I recent months I have upgraded this bike from 5 to 10 speed. To make this a little more acceptable on the hills Ive put a 34 tooth sprocket on the back, coupled to a period 42/49 Raleigh steel cottered chainset on the front, hills are a lot more enjoyable now on this old mount. A long cage Shimano Tourney rear mech was also fitted. On the front I was able to source a period correct Huret Alvit mech. I have some new 70mm brake blocks on order too, so the braking will be improved. Managed to get hold of a period steel pannier rack to give the machine better carrying capacity too. Most modern carriers seem to be aimed at machines with a plethora of brazed on mounting points, alas this old machine doesn't have them. Also put a new set of RM 19 wheels to finish the job off. This is a biggish frame at 23-1/2" and when fully loaded is an imposing machine.
