Vintage Raleigh Phoenix 10-speed Racer

Paul Kiernan · 21-08-2011 1:06pm #1

A mate of mine wants to get back into road cycling after 20+ years away.

The only bike he has is a very old Raleigh Phoenix 2x5 speed racer and as he's unemployed he's not in a position to upgrade. The gearing is far too high for him (I think the smaller chainring is a 42) and I'm wondering if it would be possible to change over to a cheap triple front crankset (something like a Suntour 48-38-28).

The shifters are downtube friction type so they shouldn't be a problem. The worry is the BB, I know Raleigh used non-standard sizes but don't know if that applied to this model? Ideally, I would replace the BB with a cheap square taper, put on cheap triple crankset and a cheap triple front mech.

Any help or pointers appreciated, Paul

Dr.Millah · 21-08-2011 1:14pm

You might find a cheap enough square taper crankset around online alright that should fit the BB on the Releigh. I have 2 releigh flyers (late 80's) and the BB fit a square taper crank i got off a GT MTB so you should have no problems.

I was having the same problem myself recently, brought the releigh up sally gap with my lowest gear being the 42/25. Made the climb very tough i went to a few bike shops looking for a smaller chainring that would fit the crankset but I had no luck.

I indended calling to Rother on Phibsboro road but it was put on the long finger, might have a chance finding something there.

cdaly_ · 21-08-2011 1:43pm

You might have better luck putting a 6-sp or 7-sp touring sprocket block on the wheel. I got a 14-28t or similar from rothar last year and IIRC, there are the likes of 14-34t to be had. The seat/chainstays should stretch wide enough to accommodate that though you would need an extra nut on the drive side of the axle.

Paul Kiernan · 21-08-2011 2:52pm

Thanks guys. It has a 28 on the back at the moment but obviously a 34 would be a big improvement. Whatever I change, front or back, I'll probably have a problem with the rear mech not being able to handle the chain take up.

cdaly, why the extra nut?

Holyboy · 21-08-2011 3:44pm

You could always fit a cheap 38/48 tooth double instead, no problems with any of the mechs then! Depending on the dish of the chainset you may not even need to change the BB, seems to me to be the cheapest option.

cdaly_ · 21-08-2011 8:48pm

Paul Kiernan wrote: »

Thanks guys. It has a 28 on the back at the moment but obviously a 34 would be a big improvement. Whatever I change, front or back, I'll probably have a problem with the rear mech not being able to handle the chain take up.

cdaly, why the extra nut?

Might be necessary if going from a 5-sp to 7-sp freewheel as the block would be wider (IIRC) and would foul the dropout.

Vintage Raleigh Phoenix 10-speed Racer

Comments