GordoTrek

don't mean to change gears on thread, but i wanted to give an update, took the bike down to another shop thats more vintage friendly. Felt a lot better when I saw the mid 70s DL1 hangin in the rafters. talked to the mechanic, says that if the bottom cup is freely spinning in the headtube it can cause binding, i did notice that the bottom cup went in very easily. he said they can usually shim them back in after a ream and reface, I feel much more confident with this shop.

should have it back in a few days, we shall see.

Bad Brakes

Just got this last night, my first vintage road bike. At least "vintage" except for the ones I owned and rode over the years through the 70s and 80s. So far like it a lot, haven't had a chance to ride it much yet because of rain but I'm planning get out and involved with some local clubs very soon.

A lot of the routes around here are pretty hilly, so I'm thinking about what I might be able to do with the chain wheel to get some better hill climbing out of it. According to the ad, the 1972 had 40-52 and a 14/28 cassette. Anybody had any success in finding upgrades for these?

GordoTrek

posted the update on another thread but i wanted to post here for record. Got the SC back over the weekend and it's perfect, no binding and no knocking from headset, i don't feel any issues that i used to have. the only thing i did notice (which isn't really a bad thing) is that it moves really easy from side to side, almost too easy as if the headset was loose, but its not. i'm probably just paranoid with it after all the problems i've had with the bike. i took it on a 10 mile ride with my kids, and it performed flawlessly until i shifted the derailleur into the rear spokes. (forgot to finish adjusting it oops!) luckily nobody was hurt, but the Suntour Seven RD didn't survive the ordeal, i may be able to repair it but the cage is toast.

at least i got to ride for a few hours right?

noglider 

@GordoTrek, this model has what I call floppy steering. Some like it, some don't, some don't even notice it. Could that be it?

GordoTrek

YES! exactly what i would call it, i'm glad i'm not too paranoid, it doesn't bother me, but like i said paranoid! is it because of the big fork rake?

noglider 

I think it is, but front geometry is weird, and science doesn't even completely understand it.

oddjob2

This SC showed up on Sunday night CL, contacted the owner immediately, and acquired it from the original owner tonight. Originally, I was more interested in the vintage Cannondale luggage, which is immaculate, to hang on my blue ST400. I have never picked up such a pristine bike from the 1970's so it will stay in my fleet, probably in NNJ. Current plans are to hang the original parts back on the bike. 1978 Carlton built.

nlerner

It's not often that you see a bike with aero bars and a kickstand.

OldsCOOL

Nice snag OJ2!

Really nice condition. The owner apparently loved bolting stuff on it.

Bikedued

Ahhhh, the dreaded mid/late eighties update bikes. I've found more than a few seventies bikes like that. It looks easily correctable on this one though. I would LOVE reinstalling those pristine parts. Excellent condition! Wow!,,,,BD

The first thing I would HAVE to know is.... What's under that gel seat pad!?

USAZorro

Hopefully that smallish box has the bar cons in it.

Beauty of a bicycle.

oddjob2

Thanks! I am glad he saved the old components.

It is not a Brooks, but the retention cord cinch is buggered up to pull it off.

The Suntour box contains the original bottom bracket! Thanks.

Grand Bois

It is important to understand that your bike does not have a cassette. It's a freewheel.

alexander55

Lovely bicycle. Nicely done.

auchencrow

What a Beautiful job @greg3rd48 !!! And I think you and I share the opinion that Flamboyant Red is the most drool-worthy SC color. Can't touch that stuff.
Nice Sycamore backdrop BTW.

blackcannon

After 5 years, I was getting bored of my 80's custom Trek 400 fixed gear with flat black rattle can job. It served me well but since having a baby, been looking for more of a cruiser. So I stumbled accross an ad for a beat up Raleigh Super Course for $150 with a mixed bunch of random components. I sent an email off and asked if they were willing to trade...Well, the young guy wanted a fixed gear so it worked out well. My bike was in better shape and he could ride it now however...

The Super Course needed work. I upgraded to modern 700c wheels, 32mm Kenda tires, cheap XLC handlebar, old Fujita saddle...Now trying to decide on what kind of saddle bag (looking for something cheap but vintage looking)...Also looking to add fenders. After some fine tuning, I love my new ride! It's beat up, but still love it enough to ignore its flaws and have always LOVED this color!

daf1009

Just saw this one...great find @oddjob2 !

davlafont

Hi folks. I've spent WAY too long browsing this thread because there's a decent '85 Super Course available near me for $225. I figured I should do some homework before making the call (if the seller from Rockaway NJ is on this thread, please feel free to chime in...).
What I've gathered is that the SC is quite versatile and well liked by this crowd. The seller states it is made in Taiwan, so I can see why there hasn't been a great deal of coverage here in C/V. But I did notice this post:
(cehowardGS's current signature lists an '85 SC now so I assume the hunt was successful).
Does original paint with some stone chips and fair-to-good graphics rate keeping it unmolested? I'm thinking of making a commuter to replace/upgrade from my '72 Sprite that I lightly modernized. Or should I mount tires that will let me take unpaved roads? I'm really just looking for another fun project obviously, but I'd like to know what options it's better suited for.

daf1009

I think that you will find the SC frame quite adaptable to any build you would like to do...I love riding mine...

Alistair59

PLEASE HELP! I am a long time lurker, with seven SC's in the current stable; I NEED a rear brake cable barrel adjuster (fits into seat stay bridge/stop). My 73/74 Capella-lugged, highly beausaged green commuter recently suffered insults in shipping (front wheel also damaged). Thank you, FedEx. Sigh.
Who has one sitting around that you that are willing to part with? Happy to buy NOW and pay shipping to MT.
pairs4life~at symbol~aol~diminutive Dorothy~com

curbtender

Like this? Misc Bolts and Small Parts

Alistair59

Thank you, but unfortunately not. It doesn't hang from the seat post binder.

The part I need is an inline barrel adjuster that sits in the cable stop of the bridge at the seat stays. Small diameter (the cable passes through) and externally threaded, with a nut to raise and lower the knurled ferrule at the top, into which the housing stops.

bertinjim 

Alistair59-

I think you need the adjuster from a Simplex derailleur lever set like this:



You should be able to find them on an old discard at a co-op or an older bike shop. They should, I believe fit your cable support.

rickrob 

Just adding my entry into the thread. This is a 72' that needed a repaint / rebuild. I went with metallic blue and painted it like a 74-75 MkII. It quickly became my favorite out of three road bikes. Rode to work on it this morning.

greg3rd48 

Your SC is beautiful. Your color choice makes the decals "pop". I also used the VGT Luxe on my SC build and have found it to be a fantastic RD. Enjoy riding that beauty.