1991 Raleigh MTB, thoughts please

[raleighnut]

Ali seatpost, steel bars for now. Both mega cheap, so upgradable without guilt.

The bike still has the original Biopace chainrings, and in good order. I am keen to keep those. I know they’re not universally popular, but I really like them. If they cost me a few grams, I’m OK with that. In fact, it’s not ultimate lightness that I am after, but rather good quality in keeping with the age of the bike.

Ah it already has a decent crank fitted then, I'd thought it probably had the standard Raleigh 'boat anchor' one fitted.

 

[SkipdiverJohn]

If you're attached to the Raleigh, by all means keep and upgrade it. It'll never be a "classic" MTB though, as the MTBs eneryone wanted then were Marins, Konas, Oranges, GTs, Fishers, etc. Saracen at a push. Most of them were new MTB-specific brands and therefore "cooler".

If you look at the geometry of those old Raleighs from the late 80's and early 90's, you'll see they are very similar in execution to the first generation, slack-angled USA stuff they used to tear down fire roads on. The brand name might not be cool to many MTB'ers, but they have a place in cycling history, especially when you consider Raleigh probably sold a lot more of their MTB's in the UK than all the revered niche brands combined. There was a time when those 26" rigid Raleighs were absolutely everywhere. They are not quite so numerous 30 years on, and mine sometimes get noticed for being very different to all the current suspension stuff, but there are still plenty of them out there.

 

[FrankCrank]

Wouldn't say no to an old Raleigh MTB, in need of some TLC. Those period steel framed bikes have a lot going for them - worth saving 👍

 

[SkipdiverJohn]

Those period steel framed bikes have a lot going for them - worth saving 👍

Simplicity, ruggedness, low running cost, and modest weight being the obvious attributes.

 

[12boy]

Some valid upgrades for me would be cartridge bearing bottom bracket, headset and hubs, unless already installed. Another option could be lighter, smoother tires, which will really change pedaling effort in a good way. Those frames are well worth some TLC.

 

[SkipdiverJohn]

Lugged & brazed frames on the Amazons made from K2 cro-moly steel, if my memory isn't playing tricks. Pity the OP hasn't posted some pics.

 

[rogerzilla]

If you look at the geometry of those old Raleighs from the late 80's and early 90's, you'll see they are very similar in execution to the first generation, slack-angled USA stuff

It all changed around 1990 when Kona (although I think Brodie had done the same on a smaller scale) introduced the sloping top tube.

 

[RichardB]

If you're attached to the Raleigh, by all means keep and upgrade it. It'll never be a "classic" MTB though, as the MTBs eneryone wanted then were Marins, Konas, Oranges, GTs, Fishers, etc. Saracen at a push. Most of them were new MTB-specific brands and therefore "cooler".

Thankfully, I have no interest in classic status, or resale value, or cool points, and I don’t have a fetish for originality. I’m attached to it, that’s all that matters to me.

 

[RichardB]

Lugged & brazed frames on the Amazons made from K2 cro-moly steel, if my memory isn't playing tricks. Pity the OP hasn't posted some pics.

Took a couple yesterday, will post in due course.

 

[RichardB]

Some valid upgrades for me would be cartridge bearing bottom bracket, headset and hubs, unless already installed. Another option could be lighter, smoother tires, which will really change pedaling effort in a good way. Those frames are well worth some TLC.

BB and headset are currently problem-free, so will probably leave alone. Tyres are currently Vredestein Monte Carlo 26x1.35 semi-slicks. They roll well.

Lugged & brazed frames on the Amazons made from K2 cro-moly steel, if my memory isn't playing tricks. Pity the OP hasn't posted some pics.

Think you're right on the frame. A couple of pics from yesterday's 'exercise hour':

 

[SGG on a bike]

Not much wrong with that 👆👍

 

[Salar]

Looks good to me.

I know what you mean about the shifters, I've broke a couple of them on my older bikes

I changed them on one bike to old original Shimano Gripshifts,I know, most people don't like gripshifts, but I like them.

I also put old MTB thumb friction shifters on a bike too, they are great, no fiddling around adjusting the front derailleur, nice and simple.

I'd also probably lower the gearing.

Put some mudguards on and a rear rack and go off touring

 

[RichardB]

Great comments, chaps! It's good to see that I am not totally off my trolley.

I've come to a couple of conclusions:

1. I can't afford a new bike (really) and they aren't available anyway, so I'm sticking with the Amazon for the time being. It works, it's a nice ride, and I already own it. And I am very fond of it - for all the reasons kind people have outlined above.

2. I refurbed it in a hurry last year (and it's been a success) but that was only ever a 'proof of concept' thing. I spent the minimum money to see how it would turn out. Now it's healthy again I can tackle an upgrade programme properly. I sat and looked at it this afternoon with a couple of beers beside me and realised what it was all about. Everything these days is black. Black bars, black levers, black brakes, black rims. I am from an era where good components were polished alloy. Refurbing on the cheap meant everything was in Halfords trendy black. It all works fine (ish) but it looks like a funeral.

So here is the plan: take every bit of the bike apart from the frame, and clean/refurb or replace as necessary, but only ever with alloy components. I've made a start by ordering some Shimano alloy cantilever brakes. Alloy levers next, and we take it from there. The original bars were in the blue/green speckled finish of the frame, and I am not putting those back on as they weigh a ton, so it'll be alloy there too. I've already refinished the stem in the original satin black, so that might stay. SJS Cycles look like a good source, but any other recommendations welcome.

I'm looking forward to this.

 

[SGG on a bike]

That sounds like a good strategy and I know what you mean about the black. I don’t have any particular yearnings for a “modern“ bike and maybe subconsciously, the black may be the reason. I’m not a huge fan of oversized tubes and how bikes have generally got a more lardy look (even if they’re lighter). The current crop seem to have grown into the bike equivalent of monster trucks! I’ll be the first to admit that I like polished alloy, so couple that with the aesthetics of an older bike and I’m a happy bunny.

 

[carpenter]

.................... I sat and looked at it this afternoon with a couple of beers ...........

I was wondering what was in the rear bag for your one hour session

cool bike, and none of these strange looking suspension things.