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Raleigh Professional found in back corner of garage

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Raleigh Professional found in back corner of garage

Old 08-15-12, 07:43 PM
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Raleigh Professional found in back corner of garage

Hi all,

Newbie here, so hopefully this one is not too obvious...

We were cleaning out a relative's garage last weekend and came across this Raleigh Professional. Except for the completely dry-rotted tires and some rust on the chainstay, it appears is good condition. The brake actuation is smooth and the wheels are even true.

Components are mostly Campagnolo. The bottom bracket has "WI 4004669" stamped on it.

I am looking forward to getting it back on the road. Any help ID'ing this bike would be much appreciated!

Thanks,
Zach
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Old 08-15-12, 07:46 PM
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Going to need way better closeup pics of the drivetrain to determine the model
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Old 08-15-12, 07:56 PM
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Originally Posted by ericssonboi
Going to need way better closeup pics of the drivetrain to determine the model
Ah, its clearly a Pro with the fastback stays and Campagnolo components...
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Old 08-15-12, 07:59 PM
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Built in 1974 according to that serial #.
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Old 08-15-12, 08:18 PM
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Looks like the drivetrain needs some work. Maybe the rear derailleur is a bit seized up. Probably just needs some lubing, along with the chain.
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Old 08-15-12, 08:22 PM
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I cannot tell a lie, officer Obie, I put that bicycle in the back corner of the garage. I'll come pick it up... oh, fine, never mind.

Nice find!
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Old 08-15-12, 08:53 PM
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I snapped a couple close-ups of the drivetrain (obviously needs a little love). It's a 12-speed.

-Zach
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Old 08-15-12, 09:06 PM
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Wow. That is a highly sought after, beautiful vintage cycle you have there. Take good care of it.

Google 'Sheldon Brown' for gobs of good reading about bicycle maintenance, if you're inclined to DIY. Otherwise, find a good, well established local bike shop and let them overhaul it. If they don't ooh and aah when you walk in with it, tell them you were looking for the sushi place and go elsewhere.

Or perhaps someone on the forum who is in your area would be willing to help you out with some pointers.
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Old 08-15-12, 09:13 PM
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You've got a beautiful bike there! Congratulations! I t looks phenomenal! I have one but mine is a 78. Enjoy!

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Old 08-15-12, 09:42 PM
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If it is a 1974 model, the 6-speed freewheel surprises me, but it is a great upgrade which I have made on all of my older road bikes.

Very nice!
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Old 08-15-12, 09:50 PM
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Super find!!!! Really nice!!!!! /slobber
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Old 08-15-12, 09:50 PM
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Looks just like my own '74 (which came with a 6-speed). Fix it, ride it, enjoy the ride; it's just wonderful.

W prefix means.... Carlton built? Or Ilkeston? I forget.
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Old 08-15-12, 10:19 PM
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Originally Posted by John E
If it is a 1974 model, the 6-speed freewheel surprises me, but it is a great upgrade which I have made on all of my older road bikes.

Very nice!
The Pro had a six as standard early on, it is probably original. As the bike has been sitting... time for an overhaul before putting it to use. Reference tubulars here if you are not familiar, and hopefully you are no taller than 5' 9" at most, probably 5' 6"-8" for a better fit.
If you are outside that range then it might well be best to sell it along and get a bike that fits, or a frame in a better size range.
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Old 08-15-12, 10:30 PM
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That looks like a 21 1/2" frame, just judging by the headtube. I am 5'7" and ride a 22 1/2" Raleigh, but could easily use the smaller frame as well. Raleigh Pros came with 6-speed freewheels from 1973 on IIRC, so I would agree it is probably the stock freewheel. 13-24 or 14-24 I believe.
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Old 08-15-12, 10:58 PM
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Somebody went at it with black paint, but it looks in great shape. It could probably use a little cleaning and lube almost everywhere and you have yourself an excellent vintage bike - one o' the best. Get the shop to put some fat tubulars on it, 23-25's - I have had this same bike through a couple of tire sizes and brands to find the bigger tires balance well with the quick response from the top notch Carlton frame. This forum has a lot of opinions on tubular tire brands, and accurate advice on doing it yourself,... but if it is your first round at the party you might invest as much as $50-65 in labor alone to have a shop do the tires for you.

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Old 08-15-12, 11:23 PM
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As others have stated it needs an overhaul. The grease will be old and dry/extra sticky so it won't do it's job. The chain probably need a soak and relube as well. If the pulley cage on the derailleur isn't snapping back then the grease in there is bunged up as well. Very nice find... Careful.. the stem looks like it is raised to an unsafe height. make sure the minimum insertion line is not showing!
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Old 08-16-12, 02:01 AM
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I only counted six cogs on freewheel.

Quill stem looks like it is up too far.

Enjoy!
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Old 08-16-12, 06:13 AM
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I'll take it off your hands and put it in my garage...
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Old 08-16-12, 06:36 AM
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Beautiful bike. Post some "after" pics when you get it ready for the road. Enjoy!
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Old 08-16-12, 09:19 AM
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Originally Posted by Tuc
Somebody went at it with black paint,
How so?
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Old 08-16-12, 09:35 AM
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I think the black head tube and seat-tube stripes were stock for that silvery frame.
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Old 08-16-12, 09:45 AM
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Originally Posted by Captain Blight
Looks just like my own '74 (which came with a 6-speed). Fix it, ride it, enjoy the ride; it's just wonderful.

W prefix means.... Carlton built? Or Ilkeston? I forget.

My understanding is that the W means it was built in Worksop, so yes, Carlton built.
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Old 08-16-12, 10:53 AM
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Originally Posted by Amesja
I think the black head tube and seat-tube stripes were stock for that silvery frame.
Yep. From the '74 catalog:
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Old 08-16-12, 11:21 AM
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That's definitely the one. Thank you for all the responses!
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Old 08-17-12, 08:56 PM
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Tubular tires are good. I will refer you to a section of the Yellow Jersey website, where you may read about tubulars: https://www.yellowjersey.org/frontwheel.html

Andy at Yellow Jersey is very good to deal with. The deal on 'Servizio Corse' tubulars (3 for $50.) is a great deal and they are excellent tires. All you need is some Panaracer rim cement to fasten the tire to the rim.

It is easy. Practice first without glue, then put down the glue when you are confident.
You will need an air pump.

You came into a very nice bike with the Raleigh Professional.
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