First found in a barn in the pictured condition, this Raleigh Burner was looking very sorry for itself. The Aeroyal seat was broken, the Mag wheels were seized solid and it was clear that it has been used as a donor bike.
The previous owner reached out to me, asking if I would like it for free. I did try to offer some money for it, but he just wanted it to go to a good home! So where do we start? The free Raleigh Burner project.
So here’s how it went!
Upon first inspection, it was clear this bike needed a bit of work. Luckily I had a wardrobe full of odd parts that I have used here and there. The paint and decals are totally original and apart from the surface rust spots dotted around, it is a really solid starting point. I decided to try and preserve as much as possible, as a Patina BMX was high on my list to use for learning new tricks! Over the course of the next month, I stripped it to a bare frame and rebuilt it with new bearings, grease, tyres, brake pads, brake cables and a chain. Everything else I managed to find lying round the house!
I strongly believe the yellow Mag wheels suit it well. The original white ones I am still restoring it my own time, but they need a lot of money spending on them, so it made sense to put these fantastic condition yellow ones on that were only collecting dust!
That’s now another original bike saved from being repainted and having reproduction parts added. Always remember, its only original once!