This old Raleigh Grand Prix came in totally disassembled, with a lot of sentimental value behind it and a set of 27″ wheels with Phil Wood hubs.
We slowly rebuilt the bike, replacing and cleaning everything in our path (Leticia did most of the work on this bike). The Phil Wood hubs laced into 27″ Mavic MA 2 rims were sent back to the factory to have fresh bearings pressed in. A honey Brooks B17 and matching leather bar tape finish off the bike nicely.
To make the multi-speed rear wheel work as a single speed, we did some magic with a few hub shims, and a slightly shorter cottered bottom bracket than the one that came with the bike. We also reversed the chain ring on the crank arm spindle. The chain line isn’t perfectly straight, but it is pretty darn close. MKS Sylvan Touring pedals are a good match for your typical flat-bottomed sneaker set (a pair of Chuck Taylors, Vans, etc.)
Schwalbe Marathons are the tires of choice for most of our hard core city riders – and this old Raleigh Grand Prix got a set.
We think the bike looks great and rides like new (or maybe better) after all of the time and attention we put into it.
The build labor and parts came to a little under $350. Paint was done by our customer (we typically charge anywhere from $120+ to have a bike powdercoated).
3 Comments
thanks so much guys! I love my “new” bike!
I built those wheels many years ago and their latter days were on my wife’s 60s Holdsworth. That frame is awaiting Kath’s next restoration fancy. Well done guys and thanks. Ian (Kath’s Dad)
Um…gorgeous!!! Wow what a beauty. I hope to some day have the time and energy to embark on a restoration like this.