Hello & Welcome to my "Raleigh Twenty Project!
In late August of 2007, my annual vacation period was fast approaching, and I wanted (actually needed) a fun project to keep
me busy during my vacation period.
After a time of consideration (a very small bit of time you understand), I decided to strike up a new bike build project,
so thought more about it for a few days considering what type\style of bike I wanted to build.
Initially, I thought of building up a "Mixte" bike frame. I like these frames, and thought that it might be a fun project
to embark upon. So, I set out to see if I could find a nice Mixte frame, in reasonable condition, and the same in price.
I began my search by reviewing the bike ads on our local "CraigsList" site and waded through the various bikes listed.
I found what sounded like a nice Mixte ad, but the woman selling it would not commit to a target price range. In addition,
she lived about an hours drive from Victoria. I didn't want to waste my time and gas to drive there and have her change
her mind a few times on the price (which is what she was doing during our phone conversation) and end up driving away empty
handed. Very odd person she was...
Anyway, continuing the search, I happened upon an ad for a Raleigh folding bike. The picture of it captured my imagination,
so I decided to Google the "Raleigh Folder" and happened upon several very interesting rebuilds of this intriguing "little
bike".
I spent a few hours studying those sites, and decided that this would be a very fun build, and probably a fun bike to ride.
I ended up purchasing the advertised Raleigh Twenty, and the following is my accounting of the project.
If you are an R-20 enthusiast, I hope you find this accounting of interest. If you have the same interests about modifying
or customizing a Raleigh Twenty, then I hope that the following may provide some helpful tips and ideas, and may inspire
you to do a similar build.
If you are simply a bicycle enthusiast, I hope this page provides you with some interesting thoughts of how I took this old
tired bike, and gave it new life by providing it with "an injection of youth" from a series of new modern parts, and several
frame mods as described below.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to
.
17 August 2007
Here is the Raleigh Twenty Folder I purchased from a seller on Victoria's Craigslist. It cost a whopping $150.00, but it
is a good strong frame. It was worth the purchase in order to begin my September project. Though not much to look
at presently, I trust it will end up becoming a very nice and interesting little ride.
To Date...
