Re: Raleigh Gran Sport change of direction.
Well. Thread title changed again. After the canine perambulations were completed I got to spend a couple of hours in the shed investigating the Gran Sport. It was a bit of an archaeological approach with gentle removal of years of grime from various sections of the frame and group to assess the condition. I wasn't expecting much but was pleasantly surprised. The paint condition is right on the edge of characterful descending into poor.
Having been a Shimano only builder over the last few years this Italian stuff all seems very delicate and exquisite in comparison. With a little persuasion everything loosened up, wanting to be loved and cosseted. After a bit of tin foil and water for the forks, I sat and thunk. And thunk some more.
I think it was NeilM who posted on my Europa build that 'it's only original once'. Looking at the damaged but largely complete paint with a few ham-fisted touch-ups and remarkably intact if a little scruffy parts, I am inclined to rethink my plans.
This will be sympathetically renovated rather than wiped of all past exploits. The outlay i was prepared to make on paint and postage will got towards sourcing a colour match for proper touch-ups once the small areas of rust have been stabilised. I really have bonded with the bike and colour, not even having slung a leg over it yet. It deserves respect, surviving 36 years unmolested.
I have a 14-28 sunrace block and shimano chain incoming, plus a park tool to remove the old suntour one. cables and more appropriate levers are here. Tyres may follow once I've had a ride or two. Current ones are holding 90psi.
It really is a lovely old thing, and at just over 10kg, no slouch in the right hands. That won't be me then. Unless it's downhill with a following wind.
Pictures to follow of selective cleanups that we bonded over. xxx I shall try and get it in the kitchen once i start loving it up a bit.
Note strange overstamp on serial number? a three on its side?