David K’s Raleigh Sprite 10

Posted

Original down to the tires, David K’s emerald gem, a late 70s Raleigh Sprite 10.

This late 1970’s bike is all original, including the Raleigh brand tires. I spent a couple of hours cleaning and lubing it today, but the brakes and shifters were set up fine. It rides great! Should I switch the OEM tires out for new ones?

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  4. Larry B’s SR Grand Course
  5. Jama B’s Motobecane Mixte
  • mrbroky

    Why mess with it if it works? Keep the tires until you need to change them. Or put them on the next bike to make it easier to flip, then put nsome better performance tires on this for you to enjoy.

  • laverack

    What a beauty! I have never seen an emerald green Sprite before. Only white, yellow and coffee. I think you have an uncommon treasure there. Thanks for submitting!

  • http://hughsbicycle.blogspot.com Hugh

    She`s a beauty alright. I would spring for a new set of gum-walls and brake-shoes as well. You might want to hang-on to anything original you replace.
    The next owner might appreciate it. Great find 🙂

  • Mike D

    Yes, a great find! Absolutely switch the tires if you plan to ride it much. Tires from the 70s may not be very safe – even if you can’t see dry-rot, it is bound to be there in a 30+ year-old tire. Plus, as others have indicated, having the original tires may increase the value to the right collector later. Old brake pads get really hard and dried out, too. I love the painted fender stays!

    • older1

      Basically a good call, Mike, and all approving comments above. I’ve got a pair of awfully rotted fat tires on an ancient mountain bike (that do well for limited, occasional road use), but no matter what rubber composition (and unless they were in very cold, dark, storage), there’s no way old tires maintain their resilience/durability indefinitely. Initially, old tires and tubes are often functional, but serious use will eventually reveal their weaknesses.
      Jobst Brandt made some related comments at the end of an article found at:
      http://sheldonbrown.com/brandt/tubular-fables.html
      Now, regarding the bike, wow, nice find, David! This just confirms the appeal of a classic mixte-framed-tourist bike. A woven handlebar basket would make it positively irresistable!

  • http://hughsbicycle.blogspot.com Hugh

    I was just looking at this bike on Craigs-List AnnArbor Mi. I kept thinking, I know I have seen this bike somewhere before. Good Luck with your sale. You have some very nice offerings.