Classic & Vintage - Raleigh Zenith! $20.00!

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View Full Version : Raleigh Zenith! $20.00!

fearfeasog
10-23-08, 09:27 AM
i don't know much about Raleighs, except that they had their golden age, i suppose. I wonder if this bike was made during that period. i'll post the ser# later.

I recently purchased it from a CL seller for US$20. He bought it new 25 years ago (roughly circa 1983) when he was stationed in Scotland in the US Navy. I think the only part thats not stock is the rear cassette.

i love this bike. color, decals--so classy! i love the worn bar tape--almost hate to change it. the brake levers are super cool, even though they have suicide levers, i love the plastic covers on them. bike's way to big for me though (i got it for my 6'1" brother) (measures 24" [60cm] c-c)

it seems like quality through and through, but maybe you folks can help me figure out what i really have here.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff20/fearfeasog/Zenith/IMG_1120.jpg
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff20/fearfeasog/Zenith/IMG_1110.jpg
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff20/fearfeasog/Zenith/IMG_1116.jpg
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff20/fearfeasog/Zenith/IMG_1115.jpg
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff20/fearfeasog/Zenith/IMG_1111.jpg
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff20/fearfeasog/Zenith/IMG_1114.jpg
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff20/fearfeasog/Zenith/IMG_1113.jpg
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff20/fearfeasog/Zenith/IMG_1121.jpg

tolfan
10-23-08, 12:56 PM
Dont know the zenith model. It is a real Nottingham raleigh purchased in Scotland so its a European model. I like the stickers. Reynolds 501 is good stuff, not as good as 531 but way better than gas pipe. Suntour ar I have used on a couple bikes and like the way thay work. The integrated derailer hanger and it looks like forged dropouts would put it at the higher end of the line up definetly not entry level. I think you did great for $20. It looks older than 1983 to me but I could be wrong. The experts will be along soon . Hope thay dont soot too many holes in my posting.
phillyrider
10-23-08, 01:13 PM
I am no expert - but components (weinmann brakes and suntour AR) on this bike are likely to be early 1970s range. Suntour AR is not high on the totum pole (like the superbe line), but from what I've read reliable. It look's like a fun project. You can ditch the suicide levers pretty easily. I like the pale green.

EraserGirl
10-23-08, 02:33 PM
i dunno about anyone else...but IMHO that's a damn good deal.
USAZorro
10-23-08, 02:56 PM
501 is a creature of the early 80's. That is a very time-honored style of fork on that bicycle though.
sonatageek
10-23-08, 03:14 PM
Suntour AR would put it at mid 80's not early 70's.
fearfeasog
10-23-08, 08:53 PM
501 is a creature of the early 80's. That is a very time-honored style of fork on that bicycle though.

you mean the shape of it? its kinda cool cuz it has a sortof knurled braze-on that looks like a knob, down near the halfway point. any idea what that's for?
BlankCrows
10-23-08, 11:55 PM
you mean the shape of it? its kinda cool cuz it has a sortof knurled braze-on that looks like a knob, down near the halfway point. any idea what that's for?

I think that may be for a bracket which holds a light.
mkeller234
10-24-08, 01:03 AM
I think that may be for a bracket which holds a light.

+1 I have seen that on other bikes around here. For $20.00 you did fantastic, thats less than a pair of pants! Seriously, solid bike, solid price, the sun was shining on you today.
mkeller234
10-24-08, 01:04 AM
Classy color and decals too, it certainly is pretty