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@Lium
So I was given this Raleigh bike that I have dated back to 1974 but unfortunately can't find any info about. As the bike had no real value I wanted to strip it down and upgrade the parts to make a reliable everyday bike that I can use to ride both for fun and for purpose. My original plan was pretty nooby and was to strip the frame and clear coat (looks cool but not practical at all). Then I realise this was a stupid idea for a steel frame. As I was going to carry on running single speed I decide to clean up the frame and remove hangers and lugs although I was running brakes. So I drilled the required holes to internally route the cables. These are pictures before and after stripping. I understand this build wont be everyones cup of tea but this is a build to produce a reliable bike with modern parts to ride everyday. I'm a massive fan of rebuilding gorgeous old frames with appropriate parts but this frame really wasn't that nice so I wasn't really bothered. I am interested in building up a older frame with appropriate parts and groupset in the future but only when I can afford to do it well.
So far I've got a Shimano R-501 wheel set with single speed converter, Shimano Brake Callipers (unbranded ones, will probably replace them soon), YMC Chain, Deda Tape, Vittoria Zaffiro Tires, ITM Drop Bars and Quill Stem and a Primo One Bolt Lever (looking for another to match the lever). For now I'm going to use the original crankset and saddle/seatpost although I will replace the crankset and seat in the future when I can afford it. Only trouble I've got with the seatpost is that its a 23.8mm seatpost and I can not find one anywhere! Do you guys recommend using the original headset and BB and just replacing bearings if needed or purchasing new ones? Frame is going in to be sprayed soon and then Im going to rebuild. All the parts are black so Im thinking a silver or white frame. Suggestions/photos welcome!