Raleigh MK II
03-19-22, 02:01 PM
#1
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Raleigh MK II
I found this bike in my grandfathers garage after he recently passed. Does anyone know anything about this model?
I would like to get it back to good condition so I can ride. Is there any value left in it?
I would like to get it back to good condition so I can ride. Is there any value left in it?
03-19-22, 02:02 PM
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ambulatory senior
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Pics are needed.
03-19-22, 03:15 PM
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MK II sounds like a late 70's Raleigh SuperCourse, usually in red-white or green-white trim. A nice mid level road bike with alloy components and generally well regarded as a good rider.
Not a real collectible but is certainly worth fixing to use as long as the frame is sound and straight.
Not a real collectible but is certainly worth fixing to use as long as the frame is sound and straight.
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03-19-22, 03:32 PM
#4
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MK II sounds like a late 70's Raleigh SuperCourse, usually in red-white or green-white trim. A nice mid level road bike with alloy components and generally well regarded as a good rider.
Not a real collectible but is certainly worth fixing to use as long as the frame is sound and straight.
Not a real collectible but is certainly worth fixing to use as long as the frame is sound and straight.
03-19-22, 03:37 PM
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03-19-22, 04:26 PM
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As far as I remember, which is less and less every year.
And to the OP, 'real collectible' is maybe underselling the bike. Valuable, maybe not but desirable, yes.
And to the OP, 'real collectible' is maybe underselling the bike. Valuable, maybe not but desirable, yes.
Last edited by clubman; 03-19-22 at 04:31 PM.
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03-19-22, 05:19 PM
#7
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03-20-22, 09:07 AM
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I like my 1959 Capo, which, like the SuperCourse, has a plain gauge Reynolds 531 main triangle. This provides a stable, non-squirrely ride, particularly when carrying a load or on an out-of-saddle climb, which makes these frame great for commuting and touring.
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"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
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03-20-22, 10:03 AM
#9
elcraft
Of course, the Raleigh Professional had Mark II, Mark III, and Mark IV designations, as well. These were QUITE collectible! The Super Course remains one of the favored Raleighs to collect.
The Professionals, however, were usually equipped with Campagnolo components, whereas the Super Course Mark II would have had French Derailleurs and possibly the crankset as well. Those brands would have been Simplex or Huret for the Derailleurs or Stronglight or Nervar for the cranksets. Both models could be upgraded to more modern components, as well, so these brands were OEM.
Perhaps this will help you figure which model you have.
See:
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/retroraleighs/
The Professionals, however, were usually equipped with Campagnolo components, whereas the Super Course Mark II would have had French Derailleurs and possibly the crankset as well. Those brands would have been Simplex or Huret for the Derailleurs or Stronglight or Nervar for the cranksets. Both models could be upgraded to more modern components, as well, so these brands were OEM.
Perhaps this will help you figure which model you have.
See:
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/retroraleighs/
Last edited by elcraft; 03-20-22 at 10:07 AM.
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03-21-22, 05:53 AM
#10
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Raleigh Competition Mk. II ran from c.1973-1976; those are full 531 tubing framesets with sloping fork crowns and Huret forged dropouts that came in a black finish that looked like the dipped finish of Raleigh Sports. Stock parts were T.A. 3-pin alloy Professional cranksets, Weinmann 999 centerpulls, Huret Jubile derailleurs, Normandy Luxe Competition hubs with tubulars, GB bars and stem and a Brooks B17N leather saddle. Here is my '73 example first as found, then converted to fixed/free operation.
03-21-22, 09:54 AM
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Raleigh Competition Mk. II ran from c.1973-1976; those are full 531 tubing framesets with sloping fork crowns and Huret forged dropouts that came in a black finish that looked like the dipped finish of Raleigh Sports. Stock parts were T.A. 3-pin alloy Professional cranksets, Weinmann 999 centerpulls, Huret Jubile derailleurs, Normandy Luxe Competition hubs with tubulars, GB bars and stem and a Brooks B17N leather saddle. Here is my '73 example first as found, then converted to fixed/free operation.
Great townie bike!
Great townie bike!
03-21-22, 10:14 AM
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03-21-22, 12:20 PM
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03-22-22, 07:29 AM
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Thank you all! I really appreciate the warm welcome and quick willingness to help. I have looked at the catalog posted above and think that it appears to be a Professional MK II with Campagnolo components. The serial number on this bike is #174 so it seems to be limited edition but I am not positive.
I'm including pictures below not that I hit the 10 post mark:
I'm including pictures below not that I hit the 10 post mark:
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03-22-22, 09:29 AM
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Ooof! What a beauty. A most desirable bike that deserves a tear down and rebuild.
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03-22-22, 02:23 PM
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Jackpot. Grandfather had good taste, and the smarts to hang on to it.
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1987 Mercian Pro, 1985 Shogun 500, 197? Falcon San Remo, 1972 Peugeot PX-10, 1972 Schwinn Paramount P13-9, 1971 Peugeot PX-10, 1971 Raleigh International, 1970 Raleigh Professional Mark I
Curator/Team Mechanic: 2016 Dawes Streetfighter, 1984 Lotus Eclair, 1975 Motobecane Jubile Mixte, 1974 Raleigh Sports, 1973 Free Spirit Ted Williams, 1972 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Philips Sport
1987 Mercian Pro, 1985 Shogun 500, 197? Falcon San Remo, 1972 Peugeot PX-10, 1972 Schwinn Paramount P13-9, 1971 Peugeot PX-10, 1971 Raleigh International, 1970 Raleigh Professional Mark I
Curator/Team Mechanic: 2016 Dawes Streetfighter, 1984 Lotus Eclair, 1975 Motobecane Jubile Mixte, 1974 Raleigh Sports, 1973 Free Spirit Ted Williams, 1972 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Philips Sport
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03-22-22, 02:31 PM
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Thank you all! I really appreciate the warm welcome and quick willingness to help. I have looked at the catalog posted above and think that it appears to be a Professional MK II with Campagnolo components. The serial number on this bike is #174 so it seems to be limited edition but I am not positive.
I'm including pictures below not that I hit the 10 post mark:
I'm including pictures below not that I hit the 10 post mark:
03-22-22, 02:59 PM
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Oooh! This photo revelation changes the discussion quite a bit. What you have is indeed a limited edition MK II Professional. Each was specially numbered and were limited to a quantity somewhere a little north of 500. Nice bike! Definitely worth keeping and enjoying. I agree with those who have stated (if it’s your size) you should tear it down for a complete overhaul of all the bearings and build it back up to enjoy forever.
Last edited by Pcampeau; 03-22-22 at 05:31 PM.
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03-22-22, 03:07 PM
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Oooh! This photo revelation changes the discussion quite a bit. What you have is indeed a limited edition MK II Professional. Each was specially numbered were limited to a quantity somewhere a little north of 500. Nice bike! Definitely worth keeping and enjoying. I agree with those who have stated (if it’s your size) you should tear it down for a complete overhaul of all the bearings and build it back up to enjoy forever.
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1987 Mercian Pro, 1985 Shogun 500, 197? Falcon San Remo, 1972 Peugeot PX-10, 1972 Schwinn Paramount P13-9, 1971 Peugeot PX-10, 1971 Raleigh International, 1970 Raleigh Professional Mark I
Curator/Team Mechanic: 2016 Dawes Streetfighter, 1984 Lotus Eclair, 1975 Motobecane Jubile Mixte, 1974 Raleigh Sports, 1973 Free Spirit Ted Williams, 1972 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Philips Sport
1987 Mercian Pro, 1985 Shogun 500, 197? Falcon San Remo, 1972 Peugeot PX-10, 1972 Schwinn Paramount P13-9, 1971 Peugeot PX-10, 1971 Raleigh International, 1970 Raleigh Professional Mark I
Curator/Team Mechanic: 2016 Dawes Streetfighter, 1984 Lotus Eclair, 1975 Motobecane Jubile Mixte, 1974 Raleigh Sports, 1973 Free Spirit Ted Williams, 1972 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Philips Sport
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03-22-22, 04:34 PM
#20
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Funny how we were speculating what a nice supercourse this might be.
03-22-22, 05:42 PM
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To the OP - where do you live? Many of us would love to see your bike in person, even help in refurbishing it.
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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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03-22-22, 06:47 PM
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Thank you both Pcampeau ascherer and everyone else! Excited to find that it's a bit more unique that I had initially thought. I'll have to see if I can find the certificate of authenticity that you mentioned - would love to have both if it might be lying around in old documents somewhere.
That additional information is great.
That additional information is great.
Last edited by jgleas13; 03-22-22 at 06:55 PM.
03-22-22, 06:54 PM
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Hi gugie - I'm currently living in New York City but spend a lot of time in Boston with family. I appreciate the willingness to help now that my challenge will be to figure out how and where to get it refurbished.
Any suggestions on how to find a shop that will do it right? Is it safe to take it to a normal tech (REI, local shop, etc.) or do I need someone that specializes in older bikes?
I found a shop in Kentucky that interestingly worked on two similar bikes https://www.vicsclassicbikes.com/ral...fessional-mk2/
Any suggestions on how to find a shop that will do it right? Is it safe to take it to a normal tech (REI, local shop, etc.) or do I need someone that specializes in older bikes?
I found a shop in Kentucky that interestingly worked on two similar bikes https://www.vicsclassicbikes.com/ral...fessional-mk2/
03-22-22, 08:02 PM
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Hi gugie - I'm currently living in New York City but spend a lot of time in Boston with family. I appreciate the willingness to help now that my challenge will be to figure out how and where to get it refurbished.
Any suggestions on how to find a shop that will do it right? Is it safe to take it to a normal tech (REI, local shop, etc.) or do I need someone that specializes in older bikes?
I found a shop in Kentucky that interestingly worked on two similar bikes https://www.vicsclassicbikes.com/ral...fessional-mk2/
Any suggestions on how to find a shop that will do it right? Is it safe to take it to a normal tech (REI, local shop, etc.) or do I need someone that specializes in older bikes?
I found a shop in Kentucky that interestingly worked on two similar bikes https://www.vicsclassicbikes.com/ral...fessional-mk2/
I'll let others post suggestions for bike shops in your area.
Another thought, that's a pretty tall frame. How tall are you?
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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.
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.
Last edited by gugie; 03-22-22 at 08:20 PM.
03-22-22, 10:59 PM
#25
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ask about pedals
Hi jgleas13,
Welcome to the classic bicycle owner’s club.
Your Raleigh is exceptional.
Please do check to see if the original Campagnolo pedals are still available.
To your question about refurbishment: any competent bicycle mechanic could overhaul the Raleigh but some shops are more sympathetic to vintage steel road bikes. I would look for a shop that appreciates and has experience with 1970s bicycles.
Beware any shop that immediately suggests you change out the key components for modern ones. Often today’s shops are more eager to sell new parts than to repair and adjust original ones.
One change you might consider, if you are tall enough to ride this bike, would be clincher rims and tires. The old glued-on sew up tires require more maintenance than most riders are willing to accommodate.
Welcome to the classic bicycle owner’s club.
Your Raleigh is exceptional.
Please do check to see if the original Campagnolo pedals are still available.
To your question about refurbishment: any competent bicycle mechanic could overhaul the Raleigh but some shops are more sympathetic to vintage steel road bikes. I would look for a shop that appreciates and has experience with 1970s bicycles.
Beware any shop that immediately suggests you change out the key components for modern ones. Often today’s shops are more eager to sell new parts than to repair and adjust original ones.
One change you might consider, if you are tall enough to ride this bike, would be clincher rims and tires. The old glued-on sew up tires require more maintenance than most riders are willing to accommodate.
