I wound up owning a 1978 Raleigh Professional Mk V when a relative suggested that I buy it from him. I’m way too old and decrepit to put it to use, but it was always my unicorn so because I know he could use the dough I bought it for a fair price.
It’s in really pretty shape for a forty year old bike. My problem is that when bought in 78-79 it had the original tubular rims replaced by the shop with Rigida red label clincher rims which at the time were similar in weight and appearance to the originals whatever they were. Along the way the front rim was damaged and replaced with an Araya red label that is close to the Rigida but not exactly the same. Every thing else is original, all Campy Nuovo Record and it even has good forty year old Specialized Turbo S tires in ridable condition. I’ll post photos if I can figure out how to do so. Do you think I should try to find a matching rim, Rigida or Ayara, or should I look for a set of tubular rims and try to make it more original?

Post your pics to a free site like Flickr or imgur and post a link.

This far down the line it should not be that big of a deal, if you sell it and the new owner wants to make it right that can be on them. Ultimately wheels are consumables so any expectation of them being original and in good shape is optimistic at best. Hubs still original I hope. I obtained a very nice 74 that came with blue anodized more modern Mavics that are pretty cool with the original hubs which are surely worth more than worn out originals, Also got a 77 that does have good condition Fiamme gold label sew-ups, not sure if they are original but could have come on the bike as an upgrade/substitution so got lucky with those. anyway I wouldn't sweat it at this point, should not be a make or break.

If the mismatched clincher rims bother you and you can't find a single to replace either one, rebuild with matching newer rims, or if you really want to ride tubulars rebuild with those. I would just ride it and enjoy it while keeping an eye out for the parts I wanted.

I gotta concur with the majority.... the issue of matching rims is a secondary concern. If you sell the bike, it would be easier to just knock the price down a little rather than go to the trouble of finding a matching rim and lacing it up.

Please post pics when you can! I need to see how big it is... I'm sure I'm not the only person who would be willing to give it a good home.


Steve in Peoria

And why do you think you're way too old and decrepit (aka C&V) to put a nice C&V bike to use? Sounds to me like a match.