Classic & Vintage - Info on Raleigh Teams please

I find the Raleigh Team bikes with the red yellow and black finish very pretty, with easthetics that somehow separates them from continental bikes, which I think is cool. From what I've been able to read they're technically sweet bikes too. What I'd like to know is whether there are some nicer vintages than others and the general feel of the bikes. The geometry looks quite agressive to me, is this true? I'm considering buying one, and it has 'Raleigh' components rather than the Campy I'd expect to find. Any experience with these? Thanks in advance!

First, and most importantly....where exactly is this frame? ;)

Somewhere on the plains of Siberia. Ask for Ivan.

Somewhere on the plains of Siberia. Ask for Ivan.

Ah, right Ivan. Good guy. I just called him and he talked me out of it. He said you'd be crazy not to jump on the deal though. Glasnost rocks!

I find the Raleigh Team bikes with the red yellow and black finish very pretty, with easthetics that somehow separates them from continental bikes, which I think is cool. From what I've been able to read they're technically sweet bikes too. What I'd like to know is whether there are some nicer vintages than others and the general feel of the bikes. The geometry looks quite agressive to me, is this true? I'm considering buying one, and it has 'Raleigh' components rather than the Campy I'd expect to find. Any experience with these? Thanks in advance!

It seems to me the fact it has Raleigh components rather than Campag would point to it being one of the many lower end replicas. Look on the BB for a serial number before you plunk down any cash. Check for 531 or 753 as the frame material. It may still be a nice bike, but you should proceed carefully if you are expecting a true works built Team bike.

Thanks CV-6. Would the lover end bikes also be built with Reynolds 531 or 753? I'm quite sure i can identify a Reynolds decal on the seattube. Could be 501? What pussles me is that where "Team" would usually be on the top tube, it says, according to the owner, Joop Zoetemelk. It does have TI decals on the fork.... Any idea?

Thanks CV-6. Would the lover end bikes also be built with Reynolds 531 or 753? I'm quite sure i can identify a Reynolds decal on the seattube. Could be 501? What pussles me is that where "Team" would usually be on the top tube, it says, according to the owner, Joop Zoetemelk. It does have TI decals on the fork.... Any idea?

As I said....serial number. It is located on the BB. That will tell the tale.

Ok, thanks. Any URL for Raleigh Team serial numbers? Thanks!

Some of the Record models from the '80s were released as Team Records, essentially, stock Records with the Raleigh Team paint job. Your description of the components match as well - Raleigh-branded Suntour components - same groupset as the late '70s Grand Prix and Super Course models.

-Kurt

There is a yahoo group devotes to team pros... and there is a serial number registry. Basically if the serial number starts with SB you have a real team pro if it starts with a W it is still considered by some to be a decent bike and indeed could be 531, but it sounds like it is neither of these.