JFHenry

Looking for a stem for a 1980, I’m not allowed to post a picture or ask in the wanted ads.

just a 3 time cancer survivor looking for help

cyclic_eric

You just need to commit enough to this place to make 10 posts.
1. Write back and tell us how you got your Raleigh.
2. Write again to tell us about where you like to ride it.
3. Someone will respond and ask for details.
4. Respond to them.
5. Write again to tell us if bicycling helps your recovery from cancer. It does for me, and plenty others here too.
6. Respond, and before you know it you'll be sharing pictures of your bike and rides.
Here's a picture of my buddy's Raleigh,

JFHenry

Well, I found it in the local ads, until I find the part I need, I’m not riding anywhere

Kabuki12

They will take most common stems but originally they had a GB Forged stem . If you have a local bike shop that has been around a while , or even a co-op , they should have something that will get you going. If you have the handlebars , make sure to check the clamping diameter because that will vary. Take the handlebars with you if you don’t have calipers to measure. The steering tube on the Super Grand Prix is standard English.

JFHenry

I wish I had a local shop, I can’t get brake pads locally. I have all the parts, the stem is cracked, probably over tightened.

So far the bike groups I have found in the area are mountain bike stuff.

tiger1964 

Like the one in the photo below (although it's probably pre-1980)? I just removed it, too short and "daka" here on the forum sent me a longer one, gratis (). If in the US, I would not mind sending the old one along to the OP, but it's only 70mm c-to-c.

JFHenry

The one on the bike is marked 90mm x 25.4, don’t know what it references, last time I actually rode a bike was about 1978.

cyclic_eric

25.4 most likely refers to the handlebar diameter. So the clamp of the stem onto the handlebar is designed for that 25.4mm (1 inch) diameter.
90mm generally refers to the length of the stem along its top, measuring from the quill-draw bolt (the vertical bolt that goes into the steering fork) to the center of the handlebar.

There are plenty of stem length options available, generally from 50mm to 150mm long, depending on which will fit you and the bike best.
The stem can also be raised up and down of course, making sure you don't raise it above the limit line marked on the shaft of the stem.
Stems also come in longer vertical lengths to allow the stem to raise up higher.

You'll have to gauge what you'll want to make the bike most comfortable - a very worthy pursuit.

JFHenry

Thanks for the information.

Never thought about fit much more than adjusting seat height when I was a kid.

I guess it won’t matter which size I start with because I don’t know what I need. Sounds like how I start most projects. 😂

cyclic_eric

I can't begin to tell you how much time I've spent adjusting my fit to the bike. But it's worth it! The feel between rider and machine is a great pursuit. Sure the seat adjusts up and down, but also fore and aft, and the critically important tilt. Gotta keep the boys happy.

I don't see a Raleigh catalog for 1980 online, but here is one for 1979:
Raleigh Catalogs

Also another related bike forum thread from 2019:
Super Grand Prix serial numbers...

Kabuki12

I have a 1978 Super Grand Prix in one of my sheds , so probably very similar to the OP’s bike. I just can’t remember the length of the stem. I DO remember seeing the GB Forged detail embossed on the sides. If I were to guess from memory , I would say about 90mm. The handlebars are unmarked but most likely GB as well. There is probably markings and or date stamp under the bar tape near the end of the bar.

CO_Hoya 

Pic assist:



Hard to see stem details

JFHenry

Thanks, that’s the bike, I’ll post pictures when I can. The stem has the “Raleigh forged” on it

JeremyCherfas

Are bar-end shifters standard on the Raleigh Record? I'm asking because I am trying to ID my old 1979 Raleigh, and that has downtube shifters.

JFHenry

The serial number is WA0, the stem bolt is the flush Allen head bolt.

I haven’t ever seen a Record with bar end shifters

JFHenry

cyclic_eric;22918340]I can't begin to tell you how much time I've spent adjusting my fit to the bike. But it's worth it! The feel between rider and machine is a great pursuit. Sure the seat adjusts up and down, but also fore and aft, and the critically important tilt. Gotta keep the boys happy.

I don't see a Raleigh catalog for 1980 online, but here is one for 1979:


I need to learn more about fit, I’m also dealing with degenerative spinal disease and have a spinal fusion.

USAZorro

I don't believe so.

Bar-ends entered the Raleigh realm with the 1978 SuperCourse (I got a new one - stock back in the day). As the Super Grand Prix was pretty much a Super Course frame (made with tubing that was a step down from 531 in the three main tubes), and fitted with essentially the same components as the Super Course, it doesn't surprise me that the author's SGP has them.

JeremyCherfas

I think I may have introduced some confusion. I was referring to the picture from CO_Hoya, which you said was your bike, a Record. And that picture has bar-end shifters. My bike, which might be a Record, has never had bar-end shifters. Hence my question.

For what it is worth, my serial number is W I 9 0 0 0 2 3 7, so made in Worksop in the ninth fortnight of 1979, but I'm not sure what specific model it is. The main distinguishing features seem to be the "suicide" brake levers (as in the picture) and pump lugs under the crossbar tube. The stem is GB-forged, with Maillard hubs, Sachs-Huret downtube shifter mount and Suntour 6-speed freewheel.

I'll be posting pictures as soon as I have permission.

JeremyCherfas

So, I can rule out my bike being a SuperCourse or a Super Grand Prix.

JFHenry

My bike is the Super Grand Prix, not a Record.

Thanks for the info USAZorro, I don’t really know the model history

JFHenry

I recently saw a “Super Record” for sale, it had stem shifters.

JFHenry

The other side

Kabuki12

Mine also has SunTour bar end shifters with spiral wound steel cables and brake “noodles”. The wheels were Wienman 700c with HF Normandy hubs . I put a set of Mavic rims and LF Campagnolo Record hubs. My daughter rode the bike for a few years and loved it so when she moved away I put it in a shed for safe keeping in case she ever wanted to get back into riding it. I keep thinking I will get it out , tune it up , and ride it every once in a while.

Fond memories

JFHenry

Nice to have those memories.
I had a Grand Prix as a kid, probably put 10,000 miles on that thing. The SGP was like the holy grail back then.
I wish I knew more about the details and parts, life got in the way and I was away from riding for a long time, still got the bug.

cyclesNYC

When I'm fitting a bike, I sometimes temporarily use an adjustable stem with a removable face plate to play around with what reach and rise feels best for me given the frame + handlebar combo. The adjustable stem is as ugly as sin, but it's handy for easily trying out small adjustments. Are you wed to replacing your stem with the original type or just one that fits your handlebars and steerer tube?