As a Raleigh fan, of course this Carleton-made Reynolds 531 Gran Sport caught my eye as it was parked in Kendall Square. It's been updated in a manner consistent with my personal preferences to make an attractive, practical city bike.
I was particularly delighted to see such a functional front rack, and all the more happy when I got back to my desk and saw that there is currently a coupon available for exactly this rack: Velo Orange Porteur Rack
The whole bike seems to have been updated with Velo Orange parts - racks, grips, handlebars, saddle, bag, and I particularly like those chrome fenders.
I'm not sure about the bag though. It is looking a lot floppier here than my Giles Berthoud bag, on which it was modeled. I would be interested in speaking with the owner of this bike and learning how much exposure the bag has taken. It's all academic though, while one thing is certain - this bike will catch your eye, even if you're running late. Gotta go!
10 comments:
I gave my wife one of those bags. While I have not ever handled a Berthoud to compare, I can't say I am thrilled with the VO version. It is a bit floppy, and too fiddly for my taste to open, close, or mount. I am on the lookout for a better alternative for the bike I am currently building for my wife - I am thinking of a small decaleur mounted handlebar bag.
Okay, that looks so familiar. I just know it belongs to somebody I know, but I can't remember who!
Is that a Gran Prix, or a Gran Sport?
Very nice conversion of a road bike into a city bike! At first I thought it was the Raleigh Grand Sports of a friend of mine (who also works at Kendall), but then I realized that his is quite different:
http://picasaweb.google.com/lerner.n/RaleighGrandSports#5506831548426304258
Mudguards look as if they are from Gilles?
Ooops, looks like a Gran Sport - the decal is gone. I'll update the text.
My VO Baguette saddle bag, which I think is made of the same material as this one, has also gone very floppy with moderate use over the last year. I've considered starching or waterproofing it to help it regain some shape.
The rear rack is steel WALD rack ,made in USA :)
I have that same bag and it flops real bad. I wrap a strap around it to hold it steady. I also had a Rivendell version and it flopped too. The Berthoud bags looks better to me [like all his stuff]
Regarding that bag, I have a Minehaha (Banjo Brothers) bag that looks pretty similar to the VO bag. I've had it for a few years, and it hasn't gotten "floppy", though I always tended to keep it stuffed.
I wish I knew about the coupon code on the Porteur rack a few days ago, since it has expired. :(
All in all, a sweet looking bike!
Definitely a Gran Sport. This is the exact same bike as my husband's bike and the build up is also very similar. Love it!
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