Re: [CR] Bill Koonce's plated Raleigh Gran Prix...

(Example: Production Builders:Tonard)

Date: Mon, 14 Jun 2010 05:55:38 -0400
From: "Harvey Sachs" <hmsachs@verizon.net>
To: billydavid13@comcast.net
References: <603299426.2171681276482482162.JavaMail.root@sz0035a.emeryville.ca.mail.comcast.net>
In-reply-to: <603299426.2171681276482482162.JavaMail.root@sz0035a.emeryville.ca.mail.comcast.net>
Cc: hsachs@alumni.rice.edu, classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: Re: [CR] Bill Koonce's plated Raleigh Gran Prix...


Billy, thanks for reminding me: If this is a run-of-the-mill Gran Prix, then I would expect that the right BB cup is the infamous Raleigh 26 tpi (?) pipe-tapered unit. Upgrades to "real" or standard BB are rough (although, if memory serves, Phil actually made these adapters, too). In any event, that will be a nice fact to help in ID'ing the frameset.

harvey sachs mcLean va

Billy Ketchum wrote:
> Hi Harvey, Bill, all. My suspicion is that the Gran Prix isn't super
> heavy, although the chrome may add a bit of weight. I'm rather enamored
> of the geometry of British bikes of that era and think it may make a
> very nice rider. {It seems more refined than the Puch made Sears bikes
> which i also have a soft spot for. I'm looking forward to refurbishing
> my Altenburger equipped version.} Especially w/ a set of sprint [sewup]
> wheels. I wouldn't necessarily put a lot of money into it and would
> avoid fenders and racks to keep the weight down. But as i've noted
> before i'm eager to build up a Gran Prix for myself and see how she
> fares. The chrome even w/ patina and flaking is pretty cool. Cheers.
> Billy Ketchum; Chicago, IL; USA.