1993 Raleigh Strata Converted for Commuting/Touring

[Zraya]

Might get a kickstand for it and I'm hoping to get some replacement decals, but other than that my Raleigh Strata has been successfully converted for commuting or touring. Got a bit carried away and bought a few things more for aesthetics rather than practicality, but I'm happy with it.

 

[CrossFred1978]

Re: strata

very nice Strata, not seen one in years. a mate of a mate had one new back in 93. great colour.
your mods are kinda different think i would prefer flat bars and fat tyres but it would make a great tourer all the same. nice to see another classic Raleigh appreciated and used.

 

[KermitGKona88]

Re:

WOW your not going to miss that one in the bike park

 

[CassidyAce]

Re:

Very distinctive looking! Love the quirkiness!

I hope this isn't being a killjoy but if it's a commuter/tourer, and any of the riding is after dark, the pedals need amber reflectors. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway ... s-59-to-82

 

[Zraya]

Re: Re:

Very distinctive looking! Love the quirkiness!

I hope this isn't being a killjoy but if it's a commuter/tourer, and any of the riding is after dark, the pedals need amber reflectors. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway ... s-59-to-82

It's got a couple of red rear reflectors on it and I've been looking at getting some lights, but I didn't know about the pedal reflectors being mandatory.

 

[xerxes]

Re:

I believe 1 red rear reflector, 1 front white reflector and amber pedal reflectors are required by UK law: https://www.cyclinguk.org/cyclists-libr ... egulations. However, I don't think it's often enforced and lights are far more effective and modern LED lights are really good.

Also, rather than ugly, bolt on reflectors, you could use some reflective tape: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3M-Diamond-G ... 1788514417, this 3M stuff is very reflective, probably more so than the plastic bolt on reflectors you get.

I ride quite a lot in the dark during the winter, regularly for a couple of miles along a busy road across town. Here's my old Kona racked, mudguarded and decked out with reflective tape and two rear lights, one I have flashing and one constant:

Look at that rusty noodle.

 

[Titiritero]

Re:

If the saddle is already now at the right level for its user, then that stem is way too long. The person riding the bike will be awfully stretched and uncomfortable for longer touring rides. The butterfly bar helps to bring the grips closer, but still.

That stem is easily 130-150 mm long. Something like a 75-90mm stem would improve the situation, but the top tube might still be too long.

 

[Zraya]

Re: Re:

If the saddle is already now at the right level for its user, then that stem is way too long. The person riding the bike will be awfully stretched and uncomfortable for longer touring rides. The butterfly bar helps to bring the grips closer, but still.

That stem is easily 130-150 mm long. Something like a 75-90mm stem would improve the situation, but the top tube might still be too long.

I've been looking at getting a shorter stem, but I've had a few rides and decided to leave it for now. As it is I've not had any trouble reaching the bars, I'm not hunched over or anything.