Newbie w/rebuild questions Raleigh Sprite.

[Bikeshrink]

Hello Everyone,

Just found this site and am already worrying about spending waaay to much time here! I'm looking for some general information and/or advice on a bike I'm rebuilding. It's a Raleigh Sprite. I have no idea how old it is and whether or not it's something special or more run-of-the mill. I cobbled it together with some leftover spare parts (different handlebars, new seat, new cables) but plan to upgrade as I learn more about what I'm doing. I have two questions:

1. Anybody know anything about this model?

2. The rear wheel seems bent or warped and seems to be laughing at my ineptitude at correcting. I'm close to simply ordering a new one. The tire size is 27 X 1.25. Anything I should know about what to order, what to avoid, etc?

Thanks in advance.

[GeorgeET]

Well if the rim is just out of true and not truly bend a local bicycle shop can true it for you. Did you talk to one?

[xerxes]

Is it a UK or US bike?

Here's a load for you to look at: http://www.google.co.uk/images?um=1&hl=en&newwindow=1&safe=off&tbs=isch%3A1&sa=1&q=Raleigh+Sprite&btnG=Search&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=

You might also want to take a look at Sheldon's site: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/retroraleighs/catalogs/1977/pages/10-77-sprite-27.html=

[KC-Steve]

I recall Sheldon is/was a fan of Raleighs so here is a link but it's probably not what you are looking for.

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

Perhaps if you could provide a serial number then maybe we could decipher it for more accurate information. Photos would also be helpful.

And welcome to the forum.

Steve

[Bikeshrink]

(07-22-2010, 02:10 PM)GeorgeET Wrote:  Well if the rim is just out of true and not truly bend a local bicycle shop can true it for you. Did you talk to one?

The bike shop I use is about 40 miles away and my work hours and their store hours don't match up well.

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(07-22-2010, 02:13 PM)KC-Steve Wrote:  I recall Sheldon is/was a fan of Raleighs so here is a link but it's probably not what you are looking for.

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

Perhaps if you could provide a serial number then maybe we could decipher it for more accurate information. Photos would also be helpful.

And welcome to the forum.

Steve

This is a helpful and interesting start. It came with the (racing? touring?) downturned handlebars and no fenders on front or back. No braze-on's either. I'll try and get some photos and find a serial number.

Thanks!

[GeorgeET]

Ye, guess I am spoiled, I got ten bike shops within 10 minutes. Three I can walk to. LA is a big bike town. Thats why one cannot find nice vintage bikes here cheap .

Wheel truing is not that difficult for basic tuning. Lots of online info.

Make sure you have the right spoke wrench so you do not strip the nipples. Instead of using a stand just turn the bicycle upside down. As per wheels check Nashbar big sale going on.

http://bikeride.com/wheel-truing/

http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/TopCategory_10053_10052_200335_-1_200276_N

[Bikeshrink]

(07-22-2010, 02:48 PM)GeorgeET Wrote:  Ye, guess I am spoiled, I got ten bike shops within 10 minutes. Three I can walk to. LA is a big bike town. Thats why one cannot find nice vintage bikes here cheap .

Wheel truing is not that difficult for basic tuning. Lots of online info.

Make sure you have the right spoke wrench so you do not strip the nipples. Instead of using a stand just turn the bicycle upside down. As per wheels check Nashbar big sale going on.

http://bikeride.com/wheel-truing/

http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/TopCategory_10053_10052_200335_-1_200276_N

Newbie mistake. Already have stripped nipples. It's hard to write much less say that with a straight face.

Here's an interesting find. I've been reviewing the catalogue pictures and mine came with the shifters mounted on the handlebar fork. The pictures I've seen show the shifters mounted on the lower tube on the frame.

[KC-Steve]

This link might also be helpful in finding the serial number. Be prepared to try figuring out the "speed of furlongs per fortnight" type of language used by Raleigh. (just kidding, quote from a magazine in the 70s) The Brits and Americans are the same people separated by a common language.

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

I finally found my Record Ace serial# on the seat post after looking in all the usual places.

Steve

[Bikeshrink]

I think I found it. It looks like what I've got might be a 1977 Sprite 27. It came in either a 3-speed or 10 speed. I think the derailleur is original. Someone could have removed the original fenders and put on racing handlebars. The color looks pretty close to the same. When I get home from work tonight I'll be able to get a closer look.

[KC-Steve]

(07-22-2010, 03:37 PM)Bikeshrink Wrote:  . . . I think the derailleur is original. . .

Kewl. My Record Ace is a 1978 model. So if yours is of that period then I know an original derailleur is likely labeled as "Raleigh" even though it is a Suntour or maybe Huret.

Steve