Raleigh Grand Prix flatbar conversion

[buzz22]

I bought my 1977 Raleigh Grand Prix a few years ago with the intention of restoring it to original.
This is how it was when I first bought it- 10 speed, steel 27 x 1 1/4 wheels, centre pull brakes. The frame suits me as it's a 25 inch frame and fits me well at 6'5".

I did restore it eventually but found I wasn't riding it too much as I had other bikes that were similar so I made it a bit more unique.
This is the end result:

A flat bar conversion, 3 speed Shimano hub gears, dual pivot mid reach shimano brake to handle the 700c wheel conversion and 700 x 28 tyres.
Most parts were from a donor bike, in fact all that's original is the frame, fork, bottom bracket (reversed to get correct chainline) and rear brake).
It gets a lot more riding now.

 

[biggs682]

Flat bar conversions are good.
Nice choice with 3 speed hub
I would have kept 27" wheel size although I would use alloy rims

 

[buzz22]

Flat bar conversions are good.
Nice choice with 3 speed hub
I would have kept 27" wheel size although I would use alloy rims

I would have liked to but the hub came with the 700 wheel and made tyre choice easier. I did have aluminium 27 inch wheels on that I had built for it, they've gone onto another project.
Here's a photo of that one, I'll do a separate post of that bike.

 

[buzz22]

I took advantage of a nice summer's day so the 1977 Raleigh got taken out for a ride today- I was on a day off but thought I'd see how it went on my usual route to work from the Southern suburbs of Sydney to the City, then a liesurely ride back. It's a touch over 30km each way, so 63 km or so return.

On the way I cross over Captain Cook Bridge, just around the corner from Botany Bay where the Endeavour sailed in. You can see the City in the distance.

Once I hit the City I ride through Hyde Park and relax in front of this....

and look up at this....

and across to this.....

10 minutes later I'm sitting down and having a drink of water in front of this.....

Then it's time for the homeward leg.
A break in front of this....

takes the sting out of it.
Overall a great day out. I'm so happy that I've been able to give a 45 year old bike a new life and purpose with some simple modifications and newer components, it is a great bike for the trip.