The second good bike I ever owned was a Raleigh Pro Mk.II which was the old metallic brown color. (How did they come to paint one of their top-of-the-line bikes that color?) I bought it from a student who hadn't ridden it much in 75 or 76. It was more comfortable on the road than my Frejus so I kind of finished out my racing career, such as it was, on that bike. I hung up my cleats and hairnet in the early 80's because my wife gave me some ultimatums about spending more time with the family and, to be honest, I counted it a major success when I finished a race with the main group of riders. But I liked the bike and continued to ride it for exercise. In 87 it was stolen. Sad story. A couple of years ago, I started getting nostalgic about this stuff and began trolling for a bike like the one I lost. Last Spring a list member sold me a very well-preserved frame in my size which I think is a 1974 (serial #A9177). It's one of the black/silver models. I just got around to building it up. I think everything is right except for the pedals and saddle. The wheels, stem, bars, derailieurs and cranks are from the right period. The wheels are ones that I raced on 35 years ago - Campy Record HF and Weimann rims. I do have a vintage Brooks Pro but, as old as it is, it still rides like a 2x4 or maybe two 2x4's. The Ideale saddle is reasonably comfortable and looks right. The pedals? What can I say? I want to ride the bike. Anyway, this is it. http://picasaweb.google.com/
George Strickler
New Orleans