Okay guys, I need some advice.
I've fallen heir to an interesting bike: a 1958 Lenton Grand Prix. Specs are as follows:
Frame: it's got a 531 label, but it doesn't tell me much. Paint is supposed to be Sunshine yellow, but it's faded to a variety of shades from melted butter to urine to that iridium coating that GM put on its carbeurators. Fork : Raleigh with the thimble crown Cranks: Cottered, steel, heron-head, 46/49 RD: Campi Gran Sport FD: (this is what sealed the deal for me) Cyclo Benelux, rod operated Saddle: Brooks, with one rivet torn completely out, and the traditional knotted string across the bottom to keep it from turning into a leather manta ray. The bars are steel with a shallow drop, the stem is either lugged or made to look like it. It has Blumels fenders that look brand new, tiny chrome pedals with no makers mark, and Racelite hubs, 32/36.
This bike is not in great shape, but I love the ride and the aura. It's not particularly refined --weird, clunky lugs with no thinning at all--but it speaks to me and I want to do the right thing with it.
Here's my idea: I don't have the time, patience, or cash to do a full restoration, the kind that makes it look as though the bike had fallen into a time machine in 1958, and I want it to be a regular rider. And the steel rims are hard to like, heavy, slick, and one isn't even original. I want to make this bike look as though it was bought new in 1958, served a few years under a high milage club rider, and THEN fell into the time machine in, say, 1964. A few performance upgrades, but all in the CR spirit, and nothing that cannot be easily undone.
Let me ask the collective wisdom a few questions: What hub/rim combination would be appropriate? The clearances are generous, even with 27 x 1 1/4 inch tires and fenders, and I don't think the brakes would reach on 700s anyway. I've got a stray Racelite front hub, with those lovely acorn nuts. Does anyone have a stray rear, in 36 or 40 hole, that they'd be willing to sell?
I've got a set of Mafac Racer calipers in my junk box, that look just used enough. Would they be appropriate? The catalog info on Retro Raleigh is kind of sparse, and I know the Weinmanns that she wears now(606, with Raleigh branding) are far too modern.
The brake levers are generic Weinmanns, too. Where can I get appropriate hoods for them?
How did riders keep up with time/speed/distance in those days? Those Huret tic-tic-tic odometers date back to 1903, at least, but were they the only choice? And if somebody will send me good photos of a stopwatch clip, I'll see if the sheet metal shop can run one (or some) up.
The Brooks saddle (the catalog scan says B15, and I can't find a date) looks done for. I've got a Wrights in decent shape. Would this be a reasonable substitute?
What handlebar bag would be approprate? Carradace?
Photos below:
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Thanks for letting me take up your time. I want to do the right thing with this bike.
marie autrey
Decatur, Georgia
United States
ridingrabbit@earthlink.net
EarthLink Revolves Around You.