Finished at long last after a 5 month long restoration (complete with new powdercoat, decals, re-chroming, wheelbuilding) and out on its second test ride as I couldn’t resist one last spin… Rab, I hope it was worth the wait!
How it looked before the restoration
Frame & Fork: 1981 Raleigh Bomber Mk.I (powdercoated, new decals)
Headset: original Raleigh
Stem: original Raleigh (powdercoated)
Handlebar: original Raleigh (rechromed)
Grips: new foam (close to originals as possible)
Bar End Plugs: original red
Brakes: original Sturmey-Archer (rechromed)
Brake Pads: original Raleigh leather
Cables: new (with original end crimps)
Brake Levers: original Raleigh (clamps rechromed)
Shifter: Sturmey-Archer 3 speed (NOS)
Cog: original Sturmey-Archer
Chain: new KMC 1/8″
Crankset: original Thun (with new cotterpins)
Chainguard: original
Bottom Bracket: Raleigh (NOS)
Pedals: original Union
Wheels nuts: original
Rims: original Raleigh (rechromed)
Hubs: original Sturmey-Archer, with original Raleigh pie-plate on the rear AW
Spokes: new Sapim stainless steel
Tyres: new DMR Super Moto 26 x 2.2″
Tubes: new
Saddle: original (recovered)
Seatpost: original (rechromed)
Seatpost Binder: original
Extras: Kickstand, period correct cable guide
Superb I’m looking for one at the mo..
But if you’ve got your hands on another and are restoring give me a shout..
Give me a shout on 07779 012 292 if I can help
Sorry didn’t see your reply Alexander…I’ll get and give you a ring….thanks Steve.
Hi Alexander.
I’ve recently got my hands on an all original Mk1 and am trying to figure out what to do with it? I intend to start a little side hustle buying restoring and selling classic bikes here in South Africa. The bike in question, as mentioned is all original, 12 speed, has a bit of surface rust in various locations, and the decals are peeling a little here and there, needs a little bit of a tune up, new gear and break cables etc, but other than that it is mechanically sound, I am not very sure how deep to get into it? complete restoration, respray, re-chromed etc, or just a good bit of spit and polish, new decals maybe and keep the patina etc? any thoughts, advice etc would be much appreciated.
Thanks
Dan
Hi Dan,
The meagre living I make from being a bike tech is pretty much from customer’s bikes! It’s alchemy trying to make money on flipping bikes TBH (sourcing NOS Campy for peanuts notwithstanding). Go with your heart if you like the bike, but listen to your head too, it’s easy for budgets to spiral!
Good luck with your enterprise, enjoy it and try to keep your costs down where you can. Do things properly, once – reputation and integrity means everything.
Hope this helps :) A