Hi, This is my first post here. I have been reading threads and drooling over pictures for a while and thought it was time to join the forum.

I just purchased a Raleigh/Carlton Competition (Campagnolo drop outs) frame set without any components installed. I want to restore the frame set to factory new condition. But I want to install the vintage Shimano components from my first serious bike from my teenage years - some 40 plus years ago. These are Shimano Dura Ace and Titlist components that would predate this frame by about 5 years. I intend to "test build" the bike before doing any restoration to the frame. I am expecting some issues and parts hunting along the way. For now I just have 2 questions to pose to anyone who may have done something similar. What problems/solutions did you encounter? And what headset can I install in this frame? I know these frames came with Campagnolo head sets, but what Shimano or similar head set could I use? Thanks, I am looking forward to learning more about these bikes, the building process, and one day riding this bike in vintage bike events.

Mike M.

Mike,
Welcome to the forum and the land of free advice; often worth every penny. Any headset appropriate for a 1" English-threaded steerer tube will work fine, provided the stack height of your fork's steerer tube is sufficient. Just google stack height for a vivid description. Depending on how the frame was built up initially the steerer tube may be cut so short only low profile headsets will work, if it's taller that's fine, you can just use spacers to custom fit. I have had good luck with the 80s era 600 and Dura Ace with the early sealed bearings, they hold up very well and require almost no maintenance. This is the one I used on my Fuji last fall:


[IMG]Faux-ji Special Road Racer by Mark, on Flickr[/IMG]

And I just noticed Verktyg posted this great diagram of stack height on Flickr:

[IMG]Stack Height by verktyg, on Flickr[/IMG]

Welcome to the forum BoldRider,

It would be helpful to readers if you gave the year of your frame. For example, the Competition model of the late sixties and early seventies did not come fitted with a Campagnolo headset. It was supplied with a Brampton Aletet which had a stack height of 34mm so there was not enough steerer length to accommodate a Campagnolo Record headset.

My 1979 Competition has a Campagnolo Gran Sport, 1" English thread. It has a stack height of 34mm. The cheaper Tange 1" threaded headset (either Levin or passage...the cheap one) has a stack height roughly the same. While I like the Campagnolo logos on it and the fact it is OEM I don't think I'd be much less pleased with the Tange.

Hi guys, thanks for the replies. I am learning out of the gate here. I did not realize the various different stack heights. So is stack height for a particular head set a function of spacers or of the other components or both? If my frame has a 157 mm steerer tube length and a 125 mm head tube length does the math mean a 32 mm stack height? Thanks for the further education. This is going to be fun.

Mike M.

Welcome, BoldRider!
[MENTION=61614]verktyg[/MENTION] has knowledge that is unassailable. When he speaks, listen! Flick on the link, and you'll know all you need to know about stack height. For a cheat sheet, it's A+B (with bearings) from the picture [MENTION=33566]poprad[/MENTION] posted. Unless your Raleigh Competition's steer was shortened in it's lifetime, you should have no problem finding an "ISO" headset that works.

The very next thing you' learn in this forums is this: pictures or it didn't happen!

We're a very visual group, and love to drool over other's bikes. At some point you may want to meet some of us. When you get over your shyness, post your location.

Edit: your calculation is correct! But where are you measuring to?

So after a few diversions I have had some time to look at headsets and review the above information. The Shimano 600 is very appealing but I could only find 37.5 mm or JIS versions. After looking at photos of similar period bikes the Tange seemed quite appropriate for my frame. So I ordered a 33.5 mm Tange headset. Looking at Sheldon Brown's information I'm thinking my frame is a '76 or '77. So if it came with a Capagnolo headset then I am wondering 24 or 26 tpi. I guess I will find out when the headset comes and I try to fit it to the frame. I have found time to buy 2 other classic Raleighs - a Grand Prix and a Super Course. Both are complete and intact "survivor" bikes with little apparent use. Hopefully the Fedex trip goes OK for both. These will just need disassembly/cleaning/service and maybe a component tweak or two. I think I now have my winter free time accounted for.

One little "trick" if your stack height is just a bit short of the headset you want to use - You can "face" the head tube a millimeter or two and increase that stack height by shortening the head tube:



I've done it once or twice over the years. It's a bit of work, but it can be done.

I don't think the competitions came in 26 tpi like some of the lower models. They were pretty much standard threads. I have half of a Tange headset on a super course and it is fine.

...
...on a couple I have had (from the early 70's, originally fitted with a Jubilee rear derailleur), there is an issue with your use of a Shimano rear derailleur. You can find various kludges and there are internet plans (I think there might be a thread here on BF on the various adaptations, but the short story is that the stop on the rear dropout for the stuff that came with Huret is in the wrong place for a Shimano component.

For me, it just turned out to be easier and quicker to use a Huret on them, and depending on the year of your bike, it might not even be an issue.

I don't think the Campagnolo dropouts were huret specific but I didn't know that about the hanger on earlier models.

I built up a 1974 Raleigh International from the frame up. I cheaped out on the headset and used this Tange unit. It is chromed steel. I have no regrets about this choice.