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I originally purchased this Raleigh Pursuit at a church rummage sale in nearby Milford Mi for thirty dollars. I was looking for a wheel-set and derailleurs for my 1972 Moto-Becane build. Then latter on I took the three piece crank and a few other parts (stem,handlebars, flick-stand & seat-post collar-bolt) for the Raleigh Capri. At first I thought this bike had white paint splattered on it. So I had no plans for the step-through frame. I stuck the old wheel-set and tires from the MotoBecane on it just so I could move it around the shop. As you can see above, by this time it was in a sorry state.
A few weeks ago I received an e-mail from a young lady looking for a commuter bike. I told her I had nothing ready in her size. But if she wanted to choose one of the un restored bikes I have in stock for restoration, I could have it ready in two to three weeks. "Long Story Short" she chose the Raleigh Pursuit. First order of business was to clean-up the frame and see if this bike is worth the effort. As you can see (above) it cleaned-up pretty good. Fortunately I had another parts bike in waiting with Sun-Tour derailleurs and a Sugino three piece crank. Next I want to do a mock-up to see if everything is going to work/fit.
Above is the mock-up with the components untouched. The handlebars and stem are from my stock of salvaged parts. The saddle and grips are for the mock-up only. Next step is to make up a shopping list and get the new parts ordered. Once I have checked everything for fit and function. It is time to take the bike apart and start re-assembling with new and re-conditioned components.
One of the first things to arrive was the Saddle. A new but "Vintage Looking" affordable saddle.(Brooks knock-off) I cleaned and polished the original seat-post with a brass brush and Mother`s Chrome Polish. Yes! I finally found some "Mothers Chrome Polish" and I love the stuff. (Sorry Turtle Wax, I have left you for another)I also managed to clean-up the brake calipers and get those mounted on the frame.
Above: Two of my favorite things (there are many more) about a Raleigh Road Bike.
First the "Iconic" Raleigh head-badge. And second the English Scroll (lettering) on the front of the fork blades. Also a shot of the front brake caliper "Dia Compe 500" taken apart and all polished-up with "Mother`s Mag & Aluminum Polish" of course.
Above: The stem and handlebars re-mounted after polishing. Look at that chrome shine! I also have re-mounted the Sun-Tour stem-shifters after a good polishing. You would think "judging by the components" that the donor bike was also a Raleigh. Here`s a hint "It was not a Raleigh". It was a Schwinn World Sport or Tourist. It had a very badly scratched frame and was filthy. I have learned to "not walk away from a bike too quickly" when bike hunting. Quite often the value is there if you look for it.
Above: The original bottom bracket before cleaning. I de greased the bearings and cups and axle. Also Notice the plastic axle cover the channels at each end are empty. Before I slip this back into place I pack those channels (on the ends) with grease. It was not my idea, I saw it done that way on one I took apart a long time ago. It made sense to me, so I have been doing it that way ever since.
The Crank all polished-up and ready for action. The inset Allen heads got the Q-Tip
treatment. I guess I don`t need to tell you what polish I used :)
The Crank back on the bike also the Sun-Tour AR front derailleur cleaned-up, polished and mounted slightly out of position.
The Cork`y grips (not the same as cork) look good with the saddle and will also compliment the Kenda K35 Gum-walls. I chose these Dia Compe old style commuter levers because they remind me of an old Raleigh 3 Speed. I searched the E-Bay for vintage, but they were basically the same thing and more expensive.
Above: The Sun-Tour AR rear derailleur all cleaned up. I think this is pretty much what this bike had originally although the originals may have been Sun-Tour ARX. The ARX is basically a lighter version of the same derailleur. (or so I have been told anyway) So this being a commuter set-up, I guess a few extra ounces won`t hurt too much. That`s all I got for tonight. I will post "part 2" before the new week begins. Till Next Time, RIDE SAFE and Remember to Always RESCUE, RESTORE & Recycle
Cheers, Hugh
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