Dutch Red

After deciding not to get the Gazelle I posted a thread on a while ago (the guy was an hours drive away and when I asked wether it was still in riding condition he said "you're free to come by and check it out"... no thanks, I'd rather not take the guess and waste my afternoon) I'd been on the lookout and found this beauty literally a mile away from me.

1983 Raleigh Sirocco in pearl white.
Atom 600 pedals w/ Christope clips
Suntour VX derailleur


Weird thing: Front wheel is Mavic, rear Rigida? Was it common to use two different wheels or did the dealer change them?

Couldn't find much on the Sirocco models but the price was right and it was my size so I said screw it, I'll take the plunge and walked to the guys place after dinner. He's the original owner and still even had the receipt!
As you can see, it's a frame number that starts with 120. I haven't looked the actual number up on the frame itself but will do that tomorrow so I can ID/date it.

He told me he bought the bike to ride with his sister but only rode 8-900km before she quit riding and he decided not to continue solo. As far as he knew, all parts were original. Even the tubular tires, which, considering they're nearly 35 years old, looked pretty good. They maintain their pressure but the rear tube has some wear on it so I'll replace them asap.

Atom 600 pedals. They had Christophe toeclips on but I don't like the old style clips and might replace the pedals or just ride without the clips.

Now I've got a little to do/buy/upgrade list:
New tires (any suggestions for decent tubulars? The rims are for 23mm 700cc I believe)
New handle bar tape (current stuff is thin and almost feels like bare metal... Hard on the hands)
New longer handlebar stem
Install a small front rack for handlebar bag
Get a nice saddle bag

Other potential upgrades... The saddle (depending on how it feels, I'll test ride it a bit soon) and handlebars (they're not very wide) but I'm not in a hurry to swap them.

Sorry for the weird spacing. Not enough posts to embed image urls yet and I wouldn't know how to sort my attachments... The forum also somehow rotates my images.

3speedslow

Very tall, very nice! Glad you held out and another showed up. You might get some coin for those pedals or a good trade.

Hummer

Hi Dutch Red,

welcome to the forums. Thanks for posting the pictures of your Raleigh.

Looking at the frame number on your receipt, I would suggest that the frame was made in 1981.

Here is another Sirocco with a frame that was made in late 1980.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/100761...57635945814004

Very good looking bicycle.

Dutch Red

Thanks Hummer. The red one is nice too, almost identical to mine.

Dutch Red

Small update, changed the tires for Vittoria Corsa, new models. My urban bikes usually have continentals but the Corsa looks great on vintage bikes with its bare sides. Also wrapped some BBB black bar tape on the bars and it feels so much better. Much more comfortable. Still getting used to drop bars after not using them for 10yrs or so but they're more comfortable now. I won't show pics of the wrapping itself, not with how little practise I've had Maybe I'll swap the black tape for Brooks Microfiber in honey/brown at some point.

The saddle is staying for now. It's surprisingly comfortable even in jeans. I'm also getting used to the toe clips though I might at some point just install velo orange half clips. Not going to bother shelling out for navy frigate sized cycling shoes (I'm a size 49-50EU, 15US) just yet.

Also ordered a NOS Nitto stem from eBay. Current stem only does 80mm extension height and I need 100 or 110ish, at least until I get more flexible and used to riding dropped.

Next on the shopping list is a small randonneur rack, a nicer bell (borrowed one from my old bike for now) and a stylish saddle bag.