Phamilton

I don't really know anything about these, but looks like it was originally good spec. It's rough now but does anybody think it could make an acceptable rider after a rehab? Obviously not a carbon frame.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...1816919654563/

Phamilton

Were some of the Competition frames made with Reynolds tubing?

juvela

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This is a 1973 model.

Appears only the pedals and handlebar covering have been changed from what was original.

Yes to Reynolds 531 tubing.

Useful accessories have been added such as pump, Flickstand, lock holder and Fulmine spare tyre carrier.

Very good buy at posted price.

Is it a good size for you? Looks to be what manufacturer called 23 1/2" (measuring centre-to-top).

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Phamilton

Yeah, I'm 6', usually ride a 23"/58cm frame.

Didn't realize it may have been Reynolds when I first saw the ad.

It's delicious. I can't really afford much of a project right now, but the ad has been up for over a week, I may offer seller $100 and see what happens.

Phamilton

Does anybody know if these will be 27" wheels or 700C? I'm not sure when 700C started being used. I've seen some late 70s bikes with 700C wheels.

TenGrainBread 

Can you post any other pictures from the ads, maybe one that has a close up of the tire label or rim label?

Tubular rims ("sew-ups") have always used the same diameter as 700C - 622mm. 700C clinchers started to be be used in the 70s I believe.

Phamilton

No, there weren't any close ups, that's why I was asking. Are tubulars what are pictured there? I don't know I'd want to deal with that.

TenGrainBread 

Sort of hard to tell from the pictures. I think they are 700C clinchers that are replacement wheels. The low flange hubs look sort of modern. There is a reflector on each wheel indicating they could be newer replacement wheels from a bike shop. The brake pads are all at the bottom of their adjustment slot indicating the wheels could be 700C.

juvela

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Good question!

Would have expected 27's at this time.

But noted that brake pads are all the way at the bottom of the slot on the front.

Centre of slot on the Weinmann 610 caliper is 56mm so they are at ~62mm.

The four mm radius difference between 700 and 27 would put the pads right near centre of slot with 27's if they are 700's.

Cycle manufacturers usually design so that pads come out in the centre of the adjustment slot with the intended wheel size.

One of the photos gives the tyre label but there are not eno' pixels to read it.

So presently thinking 700's. Rims & tyres certainly appear to be wired-ons. Valve stems for tubs do not generally exhibit threads for locknuts.



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bikemig 

That's a good deal at that price. I'd buy it.

Phamilton

You know, I DID notice the low flange hub on the front wheel. Also, I count 6 cogs on the rear cluster.

Does anybody think non-original wheels could be a negotiating point?

juvela

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Wheels are OEM.

Hubs are Normandy Luxe Competition, third generation.

6V block is because someone has changed it.

A Suntour Ultra 6 fits in the lateral space of a 5V.

That may be what is in there.

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bikemig 

That's a good deal. I'd turn down a low ball offer.

Phamilton

Seller is advertising it as a carbon frame, maybe ignorance will be in my favor!

bikemig 

Just tell him that carbon assplodes! Good luck.

d_dutchison

Bring a magnet to the sale

juvela

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+1

Much as with cycles/frames advertised a "Reynolds aluminum"

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rustystrings61 

1973 Raleigh Competition with a T.A. crankset and Huret Jubilee derailleurs, the lightest derailleurs ever marketed. Weinmann centerpull brakes which were once a high-dollar item that became bog standard through the years. Reynolds 531 frame and fork, but perhaps NOT rear stays. Rear ends are probably Huret, which some claim only work with Huret derailleurs but I got to work just fine with SunTour stuff. This was 3rd from the top in the early-mid 70s, when the lineup went Professional, International, Competition, Gran(d) Sport(s), Super Course .... This was their equivalent of the Gitane Tour de France or the Peugeot PX-10E, a race-ready bike without the price of Campagnolo parts. GB stem and alloy bars, what looks like the original Brooks B17N saddle, Carlton Capella lugs ... Here's a catalog.

It's a good deal at $175, and it used to be that the derailleurs themselves were valued highly enough to sell for that.

If you really wanted to, you could run it with either 700C or 27-in clinchers, because 27 was a Raleigh/Dunlop deal to start with, and it will work with both. This is a bike worth lovingly cleaning, repacking and adjusting and riding with great glee.

shelbyfv

I had a similar. That thing has been rode hard and put away wet. Other than the wheels it looks like original components. Brooks saddle, Huret Jubilee derailleurs, possibly TA crank, though it looks a little different from the one I had. The frame may have potential if not too rusty but the rest is beyond saving, IMO.

Phamilton

rootboy 

Somebody is going to get a great deal on that at 175.
But it doesn't sound like it's going to be you.

Heck, that rear derailleur is worth half that.

Phamilton

bikemig 

Really, these will work with suntour derailleurs? I thought these drop outs only worked with Huret RDs. I have one of these which has some issues and I thought one of the issues would be those Huret rear drop outs.

Lemond1985

+1

The 531 frames on these take them to another level. If you're used to mid-range bikes, I think you'll notice a definite difference in stiffness and lightness. These have some pretty racy geometry too. And they'll take wide tires as well, 35's with a 700c wheel, and probably still room for fenders. I'd grab that thing myself if it was local (even though i already have a '76 Competition) they don't come around that often, and they're really something special. Especially at that price.

rustystrings61 

I cannot guarantee results, but I ran a SunTour V-GT Luxe for a few months on what was (underneath many layers of Krylon and housepaint) once a Raleigh Grand Sport or Competition with Huret ends. It shifted fine over both a 5-speed and a 7-speed cluster, right up until I decided I wanted to fixify it.