Well I rode the thing for the first time in 26 years. My first real racing bike, a '78 Raleigh Team Record (531). Many thanks to those who supplied parts. The purists might complain that I have a Nitto riser stem but my back isn't 20 anymore. Also I have a Raleigh Pro fork. A tree and I merged in 1979. New paint, new decals and the beast rides as well as she did back then. I kind of regret having her hang in the basement so long. The ride is smooth and stable. It actually is more comfortable than the far more modern (and lighter) bikes I've ridden recently. Old steel rules.
Next project is my first custom I built in 1980. Full DA EX. That one could corner like it was on rails. Anyone know what happens when you overload Columbus SL? The tubing was originally for people only 165lbs or less. Unfortunately I haven't seen that number in a while. Am I in danger of wrinkling it or will it just feel a bit soft?
This winter I'll try and convert some of my old tube sets into a tourer. We'll see if the hands remember how to file.
Steve Leitgen
La Crosse, WI