I was looking around for a new bike, something to replace a Raleigh Technium that is way too small for me, when I figured I should probably check my parent’s garage before going out and buying something new. To my surprise, I found a Raleigh USA Racing Competition that seems like a perfect fit. I believe it is an '84 model because it is that pearly white color with the chrome parts. I want to fix this one up instead of buying a new bike.

There are a few things I am concerned about, and this would be my first "restoration" project so I wanted to ask a few questions.

I have done some research, read around on the forums, and this seems like a pretty good find. I am concerned it might not be able to hold up as a commuter though. I ride around on Rochester streets which are always in pretty bad shape, and from time to time in Albany which is no better. As I understand it this is more of a racing bike. Will it be able to take the beating I want it to? I’m not talking huge drops or anything, just a lot of bumpy roads and up and down curbs from time to time.

Is it worth putting my time and money into? As far as I can tell, it needs a new seat, tires, tubes, bar tape, adjustments, and some serious elbow grease. It might need a new front wheel, or anything you guys can think of that would need replacing. Can I do it for under, say… 200 dollars? I’m a poor college student that can barely afford books let alone bikes.

There is some rust on the chrome. It seems like its cosmetic, mostly around where the Raleigh engravings are. Will I be able to get this out? If it’s not too deep will it still look like polished chrome? Anyone have any tips for removing cosmetic rust from chrome? Paint looks ok, just needs to be cleaned up I think.

I haven't checked the wheels, other than a quick look and I know that the front wheel has no tire/tube, or even the rubber strip that goes around the rim to protect the tube. I can't even tell what size these tires are. I tried to put the front wheel of my Technium on the Competition, but it hit the arch in the fork. I don't even know where to look to find out the components this bike has. Is there anything I should definitely replace after such a long time in a garage, other than tires and tubes of course? I can probably get that rubber strip from the LBS right?

Finally, if anyone has any tips or just general information, that would be sweet. I am sorry if these questions seem really basic, but I am really just getting into doing things on my own with bikes, and I figured a restoration project would be a good place to start… I just need some help along the way. Thanks!



I just realized I didn’t take any pictures yet, I will have them up tomorrow. Sorry!