Vintage Raleigh Eclipse Restoration! 1988 Road Bike Rebuild!

[@petesmitt]

I've been involved with the bike industry since the 80's and I've never seen a bike mechanic that sincerely wants to fix a bike as if it was his own and even then, they don't go to the detailed level seen with this channel.

[@Bikespeeds]

Wow thanks Pete! We love what we do and we love bringing it to you all on KZbin 🧡⚙️

[@kendric_BUF]

20 minute episode! Heck yes!

[@Bikespeeds]

Call it a Christmas special! Thanks for watching Kendric

[@TN-D18]

Old steel lives and breathes again. Kudos!

[@Bikespeeds]

Thanks!!🧡⚙️

[@bugsygoo]

Nice to finally see a bike restoration video by someone who knows their stuff.

[@philtucker1224]

My wife bought me a Dawes Handbuilt for my 30th birthday back in 1984 from Canterbury Cycle Mart. I still cherish that bike, and I note that the shop is still there, just the same. These are nice things. 🙏🚴

[@Bikespeeds]

That’s awesome! 🧡⚙️

[@carlpentney290]

Magnificent. That crank spin test puts a modern bike to shame. Thanks for all the videos, keep up the great work.

[@Bikespeeds]

These old bikes spin and spin when you get them right. Thanks for watching Carl!🧡⚙️

[@johnnye206]

Unreal, loved the restoration and commentating throughout. Cheers!

[@Bikespeeds]

Thank you very much for the kind comment! 🧡⚙️

[@stuartbennett4476]

I used to train and race with Cycle Club Sudbury as a kid (eighties to early ninties). I wanted a very similar bike back then, but unfortunately never managed to get one. Lovely to see one being brought back to life by a master craftsman

[@Bikespeeds]

No harm in buying a retro one now!🧡

[@jrother]

These restoration videos make me want to find a steel frame bike for myself.

[@Bikespeeds]

It’s a fun project for sure⚙️

[@markchandler7089]

I love these old steel bikes and this is a fantastic restoration. If only we could do up old people this way and get years more service out of them. But wait, I am an old person and I need to take better care of myself. Thanks for posting.

[@Bikespeeds]

Glad you could enjoy it! Thanks mark🧡⚙️

[@jeffhammond8969]

Massive improvement! Love to see vintage bikes back in service.

[@Bikespeeds]

We love them here!🧡⚙️

[@Goose077]

Phenomenal work on the bike and also everything that went into the video. Best bit of Christmas TV I've seen so far!

[@Bikespeeds]

Haha we considered this one a bit of Christmas special🧡⚙️

[@Countrystock]

Bought a 1986 Raleigh Winner earlier in the summer to do exactly what you've done in this video.....thank you, thank you, thank you 👍🏻

[@dianemulholland]

Have you started yet?

[@Countrystock]

@@dianemulholland just a quick wipe down before I start the strip down and rebuild

[@Bikespeeds]

Enjoy it very much, thanks for watching🧡⚙️

[@rainerunsinn4808]

These old chrome parts from the 80ies / earlier 90ies are always an absolute joy to clean and the quality of the bearings back then was amazing. Great Video, great job, the bike tourned out really nice.

[@Bikespeeds]

Thanks for all the support across the year Rainer. We worked hard on this one so it’s good to know you all enjoyed it🧡⚙️

[@montyedwards3847]

Nicely done restoration. I am an amateur restorer and have similar results by following recommendations of folks like you. I find it immensely satisfying when it all is finished and as you pointed out in this video compare the before and after. I love saving these old bikes and do it for myself only rather than for a customer. Thanks for sharing!

[@Bikespeeds]

Glad you enjoyed it, good luck with all your own restorations!🧡

[@_J.F_]

I had a bike very much like this one back in the 80's. I ordered it at my local bike shop where it was hand built to specifications, and not least my budget, and I was the proudest man in the world when I went to collect it. The frame was jet black with gold detailing and it was just so beautiful. I don't know where the bike is today but wouldn't it be nice if it was somewhere, with someone, who cared for it as this bike is being cared for in this video.

[@Bikespeeds]

Great story! We all have a history of some form with Raleigh in the cycling world!🧡

[@s.j.5850]

Fantastic restoration! It's great to watch skilled craftsmen bring a bike back to life. Goes to show people how they can save thousands of dollars by restoring an older bike.

[@Bikespeeds]

Thanks very much!🧡

[@thegeordiefellwalker8878]

looking at the freewheel & chainrings it's hardly been ridden. now it's had your magic touch it's got 1000s of miles in it👌🚴 a nice 80s concor saddle would go nice on it👍

[@Bikespeeds]

Definitely could’ve done with a saddle 🧡

[@xxrodneyxx]

Thank you Simon and Lee!! looks like Christmas came early!

[@Bikespeeds]

Thanks Rodney from both of us, happy Christmas🧡⚙️

[@MatthewreillyGuitar]

Using this video as the yardstick for restoring my own Raleigh eclipse. Super excited to have this beautiful bike up to standard again!

[@Bikespeeds]

Enjoy it!🧡⚙️

[@fitzamix9139]

Well done lads, these are the kind of racers from my youth, what an effort, the bike looks fantastic.

[@Bikespeeds]

Glad you enjoyed it!🧡

[@martinjones6984]

Can't beat Nottingham built!

[@johnstrac]

Hope you enjoyed working on that as much as I enjoyed watching you.

[@Bikespeeds]

We hope you enjoyed watching it as much as we enjoyed making it! 🧡⚙️

[@borisacat9182]

I have this model in 25inch , same decor even. It is my rough everyday gravel bike. I replaced the brake levers with chunky modern ones and the brakes with dual pivot calipers, because the Peak District is a severe test of comfort and braking power . I wonder how we used cope with those old levers and single pivots. The back wheel I swapped for a modern one with a big cassette. Down tube levers with the indexing off allows you to swap cassettes easily without having to count the cogs , so I can use whatever is in the box of bits. The hardness of the bearings and overall steel quality of old Raleigh era bikes is something we may never see again. I kept the headset from my 1979 Peugeot (after the frame snapped again) because , after 35 years and well over 100,000miles it was all still unworn. Even the balls. Raleigh parts were the same. Great to see restorations like this. Thank you.

[@adunford2664]

Xj650 is one for the list. Good blend of performance and practicality. Shaft drive was ace

[@tribestribes2555]

Oh my god. This half cockney is just amazing. Continue.👍

[@Bikespeeds]

Haha thanks very much🧡

[@levibradley9170]

you are a true pro. i run a small bike service repair shop in australia and its great to see a true bike man at work

[@Bikespeeds]

Thanks Levi! Glad you enjoyed this video🧡🇦🇺

[@ANIML57]

Thanks so much for the real time commentary! Really sets this video apart! I’m a former wrench/bike guy moving forward, with a mobile repair business idea. This is a fantastic kick in my lazy arse. Cheers from Hawaii!!!

[@Bikespeeds]

Thanks for the kind words! Enjoy all your work!🧡⚙️

[@drpulpit]

Grand work, Simon. The new owner will be so very pleased.

[@Bikespeeds]

Thanks very much!🧡⚙️

[@johnpoile1451]

Looked like a female saddle.

[@southbankboy]

As someone who struggles to get the back wheel on after a puncture I love watching craftsmen who really know what they’re doing. Great stuff.

[@Bikespeeds]

Thanks Southbank!🧡⚙️

[@whattheheckwelch]

I am addicted to these videos! thank you so much for putting them together.

[@Bikespeeds]

Thanks Matthew that’s great to hear!🧡

[@jamesjudd8243]

My favorite bike ever! I've owned my eclipse for about 7 years now, thinking about treating her to some new decals soon!

[@Bikespeeds]

That’s great! This one will have been right up your street then!🧡⚙️

[@andyrobinson1237]

I had one of these in 88 as a 14 year old lad. Mine had a slightly different spec, it had Suntour mechs, no indexing & the forks were different, sloping crown versions & it had Weinmann wheel rims & brakes. Great bike & absolutely loved it !

[@Bikespeeds]

This would’ve been right up your street then!🧡⚙️

[@neilgoward4330]

Lovely bike and a great video.

[@Bikespeeds]

Thanks Neil!🧡⚙️

[@JourdainColeman]

Such a transformation! I'd love to see each section in more detail... I think some of these components deserve a video of their own! It's amazing how well that bottom bracket was spinning 👌🏼

[@weasle6]

Lovely work. It takes me back to when I was a lot younger.

[@jazzper_nl]

Awesome work! And that grease/lube/oil rack! Blimey! Lovely workplace.

[@Bikespeeds]

Thank you very much!🧡⚙️

[@sweepsp8468]

When you look at other bike tubers your posts knock them into a cocked hat. Love this one, as you may remember I have a 1963 Dawes, bikes of this time as you say just need a clean, new grease and there ready to go another umpteen years unlike the modern carbon things. Happy Christmas

[@Bikespeeds]

Thanks for the kind words! Enjoy your Dawes and merry Christmas!🧡⚙️

[@csttd1126]

The perfect present for my wedding anniversary! Thank you for another amazing video! I love retro bikes too..they deserve our respect.

[@timbaker4278]

Beautiful old bike back to life,and that silver chain on that black groupset looks fantastic. Your a man that loves his job it shows in the results.

[@Bikespeeds]

Thanks Tim! We put a lot of work on this one so appreciate the kind words 🧡⚙️

[@lesliekirk7036]

Now that a great job buddy good to watch👍🇬🇧

[@Bikespeeds]

Thanks for all the support Leslie!🧡⚙️

[@johndillon8051]

Amazing transformation! I was not expecting it to look nearly that good when you began. Top-notch work!

[@Bikespeeds]

Thanks John!🧡

[@todddudgeon2320]

The 1980’s era Raleigh bikes are beautiful machines. I have a 1982 Raleigh Reliant which I purchased after a high school. I still ride it today and its better in many ways than a modern bike. It’s heavy, with 27” steel rims, Suntour components, center pull brakes, and stem shifters, but it’s as smooth as silk. Thanks Lee and Simon for another trip down memory lane. The before and after comparison is colossal. Nice work as usual. Really enjoy your videos.

[@Bikespeeds]

This is an era we love to work on⚙️

[@adammartin1004]

I just found your channel after hunting around for help with an old Raleigh I bought for $10 - exactly the kind of guidance and inspiration I need! It's so nice that there's a passion out there for putting new life into old things. The quality and craftsmanship truly deserve the reverence. Thanks so much for your work!

[@Bikespeeds]

Good luck with your project adam! Thanks for watching!🧡

[@dagobaker]

this might b my FAVORITE restoration so far....... i would TOTALLY ride this bike nonstop

[@Bikespeeds]

This was one of our favourites also! Glad you enjoyed it🧡⚙️

[@murphyco88]

There is nothing like bringing a bike back to life. I love that work 😎

[@Bikespeeds]

Happy holidays Murphy. We appreciate all the support this year 🧡⚙️

[@chnyuk]

this is just as good as asmr gets, wow, crazy satisfying

[@davebudd1429]

So, so satisfying. Brilliant work.

[@Bikespeeds]

Thanks very much!🧡

[@SteveKimbo]

I love these older bikes. I did a Muddy Fox Courier which was in much the same condition as this Raleigh. Could have done with that ultrasonic cleaner... The chrome on it came up like new! Friction shifters, quill stem. It was lovely. I love the idea that you're giving something a whole new life instead of it ending up in the back of a rusty Transit pick-up on its way to the scrappers.

[@Bikespeeds]

That’s awesome! Hope you enjoyed restoring it, the satisfaction is immense🧡

[@jaspervanestelfeen2173]

This kind of restorations I like to watch the most. Very impressive how the parts, especially headset and bottom bracket, shine again.

[@Bikespeeds]

It’s incredible what you can do with just putting time into a bike 🧡⚙️

[@olekmehera7256]

The colour is so cool! Merry christmas boys

[@Bikespeeds]

Merry Christmas! Thanks for the support this year

[@chrismiller3644]

Fantastic work that's made that bike like new.

[@Bikespeeds]

Thanks Chris!🧡⚙️

[@aarthoor]

Loved watching that, great to see these old bikes get some TLC. I had a Raleigh Wayfarer, then a Record back in the 70's, I still see examples of them around but I'm a few bikes on from them! Wish I'd kept them so I could do them up like this...

[@Bikespeeds]

We all have great stories with old Raleigh’s! They were awesome bikes 🧡⚙️

[@asclark111]

Looks amazing now, I would have loved to have seen the paint made perfect too!

[@302hardtailr6]

Very nice! That thing came out great.

[@Bikespeeds]

Thanks very much!🧡⚙️

[@mylesie8078]

Super duper video. Great pleasure in recycling and bringing back to originality. 👍🏻

[@Bikespeeds]

Thanks Leslie! This is our favourite kind of work for that reason🧡⚙️

[@chrisscott7522]

Digging out my 1979 Dawes Galaxy right now - thanks for the inspiration !

[@Bikespeeds]

Have fun! Enjoy all your work🧡⚙️

[@piperfox74]

These videos are awesome. Keep it up. Thank you!!

[@Bikespeeds]

Thanks again!🧡

[@muchasgracias6976]

Banging resto mate! Used to live just up the road from the Raleigh factory so this was a bit special.

[@Bikespeeds]

Awesome! We’ve loved hearing everyone’s Raleigh stories!🧡⚙️

[@rutikuiwa7133]

Very pro restoration and mechanic

[@Bikespeeds]

Thanks!🧡⚙️

[@aq7705]

Amazing job. Pride of work. I had a similar bike back in the day. Glides on air.

[@Bikespeeds]

They don’t make them like they used to!🧡

[@stevenss8070]

Nice work. Happy Xmas from Switzerland.

[@Bikespeeds]

Happy Xmas! Thanks for the support!🇨🇭🧡

[@mclaren44]

Had to check what day it was there when I seen the notification lol

[@Bikespeeds]

Haha lol yes this one threw up many many curve balls lol🧡

[@Chrisb286]

Beautiful restoration, great to watch a skilled mechanic doing his work. Keep up the great work. 🚴‍♂️👏

[@Bikespeeds]

Thanks very much! 🧡⚙️

[@jakobkorsgaard7130]

Great video guys. Cheers from Denmark!

[@Bikespeeds]

Thanks Jake! Glad you enjoyed this one 🇩🇰🧡

[@matthewlewis9356]

Beautiful outcome we'll done

[@Bikespeeds]

Thank you!🧡⚙️

[@iddra1868]

Happy holidays to the Bikespeeds team!

[@Bikespeeds]

Happy holidays! Thank for the support this year!🧡⚙️

[@mwitkowski]

Dude, I got so relaxed watching your video. Well done!

[@Bikespeeds]

Haha not a problem, thanks for watching!🧡⚙️

[@fricky2676]

I totally appreciate your work on that bike,it looks stunning at the end. I myself have spent many hours stripping and polishing old bikes and the chore is so worth it.

[@Bikespeeds]

It’s super rewarding!🧡⚙️

[@Maik1968]

Hy guys, a perfect cleaning and rebuilt again. I enjoyed it on my sofa with my Labrador Sam. Have a nice Christmas and I will see you next week, just before the year 2022 is over. Take care and have a nice time! Greetings from Germany 🎄🍀🌞☃️❄️😘🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️

[@Bikespeeds]

Thanks for the support! Happy holidays🧡🇩🇪

[@Saxtoo]

This is just what I did last summer to my black 1980 Record. Rusting away for nearly 4 decades. Took me 4 months to rebuild. My spokes took me a week to polish, they were so gritty grey. The before & after make you feel great. Nice save you've done with yours too👍

[@Bikespeeds]

Awesome! Enjoy all your work! Thanks got watching🧡⚙️

[@davidshipp623]

Awwww, I had a Black 1980 Record. Unfortunately had a nasty crash with it in 82, bent the frame in 4 places. Loved that bike.

[@Saxtoo]

@@davidshipp623 🚴‍♂️💥🤸‍♂️💥🙈😭🔘〰️🔘

[@petermcinnes6987]

Respect to Simon and yourself, that is an amazing job. Lovely bike.

[@Bikespeeds]

Thanks from both of us Peter. We put a lot of work into this one so it’s great to see you guys enjoying it🧡⚙️

[@danhouston7596]

Nice work on a workmanlike bike. Here's one vote for making your soon-to-be-perfected grease station available for purchase!

[@Bikespeeds]

Thanks Dan. The support means a lot 🧡⚙️

[@SplatterQuadrat]

Wow, what an amazing work. A pleasure to watch!

[@Bikespeeds]

Thanks very much!🧡

[@IverKnackerov]

Great bike the Raleigh Eclipse... I did an 85 miles sportive around Tuscany on one of those...still got it in the shed and it rides beautifully 👍

[@Bikespeeds]

Wow that’s awesome! It seems we all have a good old Raleigh story!🧡🧡

[@miabrandt1926]

Reynolds 501 & Weinmann components ... love it !

[@mysonmagnus1]

Amazing work with inspiring speech

[@Bikespeeds]

Glad you liked it!🧡⚙️

[@Casey.seeK.]

This is right up my alley. Subscribed.

[@Bikespeeds]

Thanks!!🧡⚙️

[@1972hermanoben]

Beautiful work all round. Loved this resto, right up my alley. Thanks gentlemen.

[@Bikespeeds]

Glad you enjoyed this one! We’re working on a vintage Raleigh right now for next week!🧡

[@ellipticalsoul]

This one turned out beautiful! Great job guys.

[@Bikespeeds]

It certainly did, thanks Nick!🧡⚙️

[@stuarthawkins4482]

Best episode so far. Makes me want to buy a battered old retro bike just to send for you so you guys can work your magic.

[@mathias8013]

Amazing work! Thank you for the video!

[@Bikespeeds]

Thanks for watching Mathias!🧡⚙️

[@jasonchar2573]

Excellent video!!! I love the narration, as well as the lube stand! My new favorite channel.

[@Bikespeeds]

Thank you Jason!🧡⚙️

[@sylvianbraibant7381]

Really fine job!! I wouldn't have resisted to add some tiny touches of paint here and there, though...

[@alannorman1773]

Love it. Reminds me of my old Raleigh Zenith back in the day.

[@Bikespeeds]

I had an eclipse!🧡⚙️

[@bobstevens9040]

Super job Bikespeeds! You really saved that machine from the graveyard. I never miss a post! Keep 'em coming!

[@Bikespeeds]

Thanks Bob! Glad you’re enjoying the videos 🧡⚙️

[@bondbug73]

I remember the Eclipse. You've done an excellent restoration job. I do it the same way, and it's so satisfying. I agree keeping to original parts is the way to go unless it's far too gone. I've done that with my restorations. I see too many old frames with new components more suited for more modern bikes and they don't look right. I'm really into Raleigh's, Peugeot's, and racers from the 60's to the 80's. Very satisfying to watch was this video.

[@Bikespeeds]

These are some of our favourite videos to make for those exact reasons. Glad you enjoyed it!🧡⚙️

[@dimrub]

Amazing work on this.

[@Bikespeeds]

Thank you!🧡

[@naryanclaudy2116]

Beautiful job!!!

[@Bikespeeds]

Thank you!🧡⚙️

[@Manu68-Simracing]

Very professional work. A lot of things to retain from that process. Thanks !

[@Bikespeeds]

Thank you!🧡

[@robinhall5397]

Terrific job on this one - love these old school bikes

[@Bikespeeds]

Thanks Robin. We worked hard on this one so it’s good to see you all enjoying it🧡⚙️

[@finn_english]

Such a great vid and resto that I've watched it twice! Thanks so much for all you do I've learned a ton about bike maintinence through watching your videos. Greets from a London lad living in the deep South of Spain! (I have an old 90s Grisley road bike I've been fixing up and using to commute, would be a dream come true one day to get it fixed up by Bikespeeds!)

[@Bikespeeds]

Enjoy the Grisley and thanks for the support! We have a new vintage video on the way tonight!🧡⚙️

[@tinniswood2577]

That was fantastic, you are right these type of sympathetic restorations are the most satisfying. Great job done.

[@Bikespeeds]

Thanks again Tinnis. We loved this one 🧡⚙️

[@1a2b3c4.]

Beautiful work, you are a Master of Restoration.

[@Bikespeeds]

Thanks for all the support this year Mario, happy holidays 🧡⚙️

[@MrDazP1adv3ntures]

That was an excellent job

[@Bikespeeds]

Thanks Mr Daz!🧡⚙️

[@rockrugbyref]

Unbelievable work. So nice to see old bikes being restored. And it's also quite relaxing to watch.

[@Bikespeeds]

We agree!🧡⚙️

[@chriswilby7679]

Really enjoyed this one .love the vintage stuff .lovely job .

[@Bikespeeds]

Glad you enjoyed it! This is by far our favourite content to make 🧡⚙️

[@n22pdf]

Wow awesome job looks amazing 🤩👍🏅🚴

[@Phlizz]

What a treat! Thanks for another fabulous restoration! Merry christmas!

[@Bikespeeds]

Merry Christmas! Thanks for watching🧡⚙️

[@vitoonto]

Really incredible work bringing that back to life!!

[@Bikespeeds]

Thanks as always Vito!🧡⚙️