that_was_easy

I'm wordy. tl;dr version: I'm really just looking for some feedback as I have somethings planned for this Supercourse, involving keeping things as original as possible as far as manufacturer goes and hopeful down to exact, series. Huret, Mailliard, Normandy, Brooks and 27" wheels are all present and accounted for. Some servicable, some not. Bike is currently in pieces and awaiting a oxalic treatment of the crome stays/fork and an otherwise light cleaning to preserve/enhance asthetics. Much obliged for any advice, especially on the fender question, as I've never even riden a bike with fenders. This thing just fits me so well.

Relevant catalog

I reckon this might seem a little simple to the (overly??? ) developed sensibilities I read most often in CV, but I'm still relatively inexperienced at rebuilding/restoring bikes. So, being that I have a nicely fitting frame, have done what I feel to be requisite, perhaps adequate reading, I'd like to get an idea if what I'd like to do has been done by anybody before. I received the bike from a friend's parents, saved from dust and rust, in what my lay observations call, very original condition. I'd like to restore it, mostly.

It is the emerald green/white schemed version and so I'm leaning towards a somewhat period specific, matching set of white English fenders, Bluemels, mostly. I've seen sets pop up regularly on Ebay (Populars up now, NOS and very nice/unafforadable) and they are mostly of the Superbe variety, which seems to be only available in wider sizes. White seems to be a desirable color, somewhat hard to find, and usually pre-70's vintage. Even though they aren't original to this mid-seventies Raleigh I'm wondering what the chance is of finding some Bluemels that fit the 45~CM clearance of the fork (nearest the crown is where I measured). I don't plan to run huge tires and I think the selection of brakes available nowadays is extensive, so I'm not worried about all that, unless I should be...Downsizing to 700c wheels is something I'd like to avoid, if possible.

nlerner

I have a 1975 red/white Super Course MkII, currently running 700c wheels and Velo Orange 46mm alloy fenders. There's plenty of room, so I think you'll be fine with 27" wheels and fenders that width or narrower.

As far as your chances of finding Bluemels fenders, the last set I acquired (Club Specials in black) came on a complete bike that I found on CL for $140. I took off the fenders and rear rack and resold the bike for $150. I think I got lucky.

Neal

Saintly Loser

I've got a Super Course of similar vintage, in the same paint. I've got white Bluemels Club Special fenders on it, and they do look great. I use 700x 28 tires, and it looks like there's room for more in there. 700x32 would almost certainly fit, although I haven't tried. I have downsized to 700c wheels, but you won't have any problem with 27" wheels.

Grand Bois

You can get black club specials on ebay any time.

Saintly Loser

The brake reach on the Super Course is looooong (especially if you're going to go with 700c wheels, but looks like you're not). In any case, the brakes originally fitted were Weinmann centerpulls. They work quite well, and they're easily and inexpensively available. They were original equipment for millions of bikes and are all over the place. Ebay, junker bikes in your neighborhood, maybe some take-offs at your LBS.

And they have plenty of clearance for fenders.