Duncan on his way to Algebra class
The Grand Prix has great lugs and a lovely headbadge. I'd like to take a moment to offer an appreciation of the humble 1970s Raleigh Grand Prix. A simple, well-built bike that takes decades of abuse and keeps on rolling, the Grand Prix is supple, not too heavy, and fun to ride.
Based in Nottingham, England, Raleigh distributed worldwide and was second only to Schwinn in size during the bike boom of the 1970s. With high tensile tubing, the Grand Prix was their mid-range offering on par with the Schwinn World Sport or Traveler.
And yet, the Grand Prix punches above its weight so to speak. It's just a classy, well riding bike. They're a great bike to convert to single speed and they have lots of clearance for wider tires. They've also got excellent center-pull brakes and sturdy alloy wheels that can usually be resurrected.
Last year, I built a single speed Grand Prix for Duncan, my 14 year old son. He's ridden it all over town, including in last year's Powderhorn 24. He bikes to school, to work, and to play Magic at local game stores.
Based in Nottingham, England, Raleigh distributed worldwide and was second only to Schwinn in size during the bike boom of the 1970s. With high tensile tubing, the Grand Prix was their mid-range offering on par with the Schwinn World Sport or Traveler.
And yet, the Grand Prix punches above its weight so to speak. It's just a classy, well riding bike. They're a great bike to convert to single speed and they have lots of clearance for wider tires. They've also got excellent center-pull brakes and sturdy alloy wheels that can usually be resurrected.
Last year, I built a single speed Grand Prix for Duncan, my 14 year old son. He's ridden it all over town, including in last year's Powderhorn 24. He bikes to school, to work, and to play Magic at local game stores.
A mixte Grand Prix I restored this Spring.
One of my favorite things about the Grand Prix, tho, is how great they look. Raleigh seems to have used the highest quality paints--they have a lot less rust, chips, and scratches than other vintage bikes. My one complaint would be Raleigh's insistence on loose vs. caged ball bearings. There's nothing worse than taking a headset or bottom bracket apart and having bearings go flying everywhere.
I'll be buying another Grand Prix this afternoon. From the FB marketplace listing, it looks like it's been hanging upside down in a garage for 30 years. It'll be fun to get that one back on the road, too!
I'll be buying another Grand Prix this afternoon. From the FB marketplace listing, it looks like it's been hanging upside down in a garage for 30 years. It'll be fun to get that one back on the road, too!
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