Raleigh Mirage 1991 restomod

[gmtfd]

Just finished my first proper, strip-and-rebuild restoration. Managed to grab a few images before the rain started up again. The frame is far too big for me, so I won't be taking it off-road, but it makes a lovely cruiser with the 2.3" Maxxis DTHs.

 

[malt]

That brings back memories, I think for a lot of us, the Mirage was a “right of passage”.

 

[Jaggs]

I really did love those 501 frames, and that Mirage colour was in my opinion, the best. I've always been tempted to get one of the 501's, either the Mirage or Montage, possibly the Dune dancer. That looks superb. Great job.

 

[SirLurkalot]

Very nice. They do make a great cruisers.

 

[gmtfd]

Re:

Thanks chaps! I like the colour too, feels very flamboyant compared to the grey / black bikes I’m used to riding.

 

[mynchiboy]

Re:

Yep, like that!

The good old Mirage may have been seen as a bit of a rite of passage back in the day, but give me a good quality steel frame any day over some cheap, hydroformed Aluminium trash.

Looking at the frame sizing I would have been tempted to try out some shallow drops as well. I would also maybe ditch the 300LX drivetrain for something a bit newer/lighter. I appreciate that it's probably working fine though, as all Shimano stuff seems to do forever.

I'm also impressed that it the tyre clearance at the back to fit the DTH's. Must be super comfy

 

[TreaderSteve]

That's cool - nice

 

[ibbz]

That looks superb ! Colour is just wicked! And lovely touches with everything - just looks so nice - some London hipster would pay a lot for that

 

[gmtfd]

Re: Re:

Aw shucks fellas!

Yep, like that!

Looking at the frame sizing I would have been tempted to try out some shallow drops as well. I would also maybe ditch the 300LX drivetrain for something a bit newer/lighter. I appreciate that it's probably working fine though, as all Shimano stuff seems to do forever.

I'm also impressed that it the tyre clearance at the back to fit the DTH's. Must be super comfy

Yep, a set of gravel bars is a possibility for the future, and I will probably go 1x at some point.

I've been super-impressed with how good it is to ride though, just as it is now. To be honest I wasn't expecting a lot - I approached the build more as an opportunity to learn how to do it, thinking all along that the finished product might well be a bit rubbish. Yes it's heavy, but as you say it's so comfy and smooth, and it just whizzes along on paved roads. So much better than the aluminium single speed I was using to get around town before.

 

[CTK]

looks about the right size for a 11 year old circa 92. "He'll grow into it"

These Raleighs have aged well. Lovely stuff