RE: [CR]Raleigh Competition , Eras - was - 1970: What originalcomponents?

(Example: Framebuilding:Technology)

From: <"kohl57@starpower.net">
To: raoul.l.delmare@worldnet.att.net, classicrendezvous@bikelist.org, brucecumberland@comcast.net
Subject: RE: [CR]Raleigh Competition , Eras - was - 1970: What originalcomponents?
Date: Fri, 14 May 2004 10:23:51 -0400


Raoul.. many thanks for this. These kind of model configuration summaries are very useful especially for the Competition which had SO many distinct variations.

The only thing I could add, other than specific dates for some of the models (the Mark II dates from late 1973 and the Comp GS came out in late 1978 and lasted until 1984 (?)), is that this unlike the others had Weinmann concave rims and clincher tyres whereas the earlier models had sew-ups. This was the first reasonably top end Raleigh to have clinchers.

Of the three versions, the Mark II seems the most coveted due to its primo French components including Huret Jubilee derailleur. I must say the Nouvo Gran Sport on the GS is a poor second to the Simplex on my PX-10: built to last, it will shift poorly forever. The GS is let down a bit also by those lovely Weinmann concave rims which strike me as a mite heavy. But the frame geometry of this model is sublime and wonderful; I've taken her on 70 mile roundtrips and she's as comfortable on longer trips as on short courses.

The Raleigh Competition has to be one of the great '70s-80s "classics". I don't know of a single owner of one who doesn't rate it as an absolute joy to ride. One still sees them around here and indicative of their owners' pride in them, the two I've seen recently are immaculate. I know the model has little appeal among some due to its very popularity and its mass market Raleigh qualities but for the money and in its day, it was a sweet bike. And still is.

Peter Kohler Washington DC USA

--------------------------------------------------------------------
mail2web - Check your email from the web at
http://mail2web.com/ .