A 1972 Raleigh Competition that belonged to my father. It finally made it's way into my hands after hanging unused in the garage for at least the past 15 years. The paint job was surprisingly good considering usage by the old man plus his three spawn. 531 tubing, Carlton built. Didn't fit any of the offerings in the catalogs of that time frame as far as components or paint.

The original 27" wheels were replaced with Suzues (Pro in back, Jr in front) on Mavic Ma2's. I got lucky on the crank setup, the outer ring on an old Sakae crank lined up perfectly using the original Nevar spindle. Soma cog. Using a cross lever for the original Wienmann front brake. Need to finish removing the remnents of the stickers on the seat tube.

http://home.twcny.rr.com/dobber/Linked/Purple.jpg

I have to remember to box my lil brothers ears next time I see him, apparently he removed the original Brooks seat and replaced it with some couch cushion during the 80's. I restored it's dignity with a nice vintage Selle Turbo on a longer seat post (apparently dad isn't as tall as I remember him).

The nickname Purple Mistake was coined shortly after its purchase as Pop had nothing but headaches with regards to the original sew up tires. After a couple years he finally relented and had the rims replaced to run clinchers.

how come you didn't post this in the photo thread?
interesting color though

I for one think this deserves it own thread.

Very Nice.

I'm glad you didn't post it in the photo thread, because I never would have seen it.

My fix is a 78 Competition GS also made by Carlton. I love that damn thing.

Likewise ... my fix is a Carton-made Raleigh Competition. Near as I can tell, mine is a '72 or '73 as it has Exclusive Capella lugs, as seen on this restored '60s Carlton Flyer. It also has Huret dropouts and came fitted with a Jubillee derailleur. The lugs look a little different on the purple bike. From what I've stumbled across on the Web, '74 and later Comps had Prugnat lugs similar to these seen here.

Nice...... My first 'serious' bike was a brand new '72 black Competition which I paid $325. It came with sew ups back then.... and had to learn how to repair them because I just couldn't afford spares.

The PM has Zeus dropouts.

That's a great looking bike. I bet it rides very, very smooth.

I happen to own (hopefully not for long) two purple Raleigh Competitions. One is either a 20,1/2" frame, and the other is a 24" frame. Very original bikes. No components changed or worn out. Brake pads are old, tires not too bad. I'm going to be posting them on eBay as a pair. His and hers, if you will. Can all you Competition owners give me an idea on what a fair reserve would be for the pair?

Thanks

$20

That's my bike's twin! A pair would be $200.00- $350.00 max due to the frame and lugs...they are top notch.IMHO . I get compliments all the time. Good luck.

sell them seperately but link your auctions.