(First post) 1980's Raleigh the winner

First off. Morning all!

Right, I have a 1980's Raleigh the winner road bike. I'm pretty sure these bad boys were made from gas pipe (probably wrong) it's all original and only needs some TLC . Now having spent a lot of time restoring customers old school bmx's and what not I have an understanding of the 'keep it original' thing.

So, with that in mind the question is...

To single speed or not to single speed?

(Apologies if this is in the wrong section)

Got a pic?

Two above mate

Morning!

Converting it to single-speed doesn't involve doing anything irreversible, so don't let that put you off.

Having said that, it wasn't a high-end model (made of 18-23 steel and equipped with "suicide levers") so you needn't worry about getting lynched by the Retro Police.

The question is, why do you want to convert it?

Well I had a charge plug 1 that a friend coveted and then bought. I loved the simplicity of the bike especially since my other bike is a 2013 polygon collosus enduro bike. I noticed on a single speeder the lack of complexity makes for a nicer ride

Go for it then!

The cheap & cheerful route would be to swap the multi-speed freewheel for a single-speed one, remove one or other of the chainrings (if you're lucky, you'll be able to use the outer chainring position) and get a shorter bottom bracket to get a straight chainline.

Add some mudguards and you've got a nice Winter hack! While you're at it you might as well cable the brakes properly (they should go over, not under the bars).

Do you need a saddle? I've got a period one you can have for postage: it's even red! I've got some nicer Shimano brake levers too.

Wow dude. I'd be most gracious if you could! How much would postage be?

Just having a debate about stickers now. Any thoughts on if they should be removed or not? Im more leaning to removing them as they do look rough

Postage will be £3.90.

You're welcome to the saddle: it's a little scruffy at the back, but sound otherwise.

The levers on the right are Shimano Exage. A bit of the plastic trim is broken, but this is only cosmetic; hoods are good, return springs strong: £5.

The levers in the middle are Shimano Tiagra. The odd scuff, but otherwise sound; hoods are good, return springs strong: £10.

NB They are both "aero", ie the cables run along the bars and under the tape, so you'll need to re-wrap your bars and the current cables may not be long enough.

A good excuse to replace the current tape and cables which are both tired and gaudy :)

Removing the decals seems pointless to me: a lot of effort for little reward.

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I can definitely make use of the seat. So don't let that go. I may have those levers in the middle off you as well. I don't suppose you have a pair of pedals too that are befitting of the bike? These on here have seen way better days

Flat pedals?

£10 for these MKS including half-clips. I serviced them a couple of years back: smooth and free spinning.

One of the dustcaps is AWOL: http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/sylvan-dust-cap-fits-sylvan-touring-and-quill-pedals-prod2239/

NB The flash doesn't flatter, they aren't so rough IRL.

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Send me some PayPal details mate, or whichever you prefer and I'll give you my postage address I need those pedals and that seat without a doubt.