Cap'n Jonny is back with another impressive restoration, and this one is available for anyone as impressed as us, and the sale will support our bike donations! Read on to learn more about this classic vintage bike.
Produced between 1948 and 1960 the Reynolds 531 framed Raleigh Lenton was the best-selling entry-level Club racer of its day in Great Britain. This bicycle, a 1958 Lenton Grand Prix, was the first model with derailleur gearing, using an early Benelux rear with a 4-speed free wheel and rod-actuated front mech with 14-24 tooth rear cogs and 46-49 tooth chainrings. The Bars are a special bend favored by Reg Harris, a cycling legend of the time.
When the bike appeared at the shop it was in pretty rough shape, having been ridden hard for many years. Someone had covered the original gold paint in red latex, Installed turkey levers on the brakes, changed the rear derailleur for a Suntour unit, and installed a vintage track stem.
Removing the latex revealed the original Raleigh Super Chromatic Gold paint and decals. Its poor condition resulted in my decision to repaint. A company in England had the decals and I ordered a set.
Having no luck finding a match for the original gold paint, I selected black to show off the beautiful Lenton decals.
After stripping the frame to bare metal, I painted it with a two-part primer and black acrylic enamel, applied the decals, and applied a 2-part polyurethane clear top coat for durability.
With the goal of keeping everything on the bike period correct if not original, I installed a pair of beautiful 27” Rigida Chrome rims with Campagnolo hubs along with 1 ¼” gum wall tires. I fitted a vintage GB stem with the Reg Harris bars. I paired the original equipment Weinman brakes with early model levers. At the rear, I picked a 14-28 tooth 5-speed Hyperglide style freewheel and Hurret Derailleur to make pedaling up hills a possibility. The original Brooks swallow saddle was long gone, but I picked a Vintage B17 to fill its place.
The complete bike weighs 28.7 lbs. Not bad for an “all steel” bicycle.
This bike is available for sale on our website or by appointment. Have a bike to donate? Let us know. Would you enjoy restoring a bike like this? Come volunteer!