1989 Raleigh Caprice | Pub Bike Check

As we’re accelerating into a world of carbon, titanium, carbotanium and electric components, I’d like to wind the clock back and introduce you to my new-old pub bike.

This 1989 Raleigh Caprice is what you might call a shed find. Although, it wasn’t lost, and it was in a leaky garage. It belonged to my mum and for as far back as I can remember it has stood still, on its little kick stand, with a rusty SwingBall leaning against it and a pile of gardening equipment in the basket.

I’d like to say I always knew it was great, and that I had an eye for it from a young age, but I’d be lying. It’s always been the uninspiring, slightly rusty, flimsy bike that was in the way whenever I needed something from the back of the garage. But I have changed, my world has changed, and at this point in my life I don’t just want this bike – I kind of need it.

It all started when I sold my van. Initially I bought a hardtail to razz around town on, but any time I needed a big shop I’d often find myself weighing up what I needed more… potatoes or wine, apples or Oreos. When you’re limited to a rucksack worth of shopping it can be hard to make good choices. And then my bike got stolen. And then I replaced it with one that looks even more appealing to a thief. I can’t keep locking my mountain bike up outside shops.

So now I’ve justified putting a rusty old bike on the homepage of a mountain biking website, let me brag about it. The tyres needed air, but they aren’t split, and they have stayed inflated after being parked up for over 20 years. The gears work. The brakes work. The seat post isn’t seized. All the rusty bolts unscrew. The wheels are true. Everything just works… There goes my summer project.

1979 Raleigh Caprice

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Sturmey Archer 3-speed gearing is a bit foreign to me. I can change gear when stationary, but not when pedalling. It took a very wobbly first ride to realise I had to be freewheeling to change up.

This built-in bike stick, or Ursuss Kickstand, is a treat for someone that spends a big part of their working day propping bikes up to take photos of them. It’s handy at the train station too.

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Lee Chi cantilever brakes are plenty of stopping power for a gentle pootle. There is no lever adjustment, but the white cable housing is a treat.

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The handlebars are North Road style, with a rough measuring of 4in backsweep and 2in rise. Extreme comfort! The grips are well suited to the very upright position. The original basket fits to a cage on the frame and doesn’t turn with the bars, which is quite a shock on your first ride.

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The point of getting a cheap ‘pub bike’ was to not worry about it when locking it up outside shops, or the pub. Something that wouldn’t financially or emotionally damage me if anything were to happen to it… Of course, I am already attached to it.