BuffsVintageBikes

Thanks Dirkitech I use a variety of pads and polishes depending on the look I want. For a high gloss shine, Autosol metal polish is first choice but sometimes I need to get the blemishes out of the metal using wet sandpaper in various grit sizes. For a burnished type finish (like on the stem) I use a scouring pad (like scotchbrite) on my drilling machine. I use that to get rid of rust on chrome as well but you need to be very careful not to remove the chrome. I also make use of normal tin foil rolled into a ball to hit rust as well. I also make use of my Dremel and its various attachments.

Here's how many parts make up a Huret gear lever set Before the cleaning commenced you couldn't make out the name in the chrome clamp or on the side cups.

Headset; what I thought would just be an easy 1 inch headset replacement turned out to be a bit of a headache. After pulling it all apart and replacing the top and button cups in the frame I discovered that the new lock ring wouldn't thread onto the steering tube Some research on Sheldon Brown's old web page brought back bad news. While the whole world standardized on ISO standards for headset thread pitch post WW2, Raleigh decided that it would cost too much to change all their tooling so they kept their existing pitch standard. The result is that you now need a Raleigh specific headset and they're scares as hens teeth. But fear not, Mark from Mark's Bicycle Workshop came the rescue and cut a new thread on the first part of the headset, just enough for the new ring to bite properly. Then followed a few nights of spit & polish and plenty elbow grease. Here's some before and after pics of some of the parts.

The BB came apart easily considering its age and the cups looked surprisingly good as well with only light marking. It got a fresh lick of grease and new ball bearings and was good as new after the lock-ring got cleaned up.

Because the frameset wasn't anything super special I decided against a full respray and new sticker kit and hit it with a light polishing compound to try and get rid of the worst of the surface rust and old paint. It turned out better than expected. Some before and after photos of the paint on the frame and forks:

The strip down commenced asap as I was super keen to get this project started.

I found that particularly interesting as well. A bit of research indicated that Lycett was eventually bought out by Brooks but the factory continued producing saddles under the Lycett name. Basically a cheaper version of the classic Brooks saddles.

I'll start with this old 1976 Raleigh 5 Speed which I picked up from Eppie on the forum for a very reasonable price. The frame set on the bike isn't anything special but what attracted me was how original the bike was, including the leather saddle. All it needed was a lot of TLC to get it looking good again. The bike is running a full french Huret gear setup with Mafac brakes and an SR crankset. Here's some of the "Before" strip down photos

In my spare time I build up old steel bangers that I pick up at a fair price and restore some new life into them. I mostly focus on SA built bikes like Raleigh, Le Jeune, Hansom etc. (because they're cheaper) but won't shy away from an Italian beauty if it comes my way at a good price. In most instances I try and keep the bike as original as possible but that's not always possible due to the scarcity of parts in SA. Sometimes I might even sell one or two, but that happens rarely as I tend to form emotional bonds with them very quickly I'll use this thread to document and share some of the bikes which I've done and which I'm currently busy with. I try and focus on one bike at a time and generally won't start another project until I've finished the current one. If you're interested you can also follow me on Instagram as @betarider

Awesome build project, I've enjoyed catching up with it Well done for taking the time to teach your Godson the ropes, most would simply get impatient and do it themselves but you're doing a great job here. Mark's a real star with a wealth of bike knowledge, he often helps me with my classic restoration projects as well, sometimes at ridiculous times of the night when he's grafting overtime

I'll be there again this year, looking forward to it although it's looking like we're in for a chilly ride.

I've got a choice of classics I built up to do this event but sadly I'm going to miss out again due to working at the Cape Epic I really wish Eroica would consider changing the date of this event as it conflicts with the Epic every year. Enjoy the event and take lots of photos to share with us who can't make it please.

Loving that old Peugeot and it looks to be in great condition still

I think you're right but sadly some of the chrome work wasn't as fortunate, it's showing a bit more damage.

The derailleur needed plenty attention but eventually cleaned up nicely

Thought I'd share some before and after photo's as I'm progressing through this build. If anyone knows where I can source a 1 inch Raleigh headset in SA please let me know. The Raleigh headset is a proprietary headset with a 26TPI so standard or french headsets don't work on it. The fork and frame I hit with Autosol metal polish and lots of elbow grease.

All the best with your recovery Cois, trusting you'll go from strength to strength in the coming weeks and months. Keep the faith.

Next on the workbench is this 1970 odd Raleigh that I bought from @Eppie earlier this week. The strip down has already happened.

Just an update on my Sancini, the resto job is complete. The good condition of the bike made this a really quick and painless restoration, mainly only requiring new grease on all bearings, fresh cables and lots of elbow grease to get it shining again. The paint work is still mint and just needed a wax polish to bring out the lovely metallic flake.

So this was my return to "road racing" since breaking my collarbone in 2008. 11 years has taken its toll and the old body took shots but wow, I really enjoyed my ride. Yes the parking and start was a total stuff up and needs improving but the route was great, the weather perfect and the finish was well laid out. I was supposed to start in 3E (being totally unseeded) and got there to find all the back groups mixed together and them starting random groups all togther. I think I left with the 3K group but soon hooked a small bunch being lead by 2 guys and a women in Britos kit who rode like demons on the front for half of the race. Helshoogte wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, I just rode a steady tempo and then about 10 guys in our bunch regrouped going through Pniel and then we really started to fly. Thanks "Nick" for doing a massive turn on the front going towards Franshoek, you were a beast until your mate punctured. Eventually finished in around 3hrs15 which was way quicker than what I was expecting and managed to do it without cramping which was a surprise because the last 30km's was done without water. I enjoyed myself.

Thanks, I just so happened to pop in there this morning after posting this and managed to come right

Any chance one of the Resto crowd has a 26.4mm seat post similar to this one up for grabs? The Sancini has a steel post and it just doesn't gel with the bike so I'd like to replace it.

Hi guys, I'm looking for a 26.4mm seatpost similar to this one to finish a restro rebuild project I'm busy with. Please let me know if you have one available, I'm willing to throw some cash at it.

Stick masking tape over the tile before you mark and start to drill, it stops the arrow shaped bit from wandering. Use 2 or 3 layers of it if necessary.

I took delivery of this little resto project yesterday. It's an early 90's Sancini with CRO.9 SL tubing (whatver that may be?) and a complete Exage300EX groupset. All original including the tires. Not a top of the range bike in its time but still in very good nick, especially the paint job. It's already in pieces on my work bench and ready to receive some love & care.