goatalope

I recently came into a Raleigh Super Course. Having a hard time pinpointing the year. Looks orange to me, but maybe its just a faded red. I perused the online catalogs and checked out the serial number (WK8004568), which suggests a Carlton-built 1978 (I think). However, a bunch of the parts don't match the catalog. Simplex DT shifters, Stronglight cottered cranks, Huret rear der, GB stem. Any thoughts? Just mismatched components, or am I missing something.

Also, regarding vintage Raleigh sizing, it appears most models came in a 21.5, 23.5, and 25.5in sizes. Do these convert nicely to modern cm measurements? I'm 5'10" and normally ride a 56...which Raleigh size would be most appropriate? Pretty sure this bike is a 23.5 and TT seems fine but perhaps a little tall overall.

Thanks and check out the picture.

AZORCH

Well, you could always take a tape and measure it to get a precise dimension. 23.5 inches = 59.69 cm... so call it a 60 cm frame.

nlerner

Yup, a '78 with early 70s parts, which is kind of odd given that the parts are a downgrade not an upgrade. Those look like Weinmann concave rims, which also wouldn't have been stock. Lack of chrome fork ends is also indicate of a late 70s SC.

T-Mar

Maybe, circa 1978, somebody got a warranty replacement frameset for a boom era Super Course. The only notable red herring from a boom era components perspective is the Huret rear derailleur, but it's not like those Simplex Prestige never got replaced.

redneckwes

I (almost) never argue with Neal, but, Weinmann concaves were stock on the SC from '77 until '81 at least.

Otherwise, that bike is a real salad of misc parts. and probably too big for someone who rides a 56cm frame.

https://www.kurtkaminer.com/TH_Raleigh_Cat_78_7.html

nlerner

^ what he said! I should have known that as iirc the '77 SC I owned for over 20 years had Weinmann conclaves when I bought it from the original owner. They ended up getting somewhat square, so I replaced them with Matrix aero rims/wheels at some point.