Budget Raleigh build

Currently building a Raleigh frame up (Fixie) on a budget. Any opinions on what wheels to go with?

You might wanna upload those pics to the internet or attach them properly. As of now we have to download them individually.

Apologies

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Might help to know what wheels it takes (700 or 27 1/4). Do you have the original wheels or any others you can put in to check?

If you're running it single speed or fixed you'll be a bit limited by that drive side dropout. Raleigh did this on some models. They half fill in the dropout so you have much less fore aft movement (but leave the other side so you can line the wheel up), can make chain tension harder to achieve. May involve half links or changing the gearing. I guess you could file it out but it'd take ages and easy to mess up.

It looks like you're going for a classic build. IMO it'd look much better with drops or if you're going with flat bars something a bit more period than those flat bars would look better (or just cover up the rounded ends). Just imo though, its your bike.

Will you be getting new decals for it?

Good luck. Looks nice so far.

Any idea what model it is? What age?

I'm gonna guess it was a Raleigh Record Ace (Reynolds 501 tubing). Purely because I used to have one and it shares many similarities. But many Raleighs from this period were like this.

@tallsam It's a Raleigh Quasar (Reynolds 501) early 80's I believe. unfortunately I don't have the original wheels, however I have put a 700c in to take a look and this lines up perfectly with the original front brake. The pads are adjusted very low though so it may have been 27 1/4 originally - I am still trying to find the spec somewhere.

I can see the dropout being an issue but the frame was free so I'm hoping I can sort it.

If anyone has any suggestions on a low budge wheelset £100-150 ish? I will probably run 700c as I'm not too fussed with a brake.

Also - I completely agree with the bars and have recently picked up a set of drops :)

Funny: I've got a Quasar frame and forks next to my desk at work, waiting for a paint job.

Yes, it's a mid-80s model. The original wheels for the Quasar were black anodised 700c Weinmann concave rims on Maillard Helicomatic hubs. I think that reasonable tyre options are 20-28c (I did once try a 35c Marathon Plus on the front fork and it was almost airtight).

If you're looking to restore it, @boydsbikes often has wheelsets from the period :)

@vilms5000 Have you had any issues with the drive side dropout/chain tension? (if you have built it up)

I'm not necessarily looking to completely restore it, just building it up as a budget/city commute but want to keep it looking relatively reasonable

No problems before and expecting none when I get it back on the road (I am not changing anything from the original spec). Good luck with the rest of the build - and post a pic when it's done :)