Raleigh Team Banana Project

[Gunk]

What size is that seat post? I might have a spare if you need it.

26.2. It I’ve ordered one already, thanks though

 

[Gunk]

I had a good rummage through my parts stash and found a couple of old Sora callipers, I trial fitted them and they work perfectly, the levers are not serviceable so I’ll change them.

 

[Gunk]

Next job after cleaning the frame was the crank set, pedals were welded on but a 1/2 inch socket set with an Allen key and a breaker bar got them both off. I attacked it with corse wire wool and WD40.

Before



After



I’ll detail it a bit more before I reassemble it but I’m happy with the results.

 

[Gunk]

I then decided to strip the frame, the mechs are both beyond repair and after closer inspection I’m going to replace the wheelset.

 

[Gunk]

The suicide shifters restored

 

[Gunk]

I tidied up some of the paintwork

Before



After

 

[Gunk]

I’m really pleased with the condition of the frame, I’ve now come to a bit of a halt whilst I wait for a ton of parts to arrive. I’m going to keep it 6 speed with the original mechs and suicide shifters, but with a new wheelset, and modern braking, so should be a really nice bike to ride.

Next job is to strip all the tape off remove the levers and refurbish the bars and stem.

 

[Cuchilo]

Fantastic ! I bought one of these after seeing it on TDF . I rode to brighton from london on it in a pair of normal shorts . I was so sore i couldnt go on any of the fair rides when we got there

 

[Reynard]

I wish I could find one in my size... To go with the jersey that I do have...

Although that's a bit big on me these days now that I've shifted a bit of poundage...

 

[Gunk]

Just done another couple of hours, flipped the frame over and cleaned the bits I missed, gave the crankset another going over, stripped the handlebars of 40 year old tape (horrible job), then cleaned up the bars and stem. I’ve now definitely come to halt.

 

[Gunk]

I wish I could find one in my size... To go with the jersey that I do have...

View attachment 498616

Although that's a bit big on me these days now that I've shifted a bit of poundage...

I’ve got to get one of those!

 

[Reynard]

I’ve got to get one of those!

Yeah, I think you do.

Mine was a bootsale find about 25 or 26 years ago. I do wear it occasionally, and when I do, it does make people smile.

 

[Gunk]

I totted up the expenditure today, Including the cost of the bike I will be all in at around £185 it’s ended up being an expensive build (that also excludes stuff I already had in the garage such as brake callipers and tyres) , however I’m enjoying the build and it’s keeping me out of trouble. I’ll also probably keep this one, the frame size is right for me, I’m also rather attached to it and it’ll be perfect for short local trips.

The Wheelset arrived today so I’ll fit the tyres tomorrow, hopefully some more parts will also arrive tomorrow as I’m slightly stuck at the moment whilst I wait for stuff to slowly turn up.

 

[Gunk]

I unpacked the wheels today, fitted some rim tape and put on set of tyres I already had in the garage.



They’re the correct fitting for the frame and came with the correct like for like 6 speed screw on cassette





Only the rear mech didn’t turn up which is a nuisance, but I’ll still try and do everything else over the weekend

 

[Gunk]

Wheels are now on, I’ve fitted the new brake levers, replaced all the cables and taped the bars.



The rear mech arrived about half an hour ago so replaced both cables and fitted both front and rear mechs (both new old stock) and a set of Shimano pedals I had knocking around.





It’s starting to look like a bike.



I will fit the chain tomorrow and set everything up, I’m just waiting for a new seatpost to arrive, should be here Monday.