Every dark cloud has a fluorescent lining

[philtalksbx]

After the sad days of the multi bike theft last week I got down to practicalities so #1 son could get to work this week. After a bit of searching I came up with this lurid specimen, agreed a very modest price and picked it up this afternoon.

Research tells me it's an '89 Raleigh Veloce in 531 with 105 group set but with a very dodgy downgrade to a 5 speed cassette. It will need some work, but that's what project bikes are for, and that paint scheme will have to go. A few minutes fettling this evening and it's a runner, he can get to work and the immediate pressure is off. Actually better than a runner, rides really well apart from a bump on the front rim and the indexing not matching the cassette, - friction shifting still has its uses.

I'm already looking at the options, single speed perhaps or a flexible commute bike with a 1x7, or keep it mechanically original but update the looks a bit. This is the fun part, and I'm so glad to be back in the game, an empty bike shed serves no good purpose.

 

[zizou]

Keep the paint scheme!

 

[Drago]

Powdercoat in white. Never goes out of fashion, and a few decals can change the charachter when the mood take you.

 

[philtalksbx]

Powder coated white was what was nicked. Very attached to that.

 

[raleighnut]

531 frame and early 105 shame you need sunglasses to ride it mind you it could stop the bu**ers nicking it.
Be very aware of the 2nd visit theft jobbie..................They wait til your insurance has replaced the stolen items then return.

 

[Deleted member 1258]

Keep the paint scheme!

+ one on keeping the paint scheme, I think it looks lovely, what size is it? It looks a lovely find.

 

[philtalksbx]

It's a 23inch.

A new chain smoothed things a lot. The strange five speed cassette is next as the indexing doesn't work, so back to the original spec seven. Also got a judder on the front brake, hoping not to go near the headset yet, but nothing obvious on the rims and the pads don't have an obvious toe-in adjustment. They are on Exage calipers that simply bolt through from the outside against a square face on the inner.

Getting used to it now and it does reside sweetly.

 

[steveindenmark]

Keep the paint scheme. Its more of a deterrent than a lock.

Steve

 

[hatwell]

I think it looks fantastic!

 

[Andrew1971]

Nice bike i would be tempted to keep her original

 

[I like Skol]

I recognise that bike!

A 1990 or 1991 Veloce see page 9 here - www.retrobike.co.uk/gallery2/d/56028-4/Raleigh_Lightweights_1990.pdf

Not originally sold with 105 but still a good bike. I have the 54cm Vitesse for my son, a cracking bike even by todays standards.

 

[philtalksbx]

Thanks Skol, that's a great find.

I was flirting with going single speed but the lugs that the shifters screw onto are brazed into the frame and pig ugly if not covered up with shifters. I think this one will revert to original geared spec.

 

[dan_bo]

Keep the paint. Please.

 

[philtalksbx]

Trouble is its chipped and messy. Great from a distance but close up?

 

[dan_bo]

Trouble is its chipped and messy. Great from a distance but close up?

it's not even pretty but it needs keeping for posterity and sheer '80ness.....