I originally posted this in the the appraisals section but now that I have the bike and I'm keeping it, this seems like a better home.

I picked up this Raleigh Super Tourer for $100. Condition is good overall. I need to repack the headset and probably put in new cables but other than that, its in amazing shape.

I plan to add a rear rack and panniers as well as Velo-Orange fenders. The saddle looks lovely but its a little saggy and sways a bit so I may buy a new one.

Its my first vintage ride. I ride a fixed gear track bike most days so I'm totally digging the upright position.

Super Tourers are really cool bikes. You did very well on your purchase. BF member nlerner has one I know and I suspect he'll chime in with some knowledge of them.

The Stronglight 93 cyclocross version is a very nice crank and the Huret Jubilee RD was the lightest derailleur of its time and 40 years later is still a very, very light mech. The fact that the bike still has the correct length pump is awesome.

My! - you don't see many like that!
Grrreat score rustbelt!

That's awesome! Can the saddle be tightened.

I think it can be tightened. I'm a little hesitant to. It seems that the leather has pulled away from one of the rivets a bit. I guess its worth a shot. I bought it to ride not to stare at so I guess the worst thing that could happen is the rivet comes out and I buy a new saddle.

Has anyone repacked a headset on these? Are the bearings loose?

Whoah, you got a screamin' good deal! That's either a '75 or a '76. The serial # on the bottom bracket should confirm as it'll start with a W then a letter then a number and that's the year (e.g., WN5 = 1975). My Super Tourer is a '74 when they came with a black mattress saddle. Mine also has that same hubset:



Neal

Neal, your Raleigh looks perfect.

Mine had a front fender when I bought it but it was pretty messed up. I plan to buy Velo-Orange fenders for it as well as a rear rack and panniers.

It has years of grime built up in all of the tiny nooks and crannies. Any advice for what to use to clean it? I started with Simple Green but I don't know if that is the best thing.

I use kerosene, WD-40 and Simple Green to clean depending on what is needed.

Super cool!!! Good for you! I think it will look even better with the VO fenders.

Cheers,
Chris

Those Super Tourers are a rare high end Raleigh. That was a steal of a price and the condition looks amazing.

It sold for about $300 back in the day, so that is, indeed, a screaming deal. It's the very same frame and fork as was on the Competition. But in some ways, this is the better bike. It's a full 531 frame and fork.

+1. I would rather have a Sports Tourer than a Competition for a few reasons.

-It's rarer
-It's slightly odd
-It came in a better color
-it's got the same great French bits.

And the best part: It's exactly my size.

I've never been much of a believer in fate but....