Raw Power 2 – part 2 (first test)

A winter project that’s supplied fun and problems in almost equal measure, you may recall my earlier post showing off the renovation of this Reynolds 501 All-Terrain Raleigh Montage frame that’s been modified, cold set, re-aligned, sandblasted and clearcoated prior to building up.  It was great to take Raw Power 2 out for a shakedown ride today after all the faffing and fettling it’s had since then!  A klunker/moto inspired hot rod built for pure fun on light trails, the Raleigh is still a work in progress but I think we’re gonna get on – it’s not light, it’s got zero travel but it’s a blast!

The only part original to the frame & forks that remains on the build is the 21.1mm headset.  I still have the original stem & bars but having removed the rear canti stop they’re unlikely to be needed with the frame any more.  Wide cro-mo BMX bars (re-finished with the frame) are secured by a beefy Black Ops quill stem and an old skool Raleigh ‘R’ nut keeps the post from moving.  Shod in period Tioga Wonder Dawg skinwalls, the wheels were built by yours truly with the rear hub converted to take a solid axle more suited to the horizontal drop-outs on the frame.  Drivetrain is custom Shimano Deore 1×9 speed (with a narrow wide ring on its way) with a Microshift thumbie moving the derailleur over an 11-40 Sunrace cassette.  The v-brakes are Avid’s astounding Arch Rival parallelogram type with Speed Dial levers and Goodridge housing, providing disc brakes levels of power and adjustability.  The old green DMR V8 flat pedals match up with the Reynolds decal, the grips are new ODI Longnecks and the saddle’s off an ’05 Hardrock Pro.

Technically it’s not for sale… but if you’re interested get in touch; I’ll sell to a good home for the right price.

Frame: 1990 Raleigh Montage 21″, lugged Reynolds 501 All-Terrain cro-mo tubing
Fork: Raleigh steel unicrown 21.1mm (original to frame)
Headset: Tange 21.1mm (original) with Lizard Skin around the poorly sealed lower!
Stem: Black Ops 21.1mm with 22.2mm four bolt clamp (new)
Handlebar: unknown BMX 720mm (refinished to match the frame)
Grips: ODI Longneck (new)
V-Brakes: Avid Arch Rival
Brake Pads: Avid Rim Wrangler (new inserts)
Brake Levers: Avid Speed Dial
Thumbshifter: Microshift 9 speed
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore M591
Inner Cables: Jagwire (new)
Cable Housings: Goodridge (new)
Cassette: Sunrace 9 speed, 11-40 (new)
Chain: KMC X9-73 (new)
Cranks: Shimano Deore M590
Chainring: Middleburn DH, 38 tooth (NOS)
Bashrings: Kona outer, DIY inner
Bottom Bracket: Enduro HTII Ceramic
Pedals: DMC V8
Front QR Skewer: Elitis
Rims: Exal LX17 (new)
Hubs: Shimano Deore M510 (NOS front, used rear converted to solid axle)
Nipples: brass (new)
Spokes:stainless steel (new)
Tyres: Tioga Wonder Dawg 26 x 1.95″ (from c. 1990)
Tubes: Presta (new)
Saddle: Specialized Body Geometry (from 2005 Hardrock)
Seatpost: System EX 27.0mm
Seatpost Binder: vintage Raleigh ‘R’ nut (may swap for a QR)
Weight: what do you think?

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