My Bargain Bike

[Python]

Well, here she is, all nicely cleaned up. Looks as though the bike's never been used. Perhaps it was an unwanted Christmas present thrown in the back of someone's garage. She's in her original state - even the tyres are the original ones, but have perished a bit and will need replaced soon.

For £18 ($33 approx) I think I've got a bargain, and the bike's got a good new home

[mary9761]

What a Beaut! Has she told you her name yet? She's absolutely MAUVElous Yes I'm being cheeky!

[xeney]

WOW, that mixte is stunning. I just bought one in that color but I don't have it yet, and mine isn't as nice as yours! I am a big fan of the mixte and I bet you will love it.

[Denise223]

Hi Python!

Your Raleigh looks like she's in great condition !

I found this site, perhaps you can find out more about her --

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/retroraleighs/

Have fun & happy riding!!

Denise

[Quillfred]

She's very nice. Talk about recycling. What's her name going to be?

[Python]

The car's called Vicki (because she's got VK in her registration plate).

My motorbike's called Ellie (she's a Kawasaki Eliminator),

and the racer just has to be.....

Allie the Raleigh

[mary9761]

The car's called Vicki (because she's got VK in her registration plate).

My motorbike's called Ellie (she's a Kawasaki Eliminator),

and the racer just has to be.....

Allie the Raleigh

WOW, that's great and I'm having a bit of a WOAH moment .. I was thinking something like Mauvelous Millie... so close

[DebW]

Very nice Raleigh 5-speed. Cool find. Do you know what year it was built? If you haven't done so and this bike has been sitting for more than 10 years, it needs new grease in the hubs, bb, and headset, and grease in the cables. Grease just doesn't last that many years, even if it hasn't been ridden. And the small piece of cable housing between the chainstay and the rear derailleur needs to be longer or you're going to be breaking cables. Sweet bike. Enjoy.

[Bad JuJu]

Wow, she sure cleans up nice! Look at that mauve chainguard, and all that bright white--saddle, bar tape. Gorgeous!

[SouthernBelle]

Very pretty. I would call that color maroon ??? which is very good looking against the white.

[Python]

Thanks DebW. I'm not clued up on the gears (yet) but they are not working. She's stuck in granny gear at the moment. We've got a cycle shop about 1 mile from where I live, so I'll pop down with her probably tomorrow and have a word with them because I need to ask them how that gears work i.e. what position of the lever is which gear.

I rode her up to our local grocery shop tonight. Part of the way is quite a steep hill and I surprised myself by getting up it very easily. I had been contemplating getting an electric bike, but I don't think I'll bother now. I think I've found my dream bike

Do you know what model she is by any chance?

[Denise223]

Just want to make sure that you are wearing a helmet

Ride safe!

Denise

[DebW]

I don't even remember the name of Raleigh's 5-speed. Guess we just called it the 5-speed, since they only made one model of 5-speed. Ask your LBS if it might need a longer chain. The derailleur looks too far forward to me (that may or may not matter). Try to get in the habit of NOT using the brake lever extensions in the center of the handlebars - they are not safe to use at speed. Your LBS could remove them if you ask.

[Popoki_Nui]

WOW!!!! Nice find! LOVE the colour-coordinated chainguard! Hope you'll have many happy years together.


~Sherry.

[Bikingmomof3]

Fabulous find! Have a great time with her.