JacobLee 

Ah, okay! Well, they’ll last forever, so that’s great.

ascherer 

WHat size have you got on it? Some would say my tires are not suited for gravel but so far so good. I've ridden far crazier tires on dirt and gravel when I was young and stupid. And sometimes when I've been old and stupid too

thejohnreyes

I have a 1974 International in Champagne. The paint looks like it has mold on it. It’s not mold, but it has that look if that makes sense. It’s not everywhere, but it bothers me. The top tube decals are in rough shape too. The bike has all original components and is in great mechanical shape. I’ve been thinking of powder coating the frame and putting Velocal decals on it. Would that hurt the value? I’m not married to the bike so it’s possible I could sell it in the future. If it was a for sure keeper I’d just go through with my plan so I could fully enjoy it.

Pcampeau

While powder coat may improve the bikes looks overall, moneywise it will likely hurt the value. If the bike is not a keeper for you, you’re best off selling as is and letting the new owner handle the project. Original finishes tend to be more valuable even with plenty of patina. You also have to factor in spending a couple of hundred dollars on a quality powder coat with new decals.

Glennfordx4

They got to be original, as I picked up the exact bike ( not as nice as yours though ) and it has the same wheels and hubs, one of the rims have been relaced at one point. Also the Front Tire is a solid no flat tire, hard as a rock lol. Maybe why one of the rims was replaced if these were there before the rim was replaced.

Glenn

Splendidtutiona

I’ve been working on this ‘73 Competition on and off for about 3 years now. Really got going over quarantine. I was hoping to have this done by now, but no dice so far. There is progress:


Had to hacksaw the seatpost out

Naked!

Forgot to remove the headbadge before stripping. Anyone know where I can get a transfer?

Cold Zinc

Base black

Gold accents

Decals

Topcoat!


&$:@& crown race
And that’s about where we are! The TA cranks gave me fits (until I realized they were 23mm, not 22, all is well now). As soon as I get it done, it’ll get a full post.

rustystrings61 

The paint work is lovely! About that head badge - I would just find a good photo to work from and grab some tiny brushes and Testor's model paint from a hobby supply place and go to town. That's my plan for the stripped headbadge on my '73 Gran Sport.

Don't forget to post to the Show Your Raleigh Competition thread when you're done!

Splendidtutiona

Thanks! The paint was fun. I used the Spray.Bike product (decent product, best spray paint you can get, but still a spray paint, will review elsewhere) the decals were the VeloCals product (will give full thoughts in a similar review). The detail work is just a cheap gold pint pen (very fine tip) from Michaels.

About painting the badge, I am pretty sure that I will not have the patience to make it look good. My fine skills, especially up close, are atrocious. I went over the detail work so many times with black to fix mistakes and smooth out the edges. I got it to where I am "fine" with it, but it's far, far from perfect. Looks good enought to ride though! Now I just need to put it back together...

noglider 

The tires are Vittoria Voyager Hyper. They are incredibly good tires, so I don't understand why they stopped production. When I got them in the mail, I was disappointed because they are so thick in the tread and felt heavy in my hand. But those perceptions were deceptive. They are soft and fast on the road.

I don't really think we're stupid for riding gravel with slick tires. I don't slip around much, and when I do, I recover quickly. The same goes for narrow tires on gravel. It's not ideal, and I wouldn't recommend it to inexperienced riders, but I do just fine.

ascherer 

Being no longer made I guess it's moot, but how wide are they?

We're going back to VT tomorrow through Monday, I hope to play in the dirt myself. And I've configured Mrs. ascherer's flat bar setup, need to dial it in.

beicster 

I don't recall having much problem with riding gravel on 700X35 Paselas back in the early 2000's. In fact, the whole reason I bought my Soma Double Cross (RIP) was because I could fit fat 35's and fenders. I am not saying that I would not appreciate a wider gravel specific tire but the gravel around here is fine with 700X35 road tires.

fishboy316

Have had this bike for a while. Really Love it. She was a mess when I got her. 69 professional. PO must have had her chromed. Will post the rest of the girls later.

Pcampeau

I recall your thread regarding this bike from awhile back. Nice to see you’re still enjoying it, it really is a special bike. I especially like the painted black head tube, I think really adds to my visual interest.

homelessjoe

what a beautiful color....i want one

fishboy316

Thanks, I fell in love with it from the first look!

GP1958

Very Nice...............

GP1958

WOW, this is a nice ride..........what year is she?
Thanks for sharing.

ascherer 

Here's my 1970 chrome Pro to complement fishboy316's beauty.

fishboy316

This is my latest project. Have had it for 2 years sitting in a bike box in my basement. Picked it up off of ebay for $60 plus $30 shipping. Decided to rebuild her. I think she will be a fun ride. She is the newest Raleigh I own.

will have about $130 in the bike when done. Not bad.

fishboy316

I remember your bike ascherer. I was jealous over what you paid! She looks Great!

Hproduguidon

SJX426 

Convinced my future wife to buy this in 1973. Picture from 2009. Not much different today.
Raliegh_DSfront, on Flickr

Keefusb

Picked up a 61 cm 1985 Raleigh Competition today. It's in great shape, and rides well. Chromed head tube and stays. Mix of components, most of them probably not original. I have some 6400 Ultegra and 7400 Dura Ace stuff in the parts box that I can donate. Seller says it's fully chromed under the paint. I'd love to have it all be chrome and put some new decals on it.

I don't have 10 posts on here yet, trying to figure out the best way to post photos.

I was thinking about putting it all back to original, but not sure that would be worth the time, effort, and expense.

Would Shimano 8-speed brifters (Ultegra or Dura Ace) and rear mech work with a 7-speed cassette?

Pcampeau

Congratulations on the 85 Competition, it’s great bike! The seller will is only somewhat correct about the chrome. Yes it’s all chrome underneath the paint but that chrome is not finished well. If you did remove the paint you would see it’s quite dull and cannot be brought up to match the shine of the stays, fork, and head tube. This has been done before and the results are not pleasing.

Keefusb

Pcampeau - thanks for the reply. Perhaps I'll consider a repaint or a touch-up instead. The paint isn't in bad condition.

I do want to upgrade it to brifters. The rear mech works, but its an older Shimano 600, and is missing the barrel adjuster (did it even come with one)?

The best part is that is rides great, it fits me well, and it looks great. I'm also trying to keep my wrenching skills in shape with an interesting project. I'll post pics once I figure that out.