Here’s a retro/modern custom spec project I’ve been working on for a few weeks (one of two actually, look out for my full custom 16 speed ladies Townsend soon) during breaks from servicing and restoration work. It’s up for sale now though as being my size I’m in real danger of keeping it! Built around bombproof ’80s vintage Raleigh steel frame & forks which I decided to build up with a tough singlespeed look but with the rather stealthy advantage (and lovely ticking sounds) of a classic Sturmey Archer internally geared hub, which gives the rider three gear ratios (51″, 68″ and 90″) making it a much easier proposition than a fixed gear bike to climb, cruise, descend, corner and brake! I like the slightly ratty look – though I can professionally powdercoat the frame & forks in a finish of your choice at your request as an optional extra – but don’t let its simple profile fool you into thinking it’s been thrown together as a lot of thought and fine-tuning has gone into this bike, from the custom built & respaced rear wheel to the upgraded brakes and riding position. A unique machine to add to your stable, or just the ideal fast city whip…
FULL SPECIFICATIONS:
Frame & Fork: 1980s Raleigh 18-23 steel
Size: seat tube 59.5cm c-t, top tube 56cm c-c
Headset: original chromed (restored)
Stem: SR Custom quill (powdercoated)
Handlebar: ITM Super Europa (42cm c-c)
Bar Tape: Planet X (new)
Brake Levers: Tektro RL200
Brake Calipers: Tektro R536 with upgraded cartridge pads (all new)
Shifter: Sturmey Archer SL-S30 (new) with vintage SA cable stop
Rear Sprocket: Sturmey Archer 19t 1/8″
Chain: KMC 1/8″
Cranks: Driveline square taper (130BCD)
Chainrings: Gebhardt GMT 1/8″ (48t)
Bottom Bracket: Tange sealed cartridge 68x110mm (new)
Pedals: VP flatties
Rims: rear Mavic CXP22, front unknown
Hubs: rear Sturmey Archer AW 3-speed, front unknown (both solid axles)
Tyres: Specialized Nimbus 700x28c
Tubes: Continental (new)
Saddle: Specialized Body Geometry
Seatpost: Kalloy
Seatpost Binder: cro-mo bolt (new)
PRICE:
SOLD
NOTES:
Alternative gear ratios, saddles & pedals are available on request
New powdercoat finish to frame & forks available as an optional extra
Though the frame has been slightly modified, it would still be easy to convert the bike back to geared or singlespeed trim