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.



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 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 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!!!

I also like this porteur rack. Something about the wood makes me swoon. I guess it's why I bought this 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.