cehowardGS

About how much is this worth, and is it really a Raleigh Supercourse?

EjustE

Not a Super Course, but a Competition (read the model name on the TT, close to the ST), which was a top of the like (and better than a SC) of Raleigh USA bikes in early-mid 80s (before they got into Technium) Practically identical to Prestige which cost a bit more. Really need a component list to figure value... but it is a nice bike: Raleigh 555sl main tubes (probably Tange Champion 2) and originally came with Suntour Cyclone Mark II components. Looks like an 1985 from here

cehowardGS

Super thanks for the quick and informative reply!!

I figured the Competition was over that one. I seen another one just like the one I posted, and they were calling it a SuperCourse. No matter. I already have a black Competition (old model, made in England)

https://www.cehoward.net/bikecam35.jpg

And If could pick up a white Competition for a good price, = Bike Heaven...

Thanks again,

cehowardGS

I have been looking around and all the Raleigh Competitions, even mine, has "Competition" decal/sticker/label on it. This bike just has Racing.. Are we sure this is a Raleigh Competition?? I think the name on the TT is Campy???

EjustE

Here is the Raleigh USA 1984 catalog picture of the Competition:




Someone did change some components, but this is the bike in question.

cudak888 

The 1985's were Cyclone MkII (third-gen Cyclone) - the '84s were Cyclone second-gen. The OP's Competition is a completely stock '84 with exception to the saddle (possibly bar tape as well). Otherwise, components are a direct match: Cyclone second-gen mechs, Sugino GLP crankset, Dia-Compe A300G brakeset, Sakae seatpost, Araya aero rims.



Excuse the '74 in the foreground:


-Kurt

cehowardGS

Dam, I just joined and dam if I don't LOVE this place!!

Just want to give out a SUPER DUPER THANKS TO all that replied with the information I needed.

The bike in question is indeed a Competition. That will make me put up my dukes when I go for it..

cudak888 

Just to get you exited, here's some photos of my customized '84:





-Kurt

EjustE

Ghost bike edition

cudak888 

It's earmarked for Pastor Bob when he comes down here to Miami

-Kurt

cehowardGS

Well I did get excited and I hate ya too!!!

Your bike is awesome..

I am almost afraid to show my old beat up, 80ish or maybe 70ish Raleigh Competition..But, hoping soon that I will have two..

Here is my rough Competition, and it is indeed rough compared to yours...

miamijim

I wouldnt put your dukes up too high...maybe to the tune of $225 or so but not much higher.


You trying to get PastorBob to leave to the church? One trip to Miami and he may....

cudak888 

On the contrary - welcome to the club of proud two-era Competition owners:

That's one decade right there - '74 and '84:



-Kurt

cehowardGS

That is right in the ballpark I am trying to play for too. Hopefully lower..

Thanks much,

cehowardGS

Well, I put my dukes up to the tune of $152.00, the pickup is a 65 mile drive. Don't think I made a bad deal??

From the info I got in this thread, it is a stock 84 Raleigh Competition with just the seat and bar-tape may be non-stock. If it rides anywhere near as good a my black and I think older Competition I am going to enjoy big time.

cudak888 

$152? Very good.

-Kurt

cehowardGS

Thanks, I will be picking it up either Wed or Fri.

You know this is getting ADDICTING!! My wife done already shot the CRACK of 'what do you need another bike for?"

I saw a Cannondale - Black Lightning - Criterion Series for $150.. , but I back off. If I got that, I might have to sleep with it!!

EjustE

It will be interesting to compare the ride of your 2 competitions. The later one was build with Tange 2 (aka Raleigh 555sl -no 'r') and has a couple more gears in the back that your earlier one. I had one of those later Black Lightnings. They make fine donor bikes, unless you want to ride foil On the other hand, if it has its original black and gold Suntour components, get it, part it, sell the parts and the frame on ebay... that would be enough to pay for both the Cannondale and the Competition and leave you with enough change to buy something nice for your wife (so she would not mind the next +1)

cudak888 

Gears, shmears. The '84 Competitions are pretty much a Japanese machine trying to be Italian road, and doing a pretty good job of it. The pre-'76 Competitions are springy semi-tourers that feel very solid on the road; front end geometry feels very much like a tourer without the bags. The post-'76 Competition G.S. (as the OP owns) is somewhere in the middle, perhaps with a bias to the '84s sportiness - though geometry was still relaxed.

-Kurt

cehowardGS

Dam, that is tempting!! I recall when I was into pistols, and tried to sneak a gun in the house pass the wifee, I caught all kinds of h*ll.

I better leave the Black Lighting alone...Most likely it is gone anyway..

cehowardGS

Just want to report that I picked up my Competition(like the one above) to day. A 130 mile round trip. It was worth it!! The bike looks good. Just like yours. A little dirty, messy and dirty tape too. The stem is black, and some marks on it. Other that, it look and felt good. I didn't have my camera with me. I took it right to my LBS, and they were impressed. Really impressed with the brakes. The rear wheel might need a little trueing, but other than cleaning up and tune, it will be ready in a week. Will post pictures when finished. Oh, and the seat ain't too cool either.. They asked me at the LBS how much I paid on ebay, I told them $150. They said I got a deal.. Cool..

cudak888 

Mine was dirtier, messier, and more neglected than yours when I got it - yours will turn out very nice.

Black stem is stock, and the only part I'd consider a near-mandatory replacement - the stock stems are ugly, and don't fit the bike one bit (and they're often too short once you're fitting riders past the 58cm mark). While you have the bar tape off and are running new brake cables (recommended - use some nice, teflon-lined white housing), take an opportunity to swap the stem (perhaps the entire stem + bar) to something nice. I went with a Cinelli XA mated to Cinelli Campione Del Mondo handlebars on mine. My stem is a bit overboard in length, but I've put a no-setback seatpost on it. A 1980's-style fit.

-Kurt

cehowardGS

Thanks Kurt, will be following your advice almost to the letter. However, I will be doing it in steps.. Going to go with the tape, tune and true up the wheel first. Then I will go for the seat and the stem, then brake lines..

The ADDICTION is setting in..

cudak888 

I'd do the stem before anything else, because you'll have to tear apart your cable and bar tape job to change it out. Same for the brake cable housing - if you stick with the original levers, the housing goes under the bar tape.

Might as well change the stem before you do the bar tape, same for the cable housing (don't skimp on what brings you to a stop). Find out what length stem is ideal for you.

-Kurt

ftwelder

I am pretty sure my heart is just going to stop beating when I find a 60's Raleigh GP or higher at scrounger prices.