1958 Raleigh Lenton grand prix 7 Reg Harris road model

[phoog]

This is my 1958 Raleigh Lenton grand prix 7 Reg Harris road model,



When I saw the (195 advert for it I thought great, it promised more MPH AND effortless ease, which is exactly what I need, and it only costs 28quid, anyway it's actually turned out that with a lowest gear of 46/20 I seem to be going slower and with far more effort than usual, the exact opposite of what I wanted !!



With the exception of the Saddlebag/support/allez water bottles and cage (along with the tyres and possibly the bars) it's pretty well exactly as it left the factory, even the celluloid mudguards are undamaged !





The benelux hand changer seems like a lot of bother to go to when the front rings are 49 or 46 !

 

[The History Man]

That's gorgeous. Where has it been?

 

[phoog]

That's gorgeous. Where has it been?

I don't know, It really is in brilliant condition, the only rust spots are on the front clanger rod, and 2 mins of elbow grease will sort it out, the rims, stem, chainset, saddle etc etc are all looking new ! think the chain is original and if it has been used, not much, same as the rear freewheel
there was a white film over parts the frame, like plaster or cement dust
it had the original tyres on, although they had "melted" (stuck to the floor)
the pedals, stem and seatpost were all free
I bought it (not cheap, unfortunately !!!) at auction, the guys there thought it came from a house clearance, although it may be they just said that to get rid of me

I've had an unrestored/good RRA on the shopping list for ages now so I'm very happy

 

[allenh]

That really is a very lovely thing, I'm not in any way jealous at all.

 

[Craigmount]

That's a fabulous looking bike, and great to see it's still in its original spec as well.
Any chance of a close-up pic of the rear derailleur, and also the front lever shifter? This is to help with my own 50's "Lenton" rebuild. Thanks!

 

[Joe_Rides]

Wouldn't change a thing on that (other than new tyres and a bit of sprucing!), even the saddlebag with (what looks to be) an old waxed cotton rain cape are perfect.

Really really nice

 

[Carlp]

Re:

Nice bike, what a great find.