Is this stem or bars bent?
 

Calling dibs if we C&V'rs still do that, but.... The one pic from the underside, makes it seem like the stem might be bent somehow. None of the other pics seem to indicate a problem, so it may be a cam lens trick? I almost clicked buy it now last night, and frankly I am surprised it's still up. Just wanted to get a few opinions, because this is as close as I'll come to affording this stem for my Professional, and the bars would look nice as well, even if they're not correct? I don't get to see a lot of bone stock Pro's to know. So.... What say ye? Bent or straight?,,,,BD


http://www.ebay.com/itm/3T-ttt-Grand...item19e867d8d2

Why not ask the seller right out??
His reply would be your proof that he confirmed things were good....if it turns out to be bent when you get it...

I don't even know the year model of my Pro either. I know that is horrible, but the months since I've owned it have gone by fast, and I've been super busy. Just never had the time to research it. I have always wanted this exact looking model, with the sloping crown and fastback seat stays, with this paint scheme. One of the most beautiful bikes I've ever seen.,,,,BD

Thanks again to DevinFan for making ownership of this fine machine possible. It's been built up to ridable sinc the pics. Got the white Benotto ribbon ready, and I am seriously considering robbing the Geoffrey Butler for the Campy bits I do have.

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps33f4a143.jpg

Looks ok to me.

I messaged the seller, and hopefully I end up with them. I tried hard to word it in such a way to show I am VERY interested, and ready to buy.,,,,BD

Nice Pro... I've got a bit of a soft spot for them also!;) What is the serial number of yours? It's easy to determine Raleigh build dates from the SN.

hmmm...tempted to buy those myself. thats a pretty great deal.

they dont looke bent to me.

Well, be tempted no longer, cause they are mine. hehe. I am pretty certain it will not be hard to get my money back if they're tweaked. Thanks for the opinions. With prices of $148 and $212 for just the stem, apparently I made out like a bandit for $53 for the stem and bars..,,,,BD

I will go out and check the S/N in a little while. I might not post it until tonight though. I work 7:30-5 with a 30 minute lunch, so not much time for bike stuff during the day.;),,,,BD

While I've got you guys here, are Cyclomondo decals decent? Like true colors, correct size, not overly thick, etc? He has a decal set for this stem for $13 shipped, and it's very tempting to just get them as well. Eventually I may do a repaint. There are all kinds of little dings, scratches, etc. There was a rather large dent on the seat tube, but a beveled/greased throw away seat post knocked it out to within a 32nd or 64th of being perfect again. I was shocked at how well it worked, actually.

Very nice and I fully understand - I've had my 76 Mk IV only since October and still cannot believe I own one. Right now it's all in pieces with the frame hanging in the shop. Mine is a mix or original Campy, no so original campy (post CPSC) and early 80s Japanese gear. Altogether a nice collection of bits. The Suntour sealed bearing hubs are outstanding. My primary issue is deciding what to do about the paint. No decals and a nice but darker blue over the original Blue Mink. I could just build it back and ride it for a year while I decide. Congrats on getting yours. Send a photo of the BB n SN.

Mine has a crane RD, FD I cannot remember? Suntour I think? Bar end shifters, Dura Ace first gen crank(in the picture) Wheels are Campy Record hubs with odd lacing, and dark grey hard ano. rims. As I started this full time job in early December, I told myself I was going to buy all the campy piece by piece when I had the cash. The stem and bars are a NICE start, as the cheapest one of these stems I found was 100 bucks. The Geoffrey Butler was built with the Campy NR drivetrain group I have, about a month before I got the Pro. Sooo, the decision has to be made. Rip the parts from the GB, and buy a crank and brakes, or buy a whole new to me NR group. I do have a GS group, but that has been on my Trek 510 since I bought it, and IS NOT coming off. Only NR would be right, IMHO....

Let me go shoot a pic of the S/N, I should be back soon enough. It would be very cool if it is a 76 model, since the bars have the Olympic rings on them...,,,,BD

Well this is it, such as it is. It is VERY hard to make out with the naked eye, so the camera and lighting helps. The first digits are almost indecipherable, unfortunately. It really is a super light stamping. I guess someone was having a bad day at Worksop? Who knows. If anyone can help, and maybe count back from the end, to try and see if anything makes sense?,,,,BD


http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps70099637.jpg

I can kind of make out the W? Then the lower section of a letter or numeral, and then a 4. So a 74 model possibly?,,,,BD

Sometimes if you lay a sheet of paper on it and rub with a pencil, it's easier to read than on the bike. I don't know why. Nice bike btw.

I had one of those once years ago. One of the prettiest paint jobs ever imho. Unfortunately the paint on mine was utterly trashed when I got it from a friend and I wound up spraying it with burgundy metallic imron. Hey, it was like 1977, and it looked pretty darn hot with yellow Benotto. Anyway, I sold it to another friend when I got my Moto and it was stolen from her in the Bay area. So if someone sees one like that out there...yes, it's a Pro.

That stem has the wedge style rear nut, be very careful not to over tighten. They tend to crack if you do, I fitted a regular allen and nut on mine, chrome of course.

http://i1128.photobucket.com/albums/...ps23ea8c6c.jpg

I will definitely keep that in mind, and thank you for the warning! Much appreciated. Does anyone know the correct bars for this Professional? The 3T is certainly nice, but I imagine it is a 76 model bar, judging by the rings. I have a pair of the one you have on your Carlton, one of the prettiest engraved bars ever made, IMHO. The map of England, the banner/flags, just gorgeous design work.,,,,BD

http://www.mytenspeeds.com/My_TenSpe...mBarsFront.jpg

Even more interesting? Here's a set I bought last year, with the design facing backwards, rather than forwards? I wonder which one is earlier? I do LOVE the drop bend style on the 3T bar from ebay though. Reminds me of the randonneur bend from the Schwinn bikes of the 70's, but without the touring bar flair out.,,,BD

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps1a8769f6.jpg

Sooo, can anyone venture guess on the year? I will consider it a 74 otherwise. Also curious what reach of NR calipers I need, for anyone that owns one of these bikes?,,,,BD


I got the bars yesterday afternoon, and they're perfect. :D