Originally Posted by T-Mar

Well, you have to put it into that mid-1970s context that was applicable. Most manufacturers, offered (relatively) inexpensive models for beginning racers. The box section, lighter weight, higher pressure, high performance, wired-on wheelsets were still a few years way when the Silver Ghost was introduced for the 1973 model year. So, if you wanted a performance wheelset, tubulars were the only way to go. A typical novice racing model of the era closely resembled the upper entry level model of the line (i.e hi-tensile frame, steel cottered crankset, Simplex Prestige or Campagnolo Valentino Extra derailleurs, MAFAC Racer or Universal 68 brakes, etc). The major identifiers for it being a competition model was the presence of a tighter geometry, tubular wheelset and narrower range gearing. The novice racing models usually carried about a 10-15% premium over the similar, upper entry level model, primarily due to the tubular wheelset.