Mods to Old Bikes

markos1963

New to the site and a returnee to serious cycling so apologies beforehand to my ignorance. I have picked up an old Raleigh Record Sprint on Ebay for a song as a ride to work come winter hack, whilst I wait for my new modern bike to be delivered. My commute will be about 18 miles each day and I was wondering what mods I should be thinking of and if I would be able to fit a 8 or 9 speed cassette to give me a better spread of gears.

meagain

"I was wondering what mods I should be thinking of and if I would be able to fit a 8 or 9 speed cassette to give me a better spread of gears."

All depends on what componentry it currently HAS. In particular what is it at the rear - drop out spacing, cassette or freewheel? Current shifters? An 8 or 9 will not necessarily increase the "spread" i.e. lowest and highest ratios will be same, just that less gap between each i.e. closer ratios.

Many Record Sprints were run of the mill near-gas-pipe tubing frame sets with mid to low parts - and are probably not worth any investment. Or is yours one of the better ones?

And welcome.

markos1963

meagain wrote:

"I was wondering what mods I should be thinking of and if I would be able to fit a 8 or 9 speed cassette to give me a better spread of gears."

All depends on what componentry it currently HAS. In particular what is it at the rear - drop out spacing, cassette or freewheel? Current shifters? An 8 or 9 will not necessarily increase the "spread" i.e. lowest and highest ratios will be same, just that less gap between each i.e. closer ratios.

Many Record Sprints were run of the mill near-gas-pipe tubing frame sets with mid to low parts - and are probably not worth any investment. Or is yours one of the better ones?

And welcome.

I don't yet know what is on the bike, collecting tomorrow, but the picture suggest it is near original with all the gold anodised brakes/gears etc still there.

meagain

A 12 speed with d/t shifters then I GUESS. Probably not worth spending money on it. Brakes and levers Weinmann (single pull calipers)? Sakae chainset? Raleigh branded Suntour mechs? Chopped one for a fixed once I think!

acorn_user

You don't gain any gear range by going to 9 speed. You merely close the gaps. It's pointless for a commuter bike or hack. Just buy a wide spaced 6 speed freewheel if you want some more range. Should make a good hack.

[edit: If you have the parts, it would be hilarious to rock up to a race with Gold Shamal wheels and full Record and watch everyones jaws hit the deck!]

The Spiderman

I have a 20 year old Technisport winter training bike,with 531st tubeset,which I use for commuting.
I have manged to upgrade and repair it,quite cheaply by buying end of line sale stuffor ebay bargains.
I managed to fit new wheels,though you need to spread 120mm rear dropouts to accomadate a newer 130mm axle,but it works.I used a new 13-28 rear cassette to give me a bit mre range,as my campag mech already had a longer cage,this worked.
Biggest problem I have had is finding decent down tube shifters.,as STIs are too expensive to warrant the investment,on an old bike.

John C.

I have an old heavy gas pipe framed bike that I use as a winter hack, I've just put an old pair of sprint wheels on it and I love it. I've loaded it up to 40lbs and do hill after hill, yes it's hard work but when the summer bike comes out I fly. Be prepared for it being one of your comfiest bikes ,

JWSurrey

I like to have a good set of brakes, however this would be overkill on a cheap Ebay hack. Besides, you'd end up needing a modern pair of machined rims to assist with braking in the wet.
SKS Raceblade rear mudguard to help reduce the muck quotient - which could then be reused for winter group riding / training.
Lights and reflectors?
Rottweiler to attach to said bike when it's unattended!

markos1963

Just collected the bike and its in great condition, original apart from a great set of hand built wheels(unbranded rims with some nice french made hubs, both alloy and some stainless spokes). The frame itself looks better quality than I remember them, it has two bottle cage braze ons and a pump spigot under the top tube, is this right? I forgot how zippy a steel frame can feel after riding an aluminium MTB for the last 3 years! I think the gearing will be fine just some better tyres,brake pads,new saddle and some mudgusrds should suffice. Any suggestions?

meagain

Sounds fine! Any clues re frame material?

I've just (as in 90 minutes ago) bought a very original Raleigh Clubman, 531 Butted, 10 speeder. 1970s at a guess. Tyres (27s) look a bit past their best....but I shall probably take it for a spin with CTC D Team tomorrow - quite appropriate bike for the Notts Section!
AS it's running Weinmann centre pulss, I've stuck some V-brake pads in for better stopping.

markos1963

meagain wrote:

Sounds fine! Any clues re frame material?

I've just (as in 90 minutes ago) bought a very original Raleigh Clubman, 531 Butted, 10 speeder. 1970s at a guess. Tyres (27s) look a bit past their best....but I shall probably take it for a spin with CTC D Team tomorrow - quite appropriate bike for the Notts Section!
AS it's running Weinmann centre pulss, I've stuck some V-brake pads in for better stopping.

Definately Reynolds 501