good shape. I gave all the pieces a good cleaning and then ran through the polishing grits. The pieces polished beautifully and with new bearings and grease both the headset and bottom bracket spin beautifully too. I am very pleased with the results.
The stem is not original to a Superbe but I do like the choice for the Superbe. The stem is an alloy SR stem and is much lighter then the original steel stem. The handlebars are original and in descent starting condition. I cleaned both the stem and handlebars and started the polishing. The stem was a little beat up but polished nicely. The handlebars polished almost perfect. Installed the handlebar and stem combination looks fantastic.
The brake elvers are very nice, usually the brake levers on three speeds are a little worn but these are in good shape. After polishing the brake levers look great.
It so rare that I have the wheels complete before the main body components so I just had to see the wheels installed. Installed they are amazing!! I love this stuff!!
The Superbe is a later model because of the crank design. Earlier cranks had the Raleigh Heron cut outs in the crank. This crank is in very good starting condition. I polished everything out and installed new crank cotter pins. The crank is fantastic installed, I am very happy with the results!
The brake calipers I do not think saw much use as they are a little rough from storage but they are still very tight and unworn. I disassembled the calipers and cleaned and polished all the pieces. I applied grease in all the proper places and assembled the calipers. The calipers polished wonderfully and assembled they function very smooth and very tight.
That is where I left off for the day. Below is a photo of the Superbe so far. Looking like a bicycle again.
Today I got to work on the chain guard and fenders. First though I had to install the chain. A good cleaning and oil soak and the chain is ready to install.
With the chain installed I got to work on the chain guard. The chain guard had little damage to the sheet metal, it had a little bit of a wave in it. At first I was going to pound out the wave but after inspection of the paint I would probably damage and crank the paint doing that. Instead I worked it back the best it would by gentle hand. It is not perfect but better then it was. With the chain guard a little straighter I started polishing. The chain guard really polish very nice. The decals are a little rough but over all the chain guard looks fantastic installed. The chain guard hardware alos polished beautifully!
Time for the fenders. I love Raleigh fenders I just wish they would have taken a little more time on a better fender line fit. The fenders are in incredible shape for there age. There is the normal wear and tear from use and moving around in storage but that is expected. I cleaned the fenders and the worked through the polishing grits. The fenders polished amazing. I was also able to found out a few dents and dings in the fenders. With the fenders polished I polished the hardware and installed the fenders. They look fantastic on the Superbe!! I couldn't be happier with the fenders!
I was very pleased to see the Superbe had it's original rack. I gave the rack a good cleaning and then polished the fenders and polished the mounting hardware. After cleaning and polishing the rack looks great and installed it looks even better. So cool!!
The saddle is still in good shape which is very nice to have. The saddle hardware is a little rough. I polished all the hardware and cleaned the underneath the best it would. The hardware turned out ok but that is ok considering where it started and overall not to bad. The saddle took a lot of cleaning and treating but it turned out very nice. I am happy with the results overall and it is really nice to have the saddle in such good shape.
Pedals really get beat up over the years which is expected since they are so close to the ground. These pedals are actually in fairly good starting shape. I cleaned the pedals and then started the polishing. It was a combination of power polishing and hand polishing. The pedals really turned out nice and with some lubricating there should be many more seasons in them.
The Superbe is almost complete. I had to order a new three speed shift cable, the one I had on hand was missing a piece. Overall I am so happy with how the Superbe is coming along.
Today I started assembly of the Superbe. The headset and bottom bracket where in pretty good shape. I gave all the pieces a good cleaning and then ran through the polishing grits. The pieces polished beautifully and with new bearings and grease both the headset and bottom bracket spin beautifully too. I am very pleased with the results.
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Headset & Bottom Bracket Before |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Headset & Bottom bracket Polished |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration Pressing Headset Cups |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration Headset Cups - Pressed |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Headset Bearings Packed |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Headset Bearings Packed |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration Headset Complete |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration Headset - Complete |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bottom Bracket Bearings Packed |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bottom Bracket Complete |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Headset & Bottom Bracket - Complete |
The stem is not original to a Superbe but I do like the choice for the Superbe. The stem is an alloy SR stem and is much lighter then the original steel stem. The handlebars are original and in descent starting condition. I cleaned both the stem and handlebars and started the polishing. The stem was a little beat up but polished nicely. The handlebars polished almost perfect. Installed the handlebar and stem combination looks fantastic.
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Handlebars Before |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Stem Before |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Stem & Handlebars Before |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Stem - Before |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Stem - Exploded |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Stem & Handlebars Polished |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Stem - Polished |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Stem Complete |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Handlebars Polished |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Handlebars Polished |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Stem & Handlebars Installed |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Stem & Handlebars Installed |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration Stem & Handlebars - Installed |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Stem & Handlebars Installed |
The brake elvers are very nice, usually the brake levers on three speeds are a little worn but these are in good shape. After polishing the brake levers look great.
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Brake Levers Before |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Brake Levers Polished |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Brake Levers Installed |
It so rare that I have the wheels complete before the main body components so I just had to see the wheels installed. Installed they are amazing!! I love this stuff!!
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration Front Wheel - Installed |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Front Wheel Installed |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Front Wheel Complete |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration Rear Wheel - Installed |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration Rear Wheel - Complete |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Wheels Installed |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Crank - Before |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Crank Polished New Cotter Pins |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration Crank - Installed |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Crank Installed |
The brake calipers I do not think saw much use as they are a little rough from storage but they are still very tight and unworn. I disassembled the calipers and cleaned and polished all the pieces. I applied grease in all the proper places and assembled the calipers. The calipers polished wonderfully and assembled they function very smooth and very tight.
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Brake Calipers Before |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Brake Calipers Exploded |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Brake Calipers Polished |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Brake Calipers Complete |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration Front Brake Caliper - Installed |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Rear Brake Caliper Installed |
That is where I left off for the day. Below is a photo of the Superbe so far. Looking like a bicycle again.
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bicycle So Far |
Today I got to work on the chain guard and fenders. First though I had to install the chain. A good cleaning and oil soak and the chain is ready to install.
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Chain Installed |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Chain Guard Before |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Chain Guard Before |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Chain Guard Polished |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Chain Guard Polished |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Chain Guard Polished |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Chain Guard Polished |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Chain Guard Hardware Polished |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Chain Guard Complete |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Chain Guard Complete |
Time for the fenders. I love Raleigh fenders I just wish they would have taken a little more time on a better fender line fit. The fenders are in incredible shape for there age. There is the normal wear and tear from use and moving around in storage but that is expected. I cleaned the fenders and the worked through the polishing grits. The fenders polished amazing. I was also able to found out a few dents and dings in the fenders. With the fenders polished I polished the hardware and installed the fenders. They look fantastic on the Superbe!! I couldn't be happier with the fenders!
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Front Fender Before |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Front Fender Before |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Front Fender Before |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Front Fender Before |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Front Fender Before |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Front Fender Polished |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Front Fender Polished |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Front Fender Polished |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Front Fender Polished |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Front Fender Polished |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Front Fender Polished |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Front Fender Polished |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Front Fender Installed |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Front Fender Installed |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Rear Fender Before |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Rear Fender Before - Fender Clamp |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Rear Fender Before |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Rear Fender Before |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Rear Fender Before |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Rear Fender Before |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Rear Fender Clamp - Before |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Rear FenderClamp - Before |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Rear Fender Clamp - Polished |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Rear Fender Polished |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Rear Fender Polished |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Rear Fender Polished |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Rear Fender Polished |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Rear Fender Polished |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Rear Fender Polished |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Rear Fender Installed |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Rear Fender Installed |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Fenders Complete |
I was very pleased to see the Superbe had it's original rack. I gave the rack a good cleaning and then polished the fenders and polished the mounting hardware. After cleaning and polishing the rack looks great and installed it looks even better. So cool!!
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Rear Rack Before |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Rear Rack Before |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Rack Hardware Before |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Rack Polished |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Rack Hardware Polished |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Rack Installed |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Rack - Installed |
The saddle is still in good shape which is very nice to have. The saddle hardware is a little rough. I polished all the hardware and cleaned the underneath the best it would. The hardware turned out ok but that is ok considering where it started and overall not to bad. The saddle took a lot of cleaning and treating but it turned out very nice. I am happy with the results overall and it is really nice to have the saddle in such good shape.
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Saddle & Seat Post Before |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Saddle & Seat Post Before |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Saddle After Seat Post Hardware - Polished |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Seat Post Polished |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration Saddle - Installed |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Saddle - Installed |
Pedals really get beat up over the years which is expected since they are so close to the ground. These pedals are actually in fairly good starting shape. I cleaned the pedals and then started the polishing. It was a combination of power polishing and hand polishing. The pedals really turned out nice and with some lubricating there should be many more seasons in them.
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Pedals Before |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Pedals Polished |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Pedals Installed |
The Superbe is almost complete. I had to order a new three speed shift cable, the one I had on hand was missing a piece. Overall I am so happy with how the Superbe is coming along.
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bicycle So Far |
The new three speed shift cable came over the weekend so this morning I wired the Superbe. The shifter was in descent shape, I gave it a cleaning and lubricating and it works fine. I chose the dark gray cable housings over the black it originally had. I think the dark gray goes so much better with the green.
Bridgit order a new seat tube decal that is gold in color and much more subtle, it will be a much better match for the Raleigh. For now I removed the decal.
That brings the Raleigh Superbe up for a test ride.
Bike looks fantastic out in the sunlight!! The bike road wonderfully. Just a slight adjust to the shift cable. The brakes worked well and will work even better after broken in.
View over the handlebars. From photo I see the handlebars need to be slightly moved to the left.
This afternoon I started work on the head light. I hope tomorrow I will have it wired.
I wired the Dyno Hub, head lamp and rear light. I solder all the connections so they hold up better. It took a bit to get a light bulb that fits the head lamp. The head lamp is not as bright as I would like but I think I am comparing it to my Raleigh head lamp that I converted to LED and a battery. Head lamps like this is as cool as it gets!
Bridgit ordered a new seat tube decal from Australia. This decal is so much better then the original white decal. The white decal just did not go well with the looks of the Superbe. Installed the decal looks fantastic!
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - New Cables & Housings |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Three Speed Thumb Shifter Cleaned and Polished |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Handlebar Grips Cleaned & Treated |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration Bicycle Wired |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bicycle Wired |
Bridgit order a new seat tube decal that is gold in color and much more subtle, it will be a much better match for the Raleigh. For now I removed the decal.
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration Seat Tube Decal - Removed |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Reardy for a test ride! |
Bike looks fantastic out in the sunlight!! The bike road wonderfully. Just a slight adjust to the shift cable. The brakes worked well and will work even better after broken in.
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Looking awesome in the sunlight! |
View over the handlebars. From photo I see the handlebars need to be slightly moved to the left.
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - View From Handlebars |
I wired the Dyno Hub, head lamp and rear light. I solder all the connections so they hold up better. It took a bit to get a light bulb that fits the head lamp. The head lamp is not as bright as I would like but I think I am comparing it to my Raleigh head lamp that I converted to LED and a battery. Head lamps like this is as cool as it gets!
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Light System Before |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Light System Before |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration Dynohub - Wired |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration Head Lamp - Complete |
Bridgit ordered a new seat tube decal from Australia. This decal is so much better then the original white decal. The white decal just did not go well with the looks of the Superbe. Installed the decal looks fantastic!
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration New Seat Tube Decal |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration Seat Tube Decal - Installed |
I tuned the Superbe one more time today and gave it a good ride. The ride is great!, even better after I put the correct air pressure in the tires. The Superbe shifts well and stops good. I think the Superbe is extremely comfortable even for my tall frame.
I really like the way the green paint turned out and the new seat tube decal is perfect. The gum wall tires look great with the green and how can you beat all that chrome and alloy. This is going to be one heck of a bicycle for years to come!
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bicycle Complete |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bicycle Complete |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bicycle Complete Handlebars |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bicycle Complete Head Tube |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bicycle Complete Head Tube |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bicycle Complete Front Brake |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bicycle Complete Front Wheel Hub |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bicycle Complete Front Wheel Rim |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bicycle Complete Handlebars |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bicycle Complete Stem |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bicycle Complete Head Tube |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bicycle Complete Front Half |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bicycle Complete Saddle |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bicycle Complete New Seat Tube Decal |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bicycle Complete Drive Train |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bicycle Complete Crank |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bicycle Complete Chain Guard Decal |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bicycle Complete Rear Brake |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bicycle Complete Rear Wheel Rim |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bicycle Complete Rear Wheel Rim |
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| Bridgit's 1979 Raleigh Superbe Restoration - Bicycle Complete |
John Z.
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