[Closed] Old steel road frame. What is it and is it worth reconditioning? (Pics)

Hmmmm maybe not pics?

your pic links are

https//farm4.staticflickr.com/3887/14758113148_506e83c8ea_m.jpg

instead of

and if you remove the _m from the end they'll be a reasonable size to boot.

From this;

[img] [/img]

it looks like it might be an old raleigh. If it is, then not a lot and not really are the answers.

It the 105 is original then the frame is likely to be half decent, maybe 531, which will be better than many steel frames around today.

Refurb? It looks in good nick. 1" steerer is a bit of a limiter, I wouldn't spend much on it, it should ride well as is.

Can't see from the pic but if it's a cheaper original Raeigh fork, check them for rust where the blades are welded to the box section at the top.

Looks better quality than that though.

As Al said, you'd be paying a lot to get even a semi decent new steel frame these days.

Loads of old brochures over at Retrobike.

Tried the frame number?

Orbit did loads of those paint jobs IIRC.

Cheers I'll try and get some more pictures up.

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I really love the ride and would love to keep it going but is it worth doing so? Apparently the bottom bracket has been welded in because the threads were knackered. (This was a gift from a mate, he bought loads of stuff from an auction I think so we don't know any history)

I think the brakes callipers have corroded to the frame.

Any pointers, much appreciated. Also any idea of the age?

No serial number I'm afraid.

post it up in the road section of retrobike ... they'll know for
sure what it is 🙂

Nice one kid

If you like the bike and want to keep it going it's worth doing what's needed to stop it rusting into disrepair, in my opinion.

Financial value isn't the only value worth considering...

Argos will put an insert into a frame with stripped threads, or you can get bottom brackets which can fit frames with stripped threads.

The spindle would probably have to be drilled out of the bottom bracket, and then the rest of the BB drilled/reamed out of the BB shell.

I guess you could probably remove the brakes yourself if they're corroded to the frame, if you use enough force, maybe using a centre punch on the brake bolt and a hefty hammer?

Could be worth checking the seatpost isn't corroded into the frame.

Could be an Orbit. I had one that looked similar although a different paint job. As they are still in business you could try mailing them to see if it's one of theirs.

Edit - Just seen wingnuts post above.

Thanks very much for the input. That's promising regarding the bottom bracket. I agree timothy, if I can keep it going I kind of like the story behind it. My mate gave it to me to see if I liked cycling, I did and I have done 5000 miles on it! I can't wait to see what carbon feels like next summer and keep this for winter.

Any recommended frame repairers around North Yorkshire?