Raleigh DL-1 rear axle questions

[gna]

I recently picked up a mid '70s DL-1.  The bike looks to be in good shape, but the seller had taken the bike apart and can't find some of the bits and bobs.  The rear wheel and fender were off the bike, and it is missing axle nuts, washers, and indicator, as well as whatever hardware holds the rear fender on.  I have a few questions:

• Does a DL-1 use anti-rotation washers, or just a regular washer with the standard AW axle nuts?Also, I seem to recall that DL-1s have chain tensioners on the rear drop out--is there anything special about ones for Raleighs?
• Are there any rear racks that will fit a 28" wheel roadster?

I'm sure I'll have more questions as I get it together.

Thanks,
Gary

[Paul McLeete]

Hi Gary,

Congradulations on picking up the DL-1.  A bit tough getting a new machine thats not ready to go and your not familair with, but you'll work thru it.

Nice thing with the rear chain adjusters is it is not necessary to use those serated washers that chew paint up. The chain adjusters counter the torque forces of peddeling that can make the axle slip.  On the axle, the adjusters can go ether inside or outside the frame. I prefer inside.  

The fender is attached at the rear with a round, bent wire fender stay thats attached at the fender with the screw, washer, lock washer then nut of the rear reflector.  the other end of the fender stay goes on the rear axle.  I use a plain or spring 10mm washer if I'm not using the stock one.  Up at the seat stay bridge the fender uses a typical wrap around and crimp to the edge type fender brace.  These are the same as Raleigh Sports.  A Wald one will do fine.  At the chain stay bridge, the fender uses a clip with no festeners, also typical of Raleigh Sports.

The nicest rear rack was one made for the Tourist by Brooks.  It has struts that are long enough to reach the rear axle.  Tourist axle's are 6 1/4" and long enough for allowing the strut with plenty of thread for axle nuts.  The Brooks rack is tubuler so if a rear light is mounted high and center, the wire can go thru the racks frame.  This rack seems to be rare.  I've seen a couple on ebay used go for about $50 stateside.  

Another good rack option is to use a Blackburn type rack.  A good local bike shop can put braze-on's on the removable seat stay if you take it in.  I've done this to a few DL-1's and the owners were very happy as they could use contemporary luggage.  If you find a rack that the struts reach as far as the bolts at the bottom of the seat stay and want to attach there this is done, but consider that these two bolts already have a job holding the rear of the bicycles frame together.  These bolts are rare and hard to replace.  The same bolt is used to hold the front fender to the fork and if the DL-1 is equiped with an enclosed chainguard the same bolt is used in the boss behind the chainwheel.  I check these bolts twice a season on my bike.

Paul McLeete

Finland MN 

[Ian and Mary Lindridge]

There have been some changes to this supplier but I have used them in the past with satisfaction.  I bought 3 of their racks for the 28” wheel and they are solid and attractive.

 

     http://www.yellowjersey.org/eastbits.html

 

Ian Lindridge

 

Riding a bicycle makes me feel younger, getting off makes me feel older, starting off again makes me long for death.

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[2whls3spds]

I use a rack from Dutch Bike Bits the prices are excellent, shipping costs to the colonies not so good. I bought the rack with the stand that swings down. Love my DL-1, just don't get to ride it enough. The rack is made by Steco, every now and again some bike shop will order a batch and you will find them in stock, but it is rare. The last shop that I recall having any in stock was Dutch Bike Chicago. But I believe they closed that store.

Aaron

On Saturday, February 9, 2013 4:14:30 PM UTC-5, gna wrote:

I recently picked up a mid '70s DL-1.  The bike looks to be in good shape, but the seller had taken the bike apart and can't find some of the bits and bobs.  The rear wheel and fender were off the bike, and it is missing axle nuts, was hers, and indicator, as well as whatever hardware holds the rear fender on.  I have a few questions:

[gna]

Thank you, Gentleman.  I note that Yellow Jersey also has chain adjusters, so perhaps I'll order a set as well as a rear rack from them.

[Ian and Mary Lindridge]

Also get the largest rear sprocket you can…my 1977 DL-1 has a 24 tooth & makes for much easier pedaling…add a couple of links to your chain & you’ll need another master link too…get an extra in case you drop the spring clip…

Ian Lindridge

 

Riding a bicycle makes me feel younger, getting off makes me feel older, starting off again makes me long for death.