My first project!

[JoeyB]

My plan was to pick up a steel road bike and convert it to single speed.

I stumbled upon a Raleigh Pro Race on eBay a week ago and managed to do a deal outside of the auction. I collected the bike on Thursday evening.

I put some air in the tyres last night and they were still pumped up this morning so I took it for a quick spin up and down my road. The position is very racey compared to my Scott CR1 Pro (setup for longer distance comfort) so took some getting used to but its a very smooth ride and I can't wait to start upgrading bits.

At the moment I will leave it geared whilst I replace the usual wear and tear items like tyres, chain, cables, brake blocks etc...

So here are the pics pretty much as I bought it minus a pump and some retro light holders. Apologies for the lack of plain background blah blah blah but I'm seriously lacking space in the house at the moment!!

 

[biggs682]

@JoeyB that looks a keeper

 

[LimeBurn]

Quite like that - dont think I could turn it into a fixie though with the race inspired paint job but would fancy it as a restoration - dont forget though that if you replace the chain etc then when you do come to fixie it then you'll probably have to replace it again to fit the new cogs.

 

[SimonJKH]

Liking the branded bottle cage

 

[JoeyB]

Liking the branded bottle cage

It came with a branded Raleigh pump too, but I'd already removed that. I really should wash the bike....but I like its authentic unused look lol

 

[JoeyB]

Collected new tyres today, Vittoria Rubino in black and orange...I'm hoping it works lol

 

[JoeyB]

OK I'm beginning to think I should leave this as a geared bike....what section should I move it to? lol

 

[4F]

That looks ideal for a single speed conversion

 

[JoeyB]

That looks ideal for a single speed conversion

It is, but I kind of feel bad removing the groupset that seems to be working perfectly fine...

 

[4F]

It is, but I kind of feel bad removing the groupset that seems to be working perfectly fine...

I take it that's a 5 speed double ? Don't feel bad, come over to the dark side

 

[JoeyB]

I take it that's a 5 speed double ? Don't feel bad, come over to the dark side

Nearly, 6 speed double...I think I'll do the other bits first and make a final decision when its the only thing left to do...

 

[4F]

Brake replacement would be a good one to start with as the old Weinmanns are not the best.

 

[JoeyB]

Brake replacement would be a good one to start with as the old Weinmanns are not the best.

Yeah as it is the rear brake position defaults to rubbing against one side of the wheel. Any recommendations for a cheap replacement?

My eBay workstand arrives tomorrow, once I have that I'll clean the bike up and fit its new boots...then more pics!

 

[4F]

I replaced mine with some Shimano 105's I got off e bay, you just need to make a note of the drop and purchase like for like

 

[JoeyB]

Question, if I did keep it geared.... could I buy a wheelset that takes a cassette (instead of a freewheel) and buy a new 6 speed cassette? Or do they not exist?