New project

[HovR]

I know I could have bought a new bike for the amount Ive spent and Id never get my money back. but I wanted a cool retro ride for my short commute for work, and I must admit I love it

You can't buy the satisfaction gained from restoring a bike to it's former glory! Very nicely done!

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

...Ive been watching some Brooks saddles on Ebay but they are all going for high prices...

Try Spa Cycles, they do their own leather saddles. I don't know of anyone who has one, but Spa have been going for yonks and are the first port of call for many touring/Audax riders, so I'd be confident of the quality.

 

[Baggy]

Try Spa Cycles, they do their own leather saddles. I don't know of anyone who has one, but Spa have been going for yonks and are the first port of call for many touring/Audax riders, so I'd be confident of the quality.

There's a Spa Aire sitting atop one of the bikes in this house (NOT one of mine!) and although it's not as nicely finished as a Brooks it's a good looking saddle, and very comfortable so I'm told.

Bike looks great, steve

 

[steve keay]

Thanks for the heads up on the Spa saddles, that may be the route I head sometime shortly. I wish Id read the posts before purchasing the charge spoon.
Today I bought new brake cables, but couldnt get white outers from any of the LBS's in town. black not a problem white... no way. looks like I may be shopping on Ebay again tomorrow unless any of you know somewhere I can get enough white outer for the two brake cables and the sturmey cable.

 

[uphillstruggler]

Dont give it a name.

Just enjoy.

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

Try Kevin Ablitt, The Bike Doctor: not sure if he'll have white, but he's a good guy to know either way.

Failing that, there are two eBay sellers: Starcycles (gear & brake) and BAF Cycles (gear & brake [white out of stock]) who sell it in different lengths; you'll need to measure up and see who is cheapest.

The gear cable is for a Sti/Ergopower set-up, so you might be able to get away with using cheaper brake outers all round.

 

[Andrew_Culture]

Try Kevin Ablitt, The Bike Doctor: not sure if he'll have white, but he's a good guy to know either way.

I wholeheartedly agree.

 

[Stephen13]

Gorgeous gorgeous machine!

 

[steve keay]

quick update. the cables and white outers arrived today. Im hoping the saddle and grips will appear tomorrow. hoping to finish the bike this weekend

 

[steve keay]

Well today Ive finally put the finishing touches to my retro Raleigh City. the grips and saddle turned up today( not a perfect match but may be going to a brooks saddle at some point ) so saddle fitted and cables and outers fitted just left the grips. would they go on would they hell. then I read the instructions said " spray the inside of grips with Isobutyle alcohol. where the hell do I get that on a Saturday evening. then I had a brainwave. Ive had a sore back this week and had a freeze spray for it, when I read the can there it was "isobutyl alcohol" so sprayed some in the grips and they slid on a dream and once they dried they are stuck tight.
As I originaly said this was going to be a slow refurb but I got carried away and did it in a few weeks. and yep Ive spent what I could have bought a new bike with ( around £280 ) what I spent, and could have saved more if I had taken my time, but Im looking at it sat in my consevatory and I love it and I guess thats all that matters
Thanks for everyones kind comments and encouragement and a thankyou to "Scilly Suffolk" was good to meet you the other day.

 

[steve keay]

 

[steve keay]

 

[steve keay]

 

[steve keay]

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

What an absolute peach: you'll not see another!

Glad to have helped out.