New winter hack - Raleigh Banana

[GunterP]

Just got myself a bargain on eBay, an old banana with lots of new bits. I have given it a good going over, fitted a new set of mudguards and even managed to bodge an old carrier for the commute to work.

The carrier didn't have the right brackets, so I popped into Halfords and found some battery clamps which work a treat, even if they do look terrible! Fixed on there with some hosepipe to space them properly...I will have some better brackets made soon Halfords also sell the old fashioned pumps, so I got one with clamps to suit.

Maybe not everyone's cup of tea, but it will get me through the winter without trashing a new paint job! Mechanically it's sound, which is nice.

 

[bigfatron]

Re:

Those suicide levers could mean you won't be commuting for long.......

 

[cloonaghpat]

Re:

it looks like a prop out of a mad max movie. In fact I'd go as far as saying if Mad Mad did a paper round this would be perfect. I LOVE IT. I'd try to get a matching fork, no forget it, the fork on it gives it a muscular front end.

Regards,

Pat

 

[GunterP]

Re:

Suicide levers will go when I get some new levers with hoods ;-)

I do want to respray the forks, be a cheap rattle can job but good enough to match the aethetics of the bike

 

[cloonaghpat]

Re:

I remember my cousin had one - a 21 inch frame, it was a model similar to yours. 250 pounds here in Ireland is what they cost in 1990. They came with a lovely saddle. You could have a nice project there if you wanted to go that route. It was always one of my favourite paint schemes. What frame size is it 24"?

Pat

 

[GunterP]

Re: Re:

I remember my cousin had one - a 21 inch frame, it was a model similar to yours. 250 pounds here in Ireland is what they cost in 1990. They came with a lovely saddle. You could have a nice project there if you wanted to go that route. It was always one of my favourite paint schemes. What frame size is it 24"?

Pat

Hi Pat, is measures 23.5" from middle of bottom bracket to top of seat post.

I might do a full refurb in the summer, but will keep it scruffy for now, the mud and salt would ruin a new paint job and I wouldn't want to ride it!

Gunter.

 

[Jonny69]

I don't understand what the problem is with suicide levers. I had them on my old Viscount and they were... really handy. Especially round town where it's a pain having to keep grabbing for the drops.

 

[GunterP]

I don't understand what the problem is with suicide levers. I had them on my old Viscount and they were... really handy. Especially round town where it's a pain having to keep grabbing for the drops.

They are handy for slowing down, not much good for emergency stops though!

 

[GunterP]

Re:

Quick update. I found the original bars very uncomfortable on the hands and wrists, braking was always difficult having to use the drops to brake properly. I have just bought some bull horn bars and brakes, I had to get new tape and cables as well...but it works a treat. I find it a lot more comfortable, so I am a happy bunny!