Above: This is what was known in the 1960`s as an "English Racer" here in the USA. And yes I am aware that the name makes no sense.I was amused to see the words Raleigh-Racer on the side-walls. The original owner was asking 250.00 for this bike (un-restored)I offered 180.00 and did not hear back. So I assumed I had missed my chance to own this very well preserved English classic.
Above: When I saw the close-ups of the original decals, I fell in love. I have cleaned the paint and polished all the chrome. But it is all original (no touch-ups) paint and decals.
Shown Above: The down-tube decal, It just keeps getting better and better :)The fenders have no dents and even the pin-stripes still look fresh. Not bad for 33 years old!
Above: I polished the crank and arms.The pedals got a good scrubbing/polishing and lube. There were no visible signs of wear on the pedals.
Above: I will say this, The free-wheel was very dirty with an oil and dirt mix. But the White-Lightning "Clean-Streak" made quick work of that. I used it on the chain and derailleur as well. The pie-plate is engraved with the Sturmey-Archer name.(How cool is that?)
Above: Just a tiny spec of the rear fender decal is missing. None of the fender struts are bent. As for what I "did do" to the bike. I replaced the tires and tubes.
It now has new Kenda < 27 x 1&1/4 > K35 90 psi Gum-Walls. I also replaced the brake-shoes. While they still looked new,(shoes) they had hardened and were squeaky.So they were replaced with new Jag-Wire shoes. I wanted this bike to be reliable as well as beautiful. So I did also replace all the cables and covers. (1 shift 2 brake) I did however save all the original parts. I usually don`t bother with that. But I thought maybe one day I could find the exact matching replacement parts. Or maybe a future owner might want to do the same. I do still plan on restoring the 1964 Raleigh Sports 3 speed. I keep telling my self, I won`t buy any more project bikes till I finish the ones I already have. That just never seems to work out. Hey it`s a disease! "what can I say'
BELOW: A photograph of the Sprite as it was when I first brought it home.
Well that`s all I have for you today. Have a Great Holiday weekend and RIDE SAFE and Please remember to always RESCUE-RESTORE&RECYCLE!
Cheers,Hugh Below: To see this Rusty Raleigh Sprite Restored go to: http://hughsbicycle.blogspot.com/2012/07/rusty-raleigh-part-3.html
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