Refurbishment of 1970's Raleigh Hustler.

We acquired a boys Raleigh Hustler 3 speed 'racer' with the intension of sprucing it up as a town bike for my daughter Ashley.

First thing to do after stripping the bike down to frame and forks was to have it powder coated.

I chose the colour grey-brown from the RAL colour chart.

A big improvement on the original colour scheme.

Next job was to connect the fork back into the frame. The original headset was found to be in good serviceable condition so after cleaning up the chrome and repacking with Finish Line teflon grease we attached the fork to the frame.

I used a rubber mallet to whack the upper and lower cups into place as opposed to using a 'cup press' tool.

I also reused the original ball bearing after cleaning.

Handlebars in next. Original steel Raleigh chromed bars were in excellent condition and enhanced further with wire wool and 'Brasso'

Up next, seat post. Original Sturmey-Archer high chrome polish.

Both wheels seemed to be in a bit of a sorry state. Chrome rims, hub and spokes all dirty with years of grime. But after many hours of meticulous wirewooling and degreasing they finally are up to scratch.

Rear is a 3 speed Sturmey-Archer Hub Gear. Which will be perfect for 'around town' in Lancaster district.

 WOW this bike is begining to look like a 1903 'Tour de France' machine. Original tyre on front wheel.

Original front brake caliper fitted after total strip down and chrome cleaned.
Original Weinmann front brake lever fitted.

 Watch this space for further updates.

Well, after a few more weeks of fiddling about with wire wool, grease etc... the bike is finally ready for the road...

Looking really good. New tyres, new inner cables, new chain, new handle bar tape.

Everything else original taken from the bike and cleaned and brought back to life.

Road tested today and all is working well. Particularly impressed with the gear shifting. Whilst only a 3 speed, it should serve Ashley well as a town bike.