Raleigh MTrax - Finished!

[TorrRides]

Hi All

New to the forum but thought i would share my Raleigh Mtrax (Exact age and model unknown thanks to worn decals - any pointers welcome)

Picture shows how it arrived after a hard life as the commuter and occasional off roader for a roadie friend. First time I've encountered a worn out crown race that's for sure.... but still it was only £35



I stripped it of commuter adornments, fettled the STX drivetrain, added assorted headset parts and new pads. And added some chunky 2.3 Conti Verticals. Ran it like this for first lockdown and 100 miles of local bridleway work.



Paint is dire (pictures do it way more justice then it deserves) so as such I'm taking the plunge and she is now at the powdercoaters and some non standard parts in the wings to get it back to a bombproof gravel slayer..

watch this space

 

[jimo746]

Re:

Amazing difference between the two photos, any idea on what colour you’re going to have the frame done in?

 

[Magpiegifts]

Interested to see the finished frame, and to know who you used to do the work

 

[Antwack]

Re:

Looking forward to any updates. I've recently acquired a tired M-Trax frame which I've almost finished gathering parts for to build back up but have decided I'm going to paint the frame. I guess I should start a thread.

 

[TorrRides]

Re:

cheers for the interest and have answers to your queries and a little update.. as a treat

The frame is being coated RAL 7016 (Anthracite grey) by 1st Choice Exeter, so i will let you all know how that goes.

I did a little working over the cranks with wet and dry. Worked through up to an 800 grit and then a little tickle with the 1200 to no discernible effect. Non-driveside done compared to the 25 odd year 'patina' on the drive side..



No desire to polish as this is a bike to be ridden and remind me that my fond memories of cantilever braked rigid bikes not being that bad in welsh mud are a lie


Ps:

Looking forward to any updates. I've recently acquired a tired M-Trax frame which I've almost finished gathering parts for to build back up but have decided I'm going to paint the frame. I guess I should start a thread.

Yes! a thread is needed!

 

[Antwack]

Great job on the crank arm.

 

[TorrRides]

Re:

Cheers! It was oddly satisfying to do too!

Update: bike is back from powder coat and looks good job. I’ll post some pictures soon outside as inside pictures don’t do it justice.

 

[Captain Stupido]

Re:

I'll be interested to see how the powdercoat came out as they're fairly local to me... Main thing is that they mask up threads etc. properly!

Wouldn't mind knowing what they charged, either...

 

[Magpiegifts]

That's what I was referring to In my comment yesterday. Quality and price I'd like to know. I'll keep eyes on your post

 

[TorrRides]

So I got some pictures of the powder coat in the day light. Masking is very good with no coating in any threads/bores and only the odd bit of grit caught in larger threads. Cost £70 for frame and fork. I had cheaper quotes elsewhere but mentions of masking wasn't well received.

Full disclosure means I must note there is a small flake of old paint that must have been blasted inside a tube and dislodged in curing. Didn't spot it on my inspection. I'll remove it and use a RAL7016 pen to sort it out at a later date.