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60/61 Raleigh Lenton GP

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slowride

Finally riding a big boys bike
Hello everyone,
found this some months ago but have not been able to get to refurbishing it yet. Pictures show as found. I believe either 1960 or 1961 Raleigh Lenton Grand Prix - the last in the line. Here are a few pictures. It’s quite compete. Sadly the front wheel is a replacement ( sturmey archer rim w/ sturmey small flange Hub but correct size rim) but otherwise intact and all other parts present. Original front wheel would be Dunlop special lightweight w/ one piece alloy racelite hub which i am looking for. My intention is to leave completely stock. I know the Benelux is not going to behave like other more modern derailleurs and that’s fine. regarding Benelux, one of the lever adjustment knobs is missing the “Benelux” disk. If you have or know of one I would be interested in buying, trading, etc. the left side lever is bent but I think I can bend it back once I get is apart. Also missing One of front acorn axle nuts and “GB” blue caliper nut and one brake hood. Appreciate any help on these. I believe bar tape not original as should have had white cloth tape but correct me if wrong. I believe Williams half step crank original. Really surprised how well mudguards preserved as they feel flexible w/o any cracks and not dried out and brittle like those Celluloid ones on my 50’s bikes. I’m considering using some water based white paint so not permanent on head tube. I believe cable housing should be white not earlier grey - let me know. I know stem is too high; I would definitely not ride like this. Thanks in advance.
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Lou has the same bike, color and frame size
my '57 was a bare frame purchase, and built around fitting modern parts, mostly because it could be more cost effective than trying to recover the old parts
 
That's in very nice condition. The wheel replacement is pretty common - a curb or pothole could knock a front out of commission with the right knock to it. They were good rims and wheels, but if you ride a lot, you're going to encounter a pothole sooner or later. I wouldn't sweat that one too much. The main thing is that the drive train and Cyclo unit are relatively complete, because replacing that stuff gets expensive. The fenders can get expensive too if you have to replace. If you are going to ride it a lot, you may wan to try swapping fenders to preserve the originals. They can be pretty fragile. I use an aluminum set of Bluemels on my old Clubman. With the condition and rarity of this bike in the US today, I recommend not painting it if you can help it. I have no problem touching up an old Sports or DL-1, but this one is something apart from that, at least in the US market today.
 
First off, your guess on the vintage is most likely correct. '59's and earlier were still using the "suicide shift" front derailleurs. Do not underestimate the ability of a Benelux. As long as you're gently touring, you're going to find the rear is a very efficient derailleur. Then again, since we're running 4-speed corncobs it better work well. Yours is definitely more complete than mine in that you have the original fenders (I'm using Blumel Populars) and at least your rear wheel is original (my wheels are period correct but nowhere near original spec.

I love riding mine. Usually keep it to 10 mile days running loops a couple of miles from home due to the lack of quick releases keeps me worried about getting a puncture on the road. There's something about those old slack geometries I love.

Raleigh Lenton 2.jpeg
 
First off, your guess on the vintage is most likely correct. '59's and earlier were still using the "suicide shift" front derailleurs. Do not underestimate the ability of a Benelux. As long as you're gently touring, you're going to find the rear is a very efficient derailleur. Then again, since we're running 4-speed corncobs it better work well. Yours is definitely more complete than mine in that you have the original fenders (I'm using Blumel Populars) and at least your rear wheel is original (my wheels are period correct but nowhere near original spec.

I love riding mine. Usually keep it to 10 mile days running loops a couple of miles from home due to the lack of quick releases keeps me worried about getting a puncture on the road. There's something about those old slack geometries I love.

View attachment 1269482
Beautiful bike! I love the looks of those heron chainwheels and suicide shifters! What year? Glad to hear the Benelux RD works well. I found exploded view diagrams for it and it looks like everything comes apart on which is good and bad since it’s always easier to disassemble! Mine actually has a 5sp gear block. I believe it’s a cyclo. On underside of saddle there is a marking of “60 A” which I believe dates it 1960. It’s going to be a fun project bringing this back as unlike others I’ve had it’s complete, without damage, and only has minor surface corrosion.
 
...I love riding mine. Usually keep it to 10 mile days running loops a couple of miles from home due to the lack of quick releases keeps me worried about getting a puncture on the road. There's something about those old slack geometries I love.

View attachment 1269482
If you carry a 2-oz bottle of Stan's, a valve core tool, and a pump, you don't have to worry about a puncture.
Stan's has gotten me home when bailing wire went through two spots on a tubie. (I had the fold-up spare, but the Stan's is a whole lot easier than stretching a tubular tire roadside)
 
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That is a beautiful, original bike! I have a 60/61 also in red. Not as nice or complete as yours, but I love it. Will try to post an updated pic of mine. You have inspired me to get mine down and take it for a spin today. Can’t wait to see your beauty polished up. Bulldog, good to see your sweet ride again too!
 
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