So I've recently acquired a Raleigh and confirmed that it's a Super Course (https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...everal-photos) ). The question now is what to do with it. At the very least it needs a serious tune up, but beyond that I'm interested in thoughts on where to take it.

One option is to just tune it up and ride (with changes to saddle and cassette). Another thought is to try to "restore" it and go period correct. That would require a repaint since it's no longer an original color. Another option would be to modernize it (maybe with, maybe without a repaint). Since it's not that rare, and since someone else already eliminated the original paint, I don't really have any need to keep it period correct. And although it's not top of the line, Sheldon did say of the Super Course, "These are quite nice bikes, often suitable for upgrading to modern parts."

So any opinions? (Like I have to ask...) Restore to vintage period correct for tweed rides? Turn into a modern all-rounder and put it up against local Rivs? Get in running and ride it as a beater? Any specific components I should definitely replace?

This isn't a democracy - more like an idea-ocracy. So let me hear some cool ones. Thanks!

I would get it running and decide if you like it and if it fits etc. etc. etc.
Once you learn it's personality decide if you like it and are going to keep it or flip it.
If you it fits and you like it then you can decide how to proceed.
I wouldn't put any more money into it than to get it ride-able...............then tweak to your heart and budget's content

Play with it, don't restore it. Gotta have at least one bike in the fleet that is an experimental platform.

Good points, OTS. That's a smart place to start, so for the sake of discussion, let's assume that I find that it does fit and that I do like how it rides.

Pretty sure you will like the ride quality but knowing for sure takes a couple of months of riding. Do not fool yourself into believing that you know a bike until you have actually spend considerable time fitting the bike to you (assuming it is a potential good fit) nor should you fool yourself into believing that you can evaluate ride quality in a couple of rides.

I always ride a bicycle for the better part of a season before making any upgrade or restoration decisions. Doing this will help control the urge to spend money just for the sake of spending money. Doing this will also help you understand if you really do like the bicycle. And, finally, or not, doing so just might help you want to keep the bicycle just the way it is.

My opinion, only, of course. And it applies to every bicycle that I have owned and retained as a keeper. That said, I am working on one, right now, that will not follow that evaluation process. Of course, the one I am working on right now will never become a bike I ride much. It is just too old and too unsafe to ride in today's traffic. That said...

This old Legnano Gran Premio is in need of paint and art. Or is it? Been riding it for two years, now, and just can't bring myself to redo the paint and art. The bike has grown on me. You'll see...

Grease it, tune it, get that rust in check, and ride it. Your not going to know what you need to replace until you get some miles on it.

I start with the three points of rider contact. The handlebars, saddle , and pedals.
It looks like you have the original bars on the bike. They are a really nice classic Maes bend. Those are keepers.
Saddle? Hard to beat a Brooks or Wrights. I think a Brooks B-17 narrow was standard on the Super Course for many years.
Pedals are a personal choice. I like basic rat trap pedals. Maybe you want clipless, or a platform.
The Nervsr crank on your SC is kinda cool. And Huret Jubilee derailleur is top notch.
A good set of tires will make for a smooth trouble free ride.
Tune it up lube and ride it. You will figure out what it needs or what you may want to change.

I constantly try new stuff on mine. It's almost done except for that one last piece. When I finally get it it changes the whole ensemble and I have to change 3 other things to match. Maybe someday I'll finish it.

Since it's been repainted and has some rust, I'd have it media blasted and then brush-paint it myself (when weather permits).
- Maybe a very proper Navy, with a cream colored head tube and seat tube panels, that would show off the aftermarket decal kit, with the black Carlton ST decal and the gold DT "Raleigh" in script.
Then I'd get a brown Brooks B17 and matching cloth tape.
I'd rebuild the wheels with new ss spokes, and do all the bearings hoods tires & etc, and install slick cables with new lined housing, lose the dork disk, and and a new HG 5-speed FW and chain.
I'd keep the other components as they are, though if it was to be my main ride, I'd store that Jubilee and install a Huret Challenger instead. (I ride both but much prefer the shift quality of a Challenger).

Then I'd polish it all to the nines, and install a brass Crane bell on it.
- And unlike many of my C&V compatriots, I would do all this even before I rode the first mile on it.
It would be a super fun project and there is no question you will love the bike.

After all, it's a Super Course, and in my very HUMBLE opinion about Super Courses, you would have to be a MONSTER not to love a Super Course!

I built up my 72 Super Course as an all weather commuter with S-A 5spd IGH and SA front Dyno hub. Drum brakes all around. I've ridden it a few months and am liking it more each day.

-G