I picked up this '75 Competition for a great price in early autumn. I was excited because I've always wanted either an International or Competition of this era, with their more relaxed geometry, not unlike my '51 Wasp but one size up. Dad wanted a Raleigh Competition when he was in high school - but settled for a Gitane due to cost, I think the Gitane equivalent to the Peugeot U08. The Competition has seen use and is not a cream puff, with nicks and scratches in the paint, some rust spots on the top tube, and the usual 531 transfer disappearances. The Normandy Luxe hubs and the bottom bracket were dry, the Huret Jubillee derailleur is in good shape and shifts nicely. I think the bike was not abused but was not given any maintenance in the important spaces. Somebody rode this bike a lot, wore down the mechanicals (chain rings are missing teeth!), and then put it away. All in all, an excellent opportunity to have some fun!

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I have some thoughts on what to do based on reading around the forums, here's a few:

Wheels: I'm going to put the tubulars aside for now. Normandy Luxe hubs are in OK shape, but I've read that cones are unobtanium - will the hubs last with regular maintenance, or should I pick another option? I was thinking that an alternative could be Maillard 700 hubs laced to modern rims in either 700c or 650b - I know the Competition has clearance for wide tires (up to 38mm with fenders?) this is one of the reasons I wanted to find one, I was thinking I might do a 650b conversion. I may spec a hub dynamo, this always seems like a good idea, but I have one already on my touring bike, so I'll think about that. This guy could be my light-and-quick comfortable long distance rider, where the Voyageur is the heavier "take all the things with you" bike. The Wasp does as it wishes, either in fixed or sturmey archer IGH guise.

Gearing: Huret Jubilee and shifters are in nice shape, I'd like to keep it running, but could be limited by its range as I understand. I do have a NOS Suntour V-GT Luxe sitting around, but then I'd probably go for Suntour bar ends. The five-speed freewheel is in surprisingly decent condition, but I was thinking that a six-speed freewheel could be a good option, I've read about the Suntour ultra six which could work? Looking for suggestions there. Definitely want to use a triple, we have some big hills to the north and I like to have options. Right now the bike has the original TA crank. Not sure of my options, crank wise, that'll look nice - I know VO has their TA copy, but it is expensive. I would need new rings for the existing crank, and I have read about a "tripilizer" being an option, so would that be relevant here? I was also considering Stronglight cranks of the period, because they look great.

Brakes: All original Weinmann. I was thinking new cables and kool stop inserts into the original holders would be the ideal thing, but if I do a 650b conversion, this may not be practical for reach - I may need another option.

Frame: All parts to be removed, and the frame gently cleaned, and the spots touched up, and I'll find a "Competition" transfer to get on there before a preservation wax is applied. I think I'll leave the 531 stickers alone, it seems like a tradition for them to be faded. I read (maybe it was from gugie that someone knows a good touch-up matching black paint?)

Thanks for reading.

P.S. "Ged117" is pronounced like the "G" sound in "Ghostbusters" mixed with "Jed" as in Jed Clampett. So basically Jed117 spelled with a G, named after a character in an Ursula le Guin story. Somebody asked me in a PM so I thought I'd just share that...