Raleigh Competition 1985 Build

[AWVelocetec86]

Re:

Also got the stem cleaned up a bit and fitted, nice 90mm Nitto one to go with the handlebars when they arrive, still in two minds whether to go for a black stem, but will start with the polished one and see how it sits.

Can’t get much further without handlebars at least, but couldn’t resist mocking the frame up with some white outer cable just to see what it’s going to look like.

 

[AWVelocetec86]

Re:

So, handlebars arrives today, nice shiny aluminium Nitto M151f’s, with compact drops, and engraved centre in 25.4 x 420, so I think they suit nicely as they have a real classic look but give a slightly more modern feel, especially as I mostly rode on the hoods.

 

[AWVelocetec86]

Re:

After a serious amount of wresting I managed to get the stem on to the bars, they were such a tight fit - does anyone have any good tricks for fitting bars into stems without scratching the centre?!! (Bit late to ask now I know!)

Got there in the end though with plenty of lubricant spray and *some* mild profanities!

Got the stem
And bars back on the bike and fitted the STI Levers, and then got the brake cables installed and one side of the bar wrapped.

I find the perforated tape helps keep the wrapping neat and am even as you can use the holes as a guide for how much overlap - the drops are wrapped with a little more overlap to give a bit more cushioning than on the tops as I tend to put more weight on my hands when down on the drops.

Will get the other side done tomorrow and wheels should be here too so hope to get it wrapped up over the weekend, in time for some sun again next week!?!

 

[sjcprojects]

Ah...white bar tape. Better keep those hands clean!

Yeah, no idea how to avoid scratching bars when installing them. That's one reason why these days I'm not really that fussy about getting pristine ones.

 

[AWVelocetec86]

Re:

Yes I know...white bar tape, but I think it does look good and sets off the Raleigh lettering, this stuff actually cleans off pretty well, will see how it fairs!

Well it was/is a new bar, but now looks a little more used and in keeping with the rest of the bike!

Nitto do actually do a 1” ahead stem to fit 25.4 handlebars with a removable face plate which I was tempted by, but it’s pretty pricey, maybe later, anyway this one is on now.

 

[AWVelocetec86]

Re:

Wheels arrived today, think I got an absolute steel here, they came from the same seller but weren’t advertised as a set, in amongst a load of other random wheels. But they definitely are a set, the Mavic MA40 rims are barley used, almost no wear on the braking surface and no marks or oxidisation on the inside of the rim, double butted stainless spokes and 6400 hubs that run really smooth, so pretty pleased.

I was considering building a set as I bought a pair of hubs, but they’ll be on the back burner for now as I wouldn’t have been able to get the rest of the parts to build something equivalent for what these cost.

 

[AWVelocetec86]

Re:

Also got the left side of the bar taped up, and threw on the tyres I have for a test fit of the wheels, still need to swap the cassette, but I’m pretty pleased with how it looks, I think the grey rims work really well with the frame and finish on the tricolore groupset.

 

[sjcprojects]

Very nice. You're right, the grey rims suit it - and the bar tape too...

 

[greytyke]

What a classy build - I've enjoyed reading your thread.
Does the bike ride as well as it looks?

 

[Midlife]

Smart. Radially laced front wheel