Sheldon Brown claims another victim: A Raleigh Twenty Saga

[davidpm]

I have a new webpage about my modified Raleigh Twenty Folder. Thanks to all who gave advice and information.

http://cheg01.home.comcast.net/r20.html

It all cost somwhat less than a new Bike Friday (so far...). Enjoy.

[davidpm]

The nylon bushing is dire. I was wondering when I took the Twenty apart, could the stock fork could be used with a regular threaded headset? Besides the odd compression slot in the steerer it appears to be a 1" OD, 7/8" ID tube.

The stock brakes are not too terrible. I still use the stock rear brake. The cantilevers are almost too good. I have to watch out for front wheel skids occasionally.

[davidpm]

http://cheg01.home.comcast.net/r20.html#folded
http://cheg01.home.comcast.net/r20.html#folded2

[brettmark]

As is well known, Britain is completely flat, which is why we do not require gears.

[So get a six-speed Brommie - or fit a Mountain Drive, if you're feeling flush.]

Er, yes. It is this saying that Guy is making a snide reference to; hence it is not necessary to repeat it.

[But it's an 82-character line, tut tut.]

[dedhed584]

You need to show it folded.

[gerald pfister]

I can answer that! Because it's SUPER-MODIFIED!!!

Bill "to quote Vandebaitor, 'DUH!'" S.

[Wsparlene]

Why did you install a suspension fork? A standard fork obviously weighs less and requires no maintenance.

[davidpm]

You will be assimilated.

[sjannasch]

Actually, that's one of the best improvements you can make to a Raleigh
Twenty, after upgrading the rims (and before upgrading the cranks.)

The stock fork uses a rather unsatisfactory proprietary headset, with a nylon bushing in lieu of ball bearings at the top.

In my experience, a BMX type fork improves the handling of a Twenty.

The small wheels give a harsh ride with high pressure tires, so the suspension is particularly welcome in this application.

Last, and probably best, this fork permits the use of a cantilever brake, a HUGE improvement over the looooooooooooong reach sidepulls that came standard on these bikes.

Sheldon "Boing" Brown
+------------------------------------------+
+------------------------------------------+ Harris Cyclery, West Newton, Massachusetts Phone 617-244-9772 FAX 617-244-1041 http://harriscyclery.com Hard-to-find parts shipped Worldwide
http://captainbike.com http://sheldonbrown.com