IanW's RST

[IanW]

Hi all,

I have been a leisure+commute cyclist for 34 years
but my trusty Raleigh Carlton Sports Tourer of 33 years ownership
became just too expensive to keep running
(6-speed thread-on sprocket block 6-speed indexed derailleurs, non-standard thread axles etc.).

So I have recently changed my bike to a Raven Sport Tour (RST).

As you might guess from the photos attached my preferred / favourite colour is red.

I "ported" the rack + saddle-bag + saddle + pedals + battery lights + AXA defender + AXA U-lock
across from my old bike to the new RST.

The RST is essentially the equivalent spec to my old bike, just a bit heavier
(because after 33 years *I* am a bit heavier 

Over the years I had gone through various generations of bicycle lighting
EverReady's , EverReady NightRiders, Vistalites, Sturmey-Archer Dynohubs + Union H3
then later same Dynohub + B&M Lyt N

So I treated myself to a SONdelux + Edelux on the RST

I have since added a B&M Toplight Line brake plus and Cateye HL-EL530 + Cateye TL-LD1100
which results in the well-specified / well-lit commuting + leisure bicycle (photo attached)

--
Ian

[Danneaux]

My, Ian!

What a stunning red bike you have, and beautifully appointed, too! It is always such a treat to see how similar frames can be personalized into really magnificent individual "rides" thanks to owner preferences and component/color choice and selection. Yours looks just outstanding in this regard, and I can even see the special light-mount you made for the rear rack (and I can now see how nicely its reflectorized red tape would match the rest of the bike from the rear).

I'm impressed by your lighting choice and the visibility it will afford to not only see, but be seen. The spoke reflectors work very well, and I can they love the camera.  Your bike even includes one of my own favorites, the frame-mounted ring-lock.  By any chance, have you named it yet?

Well done! Thanks for sharing; hoping we'll see more of your fine bike in other settings over the dreary, dark days ahead. Nothing like a red bike to spice up any outdoors photo! All good wishes for 33 more years of happiness on this, your new bike.

Best,

Dan.

[Andre Jute]

A thoughtfully specified, impressive bike. Nice work, Ian! I'm impressed by 33 years with the same bike! -- Andre Jute

[IanW]

Strictly only the frame + forks + handlebars + brake levers + stem + seat-tube
lasted the full 33 years

Approximately 20 years ago I lent the bike to my brother while he was at university.

It came back 2 years later rather the worse for wear and missing a few bits
(like the saddle and original rack and lights)

So it was renovated with a conversion to 700c wheels (from 27")
and 12-gears, now "indexed" at the rear
and converted to cantilever brakes
and resprayed (red).

At which point it was virtually a shiny new bike.

I then added a "winter dynohub + light" front wheel as a winter lighting option.

The last addition was a Thorn rack because the saddle-bag was beginning to "eat" the rear mud-guard.

So the "33-year-old" bike was a bit like "my grandfathers axe"
where nearly all the parts have been replaced over time.

I was sad to see it go, but the RST is a great replacement.

But I am afraid I am not into naming my vehicles,
with the single exception of my other 'cycle
called "Speedy" (which a Windcheetah trike).

--
Ian

[Andybg]

Lovely looking bike there Ian and I know they are a joy to ride.

I have just sold one similar to yours and gone for a standard Tour. Not nearly as sporty a ride but I wanted the carrying capacity and larger tyre clearance

Best of luck with the new bike - I am sure with your track record it will be well looked after - not like trigger's broom

Cheers

Andy

[jags]

well done class looking bike enjoy every pedal stroke.