I can't speak to high Cat ratings or Pros on a Raleigh Professional but locally only one guy raced his Pro. He got it new locally in 1977 and raced local crits. The local Raleigh shop's manager that rode with in our club steered people away from racing the Pro. Actually Jim disliked them for some reason. I coveted one but went with an International using SunTour Superbe brakes for my large butt and local racing. Around here out of town Italian bikes ruled the club races. We didn't have an LBS for them until the mid 80's.

I always wanted a Professional and fully intended to race it as well as fast club rides that I loved doing. The full Campy NR and the Hutchinson tubulars were appealing to me as was the Brooks Team Pro saddle. I don't think the Pro from that era had really great race geometry but I never could tell. Those were and are beautiful bikes.

Bill