Re: [CR]re:1973 RRA on Ebay(now Phx. craigslist bike)

(Example: Framebuilders:Doug Fattic)

From: "Pat Moffat" <rocketman_531@msn.com>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>, "Larry Osborn" <losborn2@wvu.edu>
References: <48A1D00A.9020707@pacbell.net> <200808121933.m7CJXRa0022259@mx6.wvu.edu>
Subject: Re: [CR]re:1973 RRA on Ebay(now Phx. craigslist bike)
Date: Tue, 12 Aug 2008 16:35:01 -0700
Seal-Send-Time: Tue, 12 Aug 2008 16:35:04 -0700


It's odd that this Raleigh RRA string started just a couple of days ago...a RRA showed up on Phx craigslist last night. I went to see it this morning, and even though it was built as a single speed (surprise!), the guy had saved every last original part in a bag. He said that the rear (super LJ) der. was broken but he had saved it, too. A pulley had some broken teeth...an easy fix. It is listed as a 22 inch frame, but to my joy, it is 23.5 in. c to t. Close enough for me to ride. He even had the original wheels (Maillard Professional hubs (not heliocomatic), A.V.A. rims, very cool red label. The paint and graphics are very nice except for the peeling yellow paint on the head tube. Look like a poor original application. A very nice '73 Brooks Professional, never wet, not much wear. Looks to be completely original...Simplex, Map of England bars. He was asking $500. He took half of that and we were both happy. Ok, I was happier..

The bike was still up on Phx craigslist a few minutes ago...

Pat Moffat Tempe Arizona USA Just itching to go build it back up...gotta go cook dinner first, drink some red...

----- Original Message ----- From: Larry Osborn<mailto:losborn2@wvu.edu> To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org<mailto:classicrendezvous@bikelist.org> Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2008 12:33 PM Subject: Re: [CR]re:1973 RRA on Ebay

At 01:01 PM 8/12/2008, you wrote:

> I have yet to see one of these in anything but 56CM is > that the only size they came in? RRA of a couple years ago was > being sold by the Wife of Barry Graff ex Raleigh rep > > BOB FREITAS > gray day in MILL VALLEY, CA USA

Greetings campers and Raleigh sufferers.

For years I thought they were all 56s, until I accidentally purchased a frame that was 54. Oooops. Until very recently I thought those were the only two sizes, (despite 21, 22, 23, and 24 being listed on the dealer price list) but a recent one on ebay was claimed to be a 58, and might actually have been, judging by the size of the headtube. But that's the first of the "many" I've seen or been aware of that was a 58. The size might also explain the wild bidding that followed. That was the $1100 + one that didn't meet reserve back in mid-June.

Another one on craigslist now

<http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/bik/792885635.html>http://phoenix.crai gslist.org/evl/bik/792885635.html<http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/bik/7 92885635.html>http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/bik/792885635.html>

As for there being only 200 made, I too find that difficult to believe. I've seen too many of them, and owned four over the years. Raleigh certainly would have made a marketing stink about any limited production model, and maybe even done a better job of assembling them. Last thing Raleigh wanted to do back then was limit production on anything. They were selling stuff as fast as they could push it out the door. There were just over 500 "1970" model Pro MKIIs built and they made a big deal about that. I've come across fewer of those over the years than I have 1973 RRAs. However, judging from the high mortality rate of RRAs in the hands of novice criterium racers back then, it's quite possible there are only 200 survivors.

A fun bike. A fun project. Provides an interesting diversion from "full campy".

Larry "RRA (Really Really Annoying)" Osborn Morgantown West Virginia - USA

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