Originally Posted by
cudak888
The mere fact that you're looking for "quality" out of a 1970's Raleigh is already barking up the wrong tree. These are mass-produced, mixed-bag bikes, and their longevity is due to a combination of price when new, popularity, availability on the used market, and the fact that basic upgrades (e.g., derailers, crankset) could turn a mid-range Super Course into a competent and reliable machine for many years of riding.
-Kurt
The above statement is right on.
I've restored a dozen or so Raleigh bikes from the 1970's and the weak link in every one of them has been the frame. All were out of alignment, sloppy brazing, left and right stays of differing lengths, head-tube faces not parallel. There may have been other flaws that an experienced frame-builder would notice. I restore them because they look cool, are easy to find and I enjoy a challenge.