1973 RRA Shakedown Jaunt
06-14-20, 12:52 PM
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1973 RRA Shakedown Jaunt
Only 9 miles on one of our local greenways, but it was a great morning for it - despite some lingering rough conditions following local flooding a few weeks ago.
I acquired the RRA from a fellow who had hit a short, but very rough patch last year. It came to me with the depicted drivetrain (primarily Zeus), some Campagnolo brake calipers, 27" wheels, aero brake levers and bar tape and a saddle that I just couldn't...
I built new 700c wheels from rims that I acquired from C&V member boatsinbottles, with some Cyclone hubs which I acquired from another member, put on an rhm saddle (the clamp needs to be replaced, as it can't hold a position regardless of how many gorillas torque it down), and used up the other pack of Velo Orange elkhide bar wraps that I'd been saving for about 10 years for "the right project". I had initially hoped to have taken this ride 2-3 months ago, but between lockdowns, weather, a team competition for steps walked at work, and the yard that almost never can be caught up with, it finally happened today.
The verdict - with a few small adjustments (the saddle clamp and derailleur settings primarily), this has the potential to rival my '74 International (and the Argos and the Bob Jackson and the Team Professional) as one of my favorite spirited riders. However since the International is equipped in anticipation of an eventual visit to Cino, this will probably end up being put in the back of the car most often this year.
I raised the saddle almost an inch before I made it onto the trail proper, but this gives the idea.
I acquired the RRA from a fellow who had hit a short, but very rough patch last year. It came to me with the depicted drivetrain (primarily Zeus), some Campagnolo brake calipers, 27" wheels, aero brake levers and bar tape and a saddle that I just couldn't...
I built new 700c wheels from rims that I acquired from C&V member boatsinbottles, with some Cyclone hubs which I acquired from another member, put on an rhm saddle (the clamp needs to be replaced, as it can't hold a position regardless of how many gorillas torque it down), and used up the other pack of Velo Orange elkhide bar wraps that I'd been saving for about 10 years for "the right project". I had initially hoped to have taken this ride 2-3 months ago, but between lockdowns, weather, a team competition for steps walked at work, and the yard that almost never can be caught up with, it finally happened today.
The verdict - with a few small adjustments (the saddle clamp and derailleur settings primarily), this has the potential to rival my '74 International (and the Argos and the Bob Jackson and the Team Professional) as one of my favorite spirited riders. However since the International is equipped in anticipation of an eventual visit to Cino, this will probably end up being put in the back of the car most often this year.
I raised the saddle almost an inch before I made it onto the trail proper, but this gives the idea.
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Last edited by USAZorro; 06-14-20 at 12:57 PM.
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06-14-20, 01:24 PM
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Thanks so much for posting!
Great to read and see.
Certainly brings back fond memories for me of the two I owned.
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btw - any new developments with the "Mercier de mystere" project?
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Thanks so much for posting!
Great to read and see.
Certainly brings back fond memories for me of the two I owned.
---
btw - any new developments with the "Mercier de mystere" project?
-----
Last edited by juvela; 06-14-20 at 01:27 PM.
06-14-20, 03:18 PM
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Bikes: 1968 Raleigh Super Course, 1972 Raleigh Professional, 1975 Raleigh International, 1978 Raleigh Professional, 1985 Raleigh Prestige, 1972 Schwinn Paramount, 1980 Schwinn Voyageur 11.8, 1960 Carlton Franco Suisse Peugeot PX10, 1972 Motobecane Le Champ
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Nice build on a wonderful and tough to find frame. I’d like to find one of these some day along with a 74 Super Tourer to go in my Raleigh collection. If it rides as well as an International you must be happy with it. Congratulations.
06-14-20, 04:42 PM
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Nice! What size is that one? I've never seen one larger than 56 or 57cm. Would love to find one in my size...60cm.
06-14-20, 04:57 PM
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Raleigh dealt in inches. It's their 21-1/2" size. Fits me like custom fit - one reason I really like 70's Raleighs. Guessing you'd be looking for a 23-1/2".
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06-15-20, 08:26 AM
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06-15-20, 09:54 AM
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Another thing to remember is that Raleigh measurements are CTT. 60cm CTC would be a 24-1/2" in Raleigh sizing.
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If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
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