1970 Raleigh DL-1 Rod Brake Roadster

This 1970 Raleigh DL-1 is pretty much ready. This bike came from an online sale at a fairly discount price, considering it was a low-mileage bike. The 24 inch frame on 28 inch wheels is as large as I would care to go, but it rides very nicely. 

 

Before:

 

After:

 

 

This bike has a large, 24-tooth rear cog (48-tooth front) and oversized Schwalbe tires. It has a very low gearing, which combines with those tires to create a "slow but steady" feel. The oversized tires are nice to have on dirt paths or rougher roads. 

 

The rod brakes are set up and adjusted. They stop about as well as rod brakes will stop a bike. The low gearing generally keeps the speeds pretty low anyway. The long crank arms and low gearing are nice to have on the hills around here.

Summary of work done:

• All bearings cleaned, oiled/greased and rebuilt.
• Everything disassembled and cleaned.
• Hubs disassembled, cleaned in ultrasonic cleaner, rebuilt. 
• Replace crank cotter pins. 
• Add new-old-stock Sturmey Archer shifter (metal face)
  
• New rubber grommets on fender wire brace mounts.
• Replace stripped/damaged screws and bolts.
  
• Rim washers added to wheels.
• Wheels tensioned and trued.
  
• New tires and rim strips.
• New brake pads (Kool Stop rubber)
• New MKS 3000S pedals
• New shifter cable and cable cover.
• Replace plastic fulcrum stop and pulley wheel with vintage metal.
  
• New chain (KMC nickel plated)
• New rear cog (24-tooth Sturmey Archer)
• Paint polished and touched-up.
• New old stock 1970s Raleigh handlebar grips.
• New saddle - Wright's Olympic roadster.
• New retro LED light set (Kiley/Soma)
• Replace wornout decals/graphics with new ones (H. Lloyd's)
  
• New Acorn saddlebag. 
• Vintage Raleigh bell.
  
  

Here are some close-ups - those H. Lloyd replacement decals are great.