HPL

Okay, I've tried to find a thread somewhat dedicated to the Raleigh Professional, but no luck; so here it goes. I will include a photo or two when I get back to the bike to purchase. Full bike with Campagnolo gruppo, Nuovo Record/Record/Strada. All components with date coding or identifying features are 1972 or earlier: PATENT 72 Rear Derailleur, 1972 Front Derailluer (flat blade cage, no circlip), pre '73 Strada Crankset (no date code on inner surface). The frame has been repainted in black; no idea as to the original color/decals. BB stamped with G1601 serial number, no other markings. "fastback" style seatstays; odd lugs, not nervex. Bike is in excellent functional, and very good aesthetic condition. All components in excellent condition for their age, except tires-shot. Bought for $250, I don't think I could buy just a complete average Camp NR group for much less. I don't know the tubing, but research points to 531 all around frame and fork. Anybody with any insight on this? Did I buy a cur or a pure breed? Thanks you!

100bikes

I have a Carlton build Raleigh International of the same vintage, with similar components.

Condition is huge with this bike, and a repainty makes value a bit tough.

Part out value , in 7+ condition could reach $1k, so $250 is a likely a very good
deal(again condition, crashed, worn out, etc)

rusty

horatio 

Per Sheldon Brown, the G indicates it was manufactured in 1972. Just bought a chromed 1970 Professional myself, similarly equipped. Seems to be a trend.

Oh yeah, we need pics!

Hudson308 

Yes... yes, we do.

mpetry912 

Yes they would all be 531 tubing. At $250 you bought it right ! The fastback stay is a Mark II / III model - I cannot remember at what point the Pro returned to the wrap over stay configuration.

Quality was inconsistent on these - some are very nice. There were some "specials", for example all chrome, and I know of a red one from the factory also.

The Professional Mark I is interesting too, was only produced for 1 year, and I think it's actually an International with a better fork.

Mark Petry
Bainbridge Island, WA USA

USAZorro

Hi Mark,

Peter Kohler wrote (and shared) a well-researched history of the Mk I and it's immediate predecessor, the Ruberg.

As a data point, I acquired one of these as a frame about 10 years back. The paint was trashed entirely, and the repaint looked like it was done by a 3rd grader, but the workmanship on the frame was outstanding.

mpetry912 

yes, I've seen that article. Another PacNW collector has a white "Geoffrey Butler" with a similar paint job. Well guess what, you put those two bikes side by side and it's clear that they were built in the same shop! The "Butler" has chrome socks and no TT cable guides, that's about the only difference. My Mark 1 Pro is a CycleArt repaint, far better than new. The "Butler" is original paint.

These are really nice bikes! Also a pic of an original one that I saw somewhere.

Mark Petry
Bainbridge Island, WA USA

USAZorro

Beauties...

I have mine loaned out to the proprietor of my LBS until we are ready to move. Dr Deltron did a very nice job of painting it in a lovely pearl white which doesn't seem to come across in its full glory in photos.

horatio 

Kohler’s blog article on the early Professional models. Interesting that it was developed for crit and pave’ uses.

Pcampeau

Do the lugs look like this? I believe they are called Haden bird mouth lugs and they are only available on the 72 model of the Professional. Sometimes they don’t have windows cut out. They were previously used by Carlton on the Flyer models. The original color would be Blue Mink and it was the only color available in 1972 unless you have a track model.
Serial G876

HPL

Thank you all for the information. So much easier than an early Italian frame of the same era. So the "unique" Hayden lugs w/cut-outs are the main key other than the serial date code. I'm always cautious the gruppo dates being an accurate indicator; thus figured '73 & '74 were possibilities also. I had not not looked at the bars since wrapped up to the stem. Investigation reveals Gerry Burgess bars w/Great Britain map outline; GB w/GB map. Nice looking bar w/3t RECORD stem. No braze-ons, all clamp-on, except c-stay cable stop, DT shifter clamp stop. Camp. dropouts with eyelets front and rear. Suntour 7spd freewheel & chain (neither OE), Camp NR pedals w/Brooks clips. Needs a Brooks saddle, and I have Brooks straps for the pedals. I don't think "mink blue" is its new face; I'm feeling like it wants satin finish charcoal grey main and head tubes with gloss orange lugs, tangs and stays(that's today anyways); keeping the chrome as is (very fine rust specs, no pitting/flaking. Only real rust is on the pump "umbrella" and brake adjusters. Hood are shot Universals, have new Camp hoods on hand. Just missing a headbadge, but I have a '74 Sports for parts - might work okay. Rims Mavic MA2 622x13 (not OE).

horatio 

Beauty! One of the problems with older bikes is modifications by the owners(!), i.e. replacement parts or “upgrades” over time. Original consumables (tires, chains, chain rings, cable guides, bar tape, hoods) would be rare, indeed. That ours retain most of the original components is wonderful, considering they are pushing 50 years age.

HPL

I'd like to know what type of freewheel was on it, I know it wasn't a 7 spd. I do like the Suntour cluster though; much cleaner shifting compared to the same era Regina/Everest. I've got an old Maeda cluster on my '75 Colnago that is still going strong. I'm also curious as to the OE rims for this ride, although what is on it is fine for my purposes.
I'm very happy about the purchase considering it's condition other than the repaint is 8/10. Those lugs are interesting and should look quite nice with a little detailing.
I'm stripping paint from a frame this month already so why not make 2.

Pcampeau

The freewheel on my 72 Pro is an Atom 6 speed 13 - 24. I believe it’s original.

HPL

Thanks, I do have an Atom on my Batavus that functions great. Might do a swap out with the Suntour. Also just got an Everest Alloy cluster that might be a nice addition although not period correct, plenty of 70's steel Everests and Reginas.
I have not started paint removal yet, but is the frame rear triangle and fork finish chromed under the paint, or rough chrome? The frame seems to have been painted a little further down on the tubing than factory job. Not sure if I'll put decals on since I'm not really going for original look/paint job; just a headbadges will do.

Pcampeau

From the photos you’re chrome looks about right to my eye. It looks like we have about the same size frame. Mine is a repaint with vinyl decals but has it’s original components reinstalled. There is a tiny chip in the paint underneath the rear brake caliper and the chrome does not appear to go this high. The chrome on mine is absolutely flawless so I doubt that the paint lines were moved at all. If you’d like I can take some measurements of the chrome on the stays and fork when I get home tonight. Here’s the full bike.

Cl904

Was gonna message the guy about this bike on fb... sold him my Atala frame and was interested in this Raleigh. Looks great.

ed4406

That Mink Blue is one of the nicest colors in person. I had the privilege of assembling Professionals and Fuji Finests in '72 and those two blue shades, entirely different, remain memorable.

HPL

If it was a red and white Atala; I saw that bike frame when I checked out the Raleigh Pro. He had a nice Peugeot PX10 (I think) but too large for me. The Raleigh really is better than it appears (all components in great condition), except the repaint looks fairly cheesy up close. I don't care what color(s) it ends up, it would be hard to make that frame look bad. Pulling components off this weekend for dismantling/rebuilding.

HPL

Thanks for the photo; great looking ride! Yes, I would be curious if my chrome/paint demarcation is correct. No rush on the measurements; a couple weeks away from that phase of the game.