Classic & Vintage - Raleigh Super Course

Alright guys I'm curious I'm considering a purchase of Raleigh Super Course Frame. Forgive my bluntness, but I'm not asking for opinions on whether steel lugged frames are worth building up, just weather it can be done with this particular frame set.

My intention is to build a Steel Lugged Frame race bike. So I want to know is it possible to upgrade this bike to a modern Campy 9 speed groupo, 700c wheel set, a carbon fork etc, modern headset, etc. If this helps the seller says this frame has 124cm rear spacing.

I checked Sheldon Browns sight and he says the Super Course is a very worthwhile frame for upgrading however he said nothing about specific possible upgrades.

Input from those who have done what I'm talking about with vintage steel frames would be greatly appreciated.

Opinions specific to the Super Course frame for my vintage race bike frame application are welcome.

I'm not asking for opinions on whether steel lugged frames are worth building up


You're in C&V, there's really only one opinion here when it comes to old frames being worth putting effort into.

It's completely possible, you might check this thread for inspiration Retro Roadies (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=361558&highlight=roadies+retro)

Why a plastic fork though?

The late 70s/early 80s Super Course frames would be a much better choice for what you want to do than the earlier ones. The geometry got much racier, it was spec'd for 700c wheels, and the threading was standard English.

Neal

Thanks to everyone who has replied so far. I especially enjoyed looking at the retro roadies thread that is exactly what I want to do so good inspiration I'm sure I'll be visiting that thread several more times.

So as not to keep making oodles of posts I thought I try asking another few questions here.

1. Is their any such thing as a good quality steel lugged frame road frame that is kind of between aggressive and non-aggressive one that would be good on centuries, but would be worth trying road racing on if I decide to go that route or are vintage mostly all that middle ground.

2. Are their and if so which good specific 1980's frames Steel Lugged frames/bikes are mid-high end that can be found for consistently less $$$'s then others. I'm a full time single dad of two college ages kids that I'm helping put through college on a tight budget. If you all don't mind giving specific Brands and models I should be looking for that would be terrific.

3. Is English b1271 the same as standard English threading.

On frame geometry and bikes that might suit your needs, I suggest you have a look at Dave Mann's Bike Geometry Project (http://home.comcast.net/~pinnah/dirtbag-bikes/geometry-project.html). Personally, I think you can find great value in mid-80s Japanese bikes. Just about all of the Japanese manufacturers had a model or three that had the geometry for going fast but also delivered a reasonably comfortable ride. I have a mid-80s Univega Competizione on which I can barely fit 700 x 25mm tires, but it rides like a dream.

Neal

Personally, I think you can find great value in mid-80s Japanese bikes. Neal

+1 Exactly what I was about to say. I'd look for a mid-upper tier Miyata, Univega, Nishiki or Centurion. Good quality control, generally very good components, and enough of them were made that they're still available at bargain prices.

+1 Exactly what I was about to say. I'd look for a mid-upper tier Miyata, Univega, Nishiki or Centurion. Good quality control, generally very good components, and enough of them were made that they're still available at bargain prices.

Add Fuji to that list.

Some of the 80's Specialized, and Treks would be pretty good as well. My Trek 760 is reasonably comfortable, but was really designed as a racing bike.