Been lurking here for a while, and now I need to wisdom of the collective.

I recently picked up a 1973 (I think, no chrome stays, but chrome forks) Raleigh Competition in black. According to the specs listed in the old Raleigh catalogs floating around the internet, it is all original except for the rear derailleur and the seat. The question is: Do I pay the seemingly exorbitant prices people want for the Huret Jubilee (minimum $150) or do I leave the modern Shimano DX-100 on there. Third option, do I find something period correct and of appropriate quality to replace the Shimano?

I picked up the bike for $50 and am probably going to sell it when I'm done cleaning it up. What does the quorum think? Oh yeah, Im in Central Jersey, so good access to the hot markets in NYC and Philadelphia. Thanks!

Joe

If you're going to sell it then don't buy expensive replacement parts just to make it period correct. You'll be upside down very quickly that way.

If you've got a bike co-op close by then you may be able to find a nice vintage rear derailleur to complete the period kit.

Also, we want pictures.

$50 is a nice price. The Huret dropout (unless modified) on this bike is stepped for a Huret derailleur. Does the Shimano look like it's at the right angle? How does it shift?

Pictures!

haven't had a chance to test ride quite yet (it was in an auto body shop, weird story). And, it turns out I cant post a URL until I have 10 posts. And the pics are too large to upload directly. Is there someone I can ask to have that changed, or do I just need to spam something? (hate to do that...)

Narhay is right, don't throw money at it if you plan to sell it. That Shimano RD will probably only knock $10 off the price, if that. I doubt you would get much if any more for having the Huret on there. If you plan to keep it, and want something period correct, I'd find a Suntour Rd. The Cyclone would be my choice, but I don't think it actually came out until '75. Perhaps a V luxe, or Vx. They're a bit heavier, and not quite as fancy, but are probably the best functioning RDs of the era.

Thanks cdmurphy, Also it looks like the front derailleur was replaced as well. Maybe have to start looking for some SunTours or something. I just cant stand that Shimano on there. It's like a CD player in a classic car. It's just wrong!

Moe,
The shimano looks like it's at the correct angle. I will have to go ride it to see if it works right, but it's so greasy from being in that garage!

Just post the URL here. If it doesn't "stick", put some spaces in that we can easily figure out how to fix.

BTW, I'm for just clean it up and sell it rather than put any money into it.

The date can be told by the serial number. If you post it (or even just the letter at the front of it), someone here can tell you the year.

Maybe follow the link below?

dropbox.com/s/ms5oem5vntuj7yy/DSCN1284.jpg?dl=0

Serial Number is G6104 and there is a '6' or a '9' painted (stenciled) on the bottom bracket as well.

Looking at the catalogs, it should be a '73

dropbox.com/s/ms5oem5vntuj7yy/DSCN1284.jpg?dl=0
dropbox.com/s/d4cutq79hdqn5df/DSCN1283.jpg?dl=0
dropbox.com/s/tesabqo2vof1wrb/DSCN1282.jpg?dl=0
dropbox.com/s/56836rczvtt4nnv/DSCN1281.jpg?dl=0
dropbox.com/s/rkbuef0c5pwzc09/DSCN1280.jpg?dl=0
dropbox.com/s/22afbygqe8ors67/DSCN1278.jpg?dl=0
dropbox.com/s/m9w51w1v92y7lbq/DSCN1277.jpg?dl=0
dropbox.com/s/p4aafh706z1f4ls/DSCN1275.jpg?dl=0

That should do it...

Just realized some of those pictures are pretty terrible. I'll take the bike outside later and get some better ones and post them up. Perhaps after I get my 10 posts and can just set the link into the posts. 2 more!

Your bike has capella style lugs which were only produced in 1973 as far as I am aware.

If the wheel hubs are Campagnolo Record high flange hubs then you've got a very nice wheelset there. The replacement derailleurs don't look too out of place...If you're going to keep it then change away but if you're going to sell then I would just clean them up and grease everything.

The hubs are what are listed in the 1973 catalog, some kind of Normandie Luxe Fade in France high flange, etc. Rims are Nisi sprint alloys. The cranks are supposed to be T.A Alloy, but not sure what that is, and I can't find any markings on them that are still legible. We'll see what I discover when I really get into it!

Those are the cranks.

Yup, TA 3-pin cranks were standard on that model in '73, I believe. Looks like rims are tubulars? They might be original to the bike, too. And the shift levers look to be the original Huret.

THanks guys! yes, the tires are tubulars, obviously not the original tires (which is great, replacing tubies is a pain and can be $$$)

Tried pic assist with no luck.

Don't bother changing the running gear if you're just going to flip it, you'll lose money on that for sure, unless you score the parts for free. You'll get the most return out of it from a knowledgeable buyer, who will have his own plan for it.

You may know this already, bit you'll get quite a bit more money for it on eBay than Craigslist, provided you have the know how to properly pack a bike for shipping and are willing to go through the hassle of doing so.