Raleigh Super Course, 1985 _ now what?
06-17-14, 03:41 PM
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Raleigh Super Course, 1985 _ now what?
Got this Super Course and looking for opinions on what to do with it. When I bought it the bike was dirty and dusty from long storage. The story goes that the org owner used it for a back up bike on Ragbrai for a couple years and never needed so it rode on top of a car for several trips across Iowa but not ridden. So when I first saw it my intention was to strip the paint and have an all chrome SC.
I got it home and gave it a bath and found it to be almost mint, as in brand new. Now I am not sure about this paint stripping idea because the org finish and decals are much too nice to scrape away, maybe. Chrome is amazing with no haze, rust or pitting, paint is shiny and bright, components are like new - except for tires and bar tape which I replaced.
Sell, strip, keep it original or?
Pictures are large so click on them for more detail
I got it home and gave it a bath and found it to be almost mint, as in brand new. Now I am not sure about this paint stripping idea because the org finish and decals are much too nice to scrape away, maybe. Chrome is amazing with no haze, rust or pitting, paint is shiny and bright, components are like new - except for tires and bar tape which I replaced.
Sell, strip, keep it original or?
Pictures are large so click on them for more detail
06-17-14, 03:56 PM
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That's really nice. 
Just my opinion, but that's an awfully pretty bike. I'm just getting back into cycling and really appreciate the artistry that went into the 60's and 70's bikes. I don't think I'd have the heart to strip away all that original finish............On the other hand, it's yours, so do with it what makes you smile....
As for what to do with it? Give it to me. 'Cause that would be really swell...............
Just my opinion, but that's an awfully pretty bike. I'm just getting back into cycling and really appreciate the artistry that went into the 60's and 70's bikes. I don't think I'd have the heart to strip away all that original finish............On the other hand, it's yours, so do with it what makes you smile....As for what to do with it? Give it to me. 'Cause that would be really swell...............
06-17-14, 04:38 PM
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Stripping the paint on a bike that nice would be a crime. Chrome that gets painted usually isn't polished, is not going to look as good as you think. Ride it or sell it, but don't alter it.
06-17-14, 04:52 PM
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Thanks for the replies I am leaning that way as well, too nice to strip. I am starting to like the look of this bike and love the chrome, think they only blinged it out one year, '85. I think there is someone on here that collects '85 Raleigh's and I can see why.
06-17-14, 08:42 PM
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That is a beautiful bicycle! I'm glad that are rethinking the strip job. I think the golden arrow group is one of the classiest groups around.
06-17-14, 09:00 PM
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Why did stripping the bike ever crossed your mind if it looked almost brand new after you cleaned it up. Once that original paint and graphics are gone you can't really replace it without spending more money than the frame might be worth.....
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