New to me commuter bike

[murielalex]

Just got this off Craig's List for $85, which might be a bit too much, but I liked it, and I needed a get-around-town bike that didn't require me clipping in and out.

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vstanbury/5Nd5F35H53E83K43N5c55600fbc2842901bad.jpg

I did some research prior to looking it over, and it seems to be a late model Raleigh USA. It doesn't have the Sturmey Archer hub (has Shimano), and nice parts that seem to make these things valuable, but the frame is in very good condition (no rust and only a couple small scratches). I don't think the chain has been lubed in a decade or more, the brakes work, but squeak, and the Made in Taiwan (not good old England) handlebars have minor pitting as do the wheels. All else is good, and it rides beautifully. Need to get it fixed up, and then for a Brooks saddle and grips, and a nice basket.....any ideas, ladies?

[hebe]

There's a bike to put a smile on your face when you do the shopping! No ideas on baskets I'm afraid, but enjoy your new ride!

[Tri Girl]

oooooo... she's really pretty!!! And I don't think you overpaid. She's a classic beauty. So she's made in Taiwan and has a Shimano instead of a SA hub- I think she's gorgeous!!! She would look really pretty with a front porteur (http://store.velo-orange.com/index.php/accessories/racks-decaleurs/vo-porteur-rack.html)rack on her!
Of course that's what I want on MY errand/grocery bike. I was too cheap, tho, so I bought a Wald (http://www.konasports.com/jb-wald-114-lift-off-11-bike-basket.aspx?avad=5287_e2cc02a1) front handlebar basket for $18 that just hangs on handlebars (the small black one) and then bought a cute little bag from the thrift store to use as a basket liner.

Congrats on your find! She's a fine specimen! :)

[shootingstar]

Yup, a new saddle for sure. That would be priority. Basket next and grips 3rd. You might need to ride it for awhile to see how the chain is functioning especially going up a small hill. It does look quite rusted.

Nice colour!

[murielalex]

Thanks, ladies! I'm excited.

I called the lbs where I got my Gunnar, and they recommended I take it over to another place that has been dealing with Raleigh bikes for decades, just a father-son team in a tiny shop. The father offered me $200 for it on the spot, and had a similar one, but with much more wear and tear on the frame, in the back. He's going to clean it up for me, and replace anything that needs replacing, but other than being filthy and needing new brakes, it's in pretty good shape. I decide to go with a Brooks B66 in honey and matching grips (my big expenditure), and got new cream wall tires. I don't like the plain jane crank of this later model, and he's going to try and get me a heron one, but we'll see. I also chose a wicker basket. TriGirl, I really like that front porteur rack. If I end up not liking the basket, I will definitely check that out.

[Tri Girl]

LOVE that he offered you more than double what you paid just looking at it. It's a keeper for sure!!! I just adore old, classic bikes. Definitely post new pictures when you get it back all spiffy and shiny and new!!! :D

I also like this (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003RLLD2I/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B004JKJNLY&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0WCYEASTVVR0K5E783A8) porteur rack. Something about the wood makes me swoon. I guess it's why I bought this (http://www.amazon.com/Wald-Woody-Rear-Rack-215WW/dp/B0030KZI68/ref=sr_1_5?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1336861616&sr=1-5) rear rack to put on my '83 mixte. Wood, stainless steel and bikes make me drool. I was hoping to put bamboo fenders on my mixte, but there isn't enough clearance with the frame. ;)

[climbergirl]

Beautiful old mixte!

I have a 1973 (or so) Western Flyer that I just love (and just got tuned up). It's got an old Selle Royal leather comfort saddle on it that I love, but I haven't tricked it out at all. All the wood and chrome racks are making me swoon a bit, too!

[jyyanks]

Congratulations -- what a beautiful bike! I can't wait to see what it will look like after you make your changes. Please post pictures!

[murielalex]

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vstanbury/71c65025.jpg

Picked it up today from Tropic Bike, the guys who cleaned it up for me. They put on a Brooks B66 saddle and matching grips, new tubes (thorn resistant- don't want to be changing flats on this thing) and gum wall tires, changed out the 1984 ugly crank for an older heron one, added basket and little copper bell. This thing weights 9000 lbs, but is surprisingly fast. Just took it for a spin in the neighborhood. I'm very happy.

I have to take another, better, non-iphone pic later. It's much prettier and shinier in person.

[lovelygamer]

Wow it looks so great now. I love how all the new accessories match! The LBS did a great job. Adorable. I have an argyle liner in my bike basket. I love liners, they really personalize the bike. I'm hoping to get basil panniers soon so I can carry groceries and go to the farmers market. You have an awesome bike!

[Zen]

Beautiful old mixte!

!
no. That's a step through frame

[Zen]

If you want to use this for carrying any weight (like grocery shopping) I recommend a rack and rear baskets. Too much weight high on the handlebars will affect steering.

[murielalex]

If you want to use this for carrying any weight (like grocery shopping) I recommend a rack and rear baskets. Too much weight high on the handlebars will affect steering.

Agreed. Although I'm almost embarrassed to admit it, I don't really grocery shop. I usually leave my house between 5:30AM and 6:30AM, and often don't get home until after 7:00PM. I am lucky enough to have a local company that prepares fresh, delicious meals in nice portions, that delivers to my job three times a week. I get four tasty meals a day for less than I was spending on groceries that would end up in the trash. I'm eating better, too. If I had a family, that would be different, but for now, I only have eggs, feta cheese, and a mango in my fridge. I plan to use this bike to ride around town, meet friends for coffee, go to the gym, and commute to work twice a week. The basket should be fine for that.

[goldfinch]

Agreed. Although I'm almost embarrassed to admit it, I don't really grocery shop. I usually leave my house between 5:30AM and 6:30AM, and often don't get home until after 7:00PM. I am lucky enough to have a local company that prepares fresh, delicious meals in nice portions, that delivers to my job three times a week. I get four tasty meals a day for less than I was spending on groceries that would end up in the trash. I'm eating better, too. If I had a family, that would be different, but for now, I only have eggs, feta cheese, and a mango in my fridge. I plan to use this bike to ride around town, meet friends for coffee, go to the gym, and commute to work twice a week. The basket should be fine for that.

I wish I had someone to cook for me and deliver me food.

Lovely bike and nice choices for the fix-up.

[Tri Girl]

It was beautiful before, but with the upgrades it's just STUNNING!! Congrats again! Even tho I have more than enough bikes, this makes me want to browse CL... :p

[hebe]

I'm embarassingly late back to this, but your bike is even more beautiful now! What a great buy that was :) How are you getting on now?