Raleigh Competition 12, 23” frame, 1983 racing bike or road bike in contemporary parlance. I bought this new when I was aged 16 in 1983 from Tom’s Cycles in Newcastle upon Tyne after selling my moped. I was entranced by the beautiful iridescent paintwork that morphs from green/blue/mauve as you move. One of the last truly hand built Raleighs made in the competition department of the Nottingham factory. Very responsive bike to ride with its strong Reynolds 531C tubing, will keep pace happily with contemporary road bikes with a good (fit) cyclist. I upgraded the bottom bracket and chain set to Campagnolo Neuvo Record (52/42) at a cost higher than the initial purchase price of the bike but they are such beautiful components, not seen that much use as I have not done any racing in recent years! The original Weinmann Concave rims are laced with stainless spokes to Compagnolo hubs. It still has the original Iscacelle beige suede saddle and streamlined seat tube which I’ve paired with matching leather handlebar tape. Original Weinmann brakes and levers. Suntour changers. New Schwalbe 23 x 700c tyres. Campagnolo gear shifters. 6 speed close ratio cassette and new chain. Tange headset. Every bearing has been fully serviced as greased, all new cables. The original paintwork is still as beautiful as ever with the odd chip touched up over the years. I may be biased but I think this is amongst one of the most beautiful bicycles ever made! I’ve only ridden it twice in the last 6 years so have decided to let someone make proper use of it, I’ll miss it of course! Collection from Newbury, Berkshire.
Current Price: £500.00
This Raleigh Competition 1983 Racing (road) Bike, Superb Original Condition, L’eroica is being sold on eBay by callumives1967 from Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 ***