Reopening this page - mostly to post dance resources for my local SCA group.  However, I'll see if I can post other content as I work on other hobbies - like:

Wargaming miniatures

Archery related projects

And, maybe some bikes

Raleigh 2009 Superbe Roadster Upgrade

Having gotten seriously into bikes this year, I wanted something nicer than the hybrid bike I had been riding.  After looking around at the traditionally styled bikes available in my area, I located and settled on a 2009 Raleigh Superbe Roadster that was on closeout.  It met most of my criteria for a nice roadster style bike, and it was lighter than some of the other Dutch style bikes I had looked at, and the price was about half what some of them were running.

Only drawback, the styling of the accessories wasn't what I was after.  The fenders and chainguard were minimalist, and rather plain.  So upgrades were in order.

Stock bike on my first ride

Part of what I wanted from this bike was a stylish machine for tweed rides.  It needed to look like a old, classic bike.

The first upgrades were a Brooks B33 and new seat post, and a riser for the threadless headset.  Next came a bunch of accessories from Velo Orange:  Hammered fenders, chainguard, "rat trap' pedals, and a double kickstand.  Lastly, a Pletscher rear rack for old-times sake - it was the kind of rack I had on my 3-speed when I was a kid, and I always liked the utility of it.  Installation of the upgrades was straightforward, but on the chainguard I found it easiest to rivet the new one to the original ribbon style guard.  Finishing touches have been the handlebar bag, fork mounted light, and a set of removable folding panniers -  more on those in later posts.

The finished bike

It's been a good bike to ride.  I kept the fairly narrow 32 mm tires, and the sprung seat smooths out the ride nicely.   The 8 speed IGH gives it a good turn of speed on the flats, with enough of a low range for moderate hills.  Late this summer we signed on for the local bike club's novice series of rides, and I was able to use the Raleigh on the class 1 and 2 rides, with distances of 20 to 27 miles.  And, of course, I take it on tweed rides.

Happy riding!

   Several people have assumed it's a restored older bike, until they notice the disk brakes and other modern features.  So I guess my aim was achieved.

Coming Soon

I'll be starting to post materials here soon.