1987 Raleigh Montage (501)

[sparkybhp]

My deep dive into 80’s atb’s continues..

Found this locally on Gumtree for £20, picked it up just now.
It’s had a fair bit of use but looks solid and ripe for a resto.

Removal of the padded seat cover has uncovered this sweet faux-suede snake skin saddle!

With the rest of the ‘dad mods’ removed it’s actually starting to look pretty sweet.

 

[Andy witherspanner]

Very nice montage, always liked these and the other raleighs from this era.

 

[sparkybhp]

Once this was stripped down I found the wheels were too far gone. The rear axle was bent, freewheel wouldn’t undo and the spoke nipples we’re disintegrating when I was trying to true the wheels.
Gave up on those.. Decided to go a different way with this and built it up as single speed with M600 v-brakes (the original canti’s were shockingly bad!).

The frame is remarkably clean, a bit of t-cut and polish has it looking pretty fresh. It rides really well with the 46/18 gearing and the frame rides nicer than any 501 that I’ve had before.

Alloy riser bars (off a Marin I think) help make it a bit comfortable to ride.
I’m pleased with this one, built cheaply with parts I had knocking around and the original cranks, mechs and shifters will come in handy for another build down the line.

 

[polsonm87]

Looks great, especially for £20

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

All the 501 bikes I've had have been great. Ride well and not spendy.