Raleigh Super Course Question
02-09-23, 11:27 AM
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Raleigh Super Course Question
I will preface my question with background I am legally blind and do not drive (you stop being naughty when you have kids) and am 63. In order to take the burden off the wife I ride bike to get around a lot and have forever. My first real bike was a 79 Raleigh Grand Prix and had that until around 1992. Loved that fall into it blue. I then picked up a 1983 Competition. Boy was that fun. Even had a kid carrier on back. It got stolen 12 years ago so I found another one. It had a 25 inch frame and managed not to kill myself on it but finally found a mint one with a 21 inch frame,to small. Then last year found a 23 inch frame also mint with the wrong parts on it. I switched parts off the 21 to the 23 and life is good. FYI Still have the bare 21 inch frame just sitting. I also read a lot about Motobecane back in the day so I tried to find one of those. One thing lead to another and now I have a small collection I like to keep them as original as possible other then the tires and I put extension bars on all brake levers I am not bending over like that more. Here is what I have all 23 or 23.5. Kind of in like pairs Question follows
73 Moto Mirage 29 lbs had to replace the Simples as they blew up Used one from a Super Mirage
80 Grand Prix 29 lbs Switched the black stuff to white like a 79
83 Raleigh Super Course 26lbs Cannot find a spec sheet for this with the weight so I weighed it. Really like this
78 Moto Super Mirage 27lbs This may be my favorite Just the way it rides and handles.
83 Raleigh Competition 22.5 lbs
84 Moto Jubilee Sport 22.5 lbs. This has really grown on me I keep trying to figure which accelerates faster this or the Raleigh Comp
I have access to a 1973 Super Course beautiful green color. Has some wrong parts but owner has original parts. Here is the thing. I do not need another bike so the one to go would be the 83 Super Course. Problem is the 83 is lighter by 2 to 3 lbs and seems to have better derailleurs and other components. I see 531 and SL555 tubing as a wash. I do not want to go backwards here. which is what it feels like. Should I even bother with this? The green is pretty. Thanks
73 Moto Mirage 29 lbs had to replace the Simples as they blew up Used one from a Super Mirage
80 Grand Prix 29 lbs Switched the black stuff to white like a 79
83 Raleigh Super Course 26lbs Cannot find a spec sheet for this with the weight so I weighed it. Really like this
78 Moto Super Mirage 27lbs This may be my favorite Just the way it rides and handles.
83 Raleigh Competition 22.5 lbs
84 Moto Jubilee Sport 22.5 lbs. This has really grown on me I keep trying to figure which accelerates faster this or the Raleigh Comp
I have access to a 1973 Super Course beautiful green color. Has some wrong parts but owner has original parts. Here is the thing. I do not need another bike so the one to go would be the 83 Super Course. Problem is the 83 is lighter by 2 to 3 lbs and seems to have better derailleurs and other components. I see 531 and SL555 tubing as a wash. I do not want to go backwards here. which is what it feels like. Should I even bother with this? The green is pretty. Thanks
02-09-23, 11:57 AM
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IMHO, no. Lighter is better. The real difference is in the weight of the wheels and tire selection, in terms of what feels fast.
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02-09-23, 12:23 PM
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I would guess that the geometry (and hence the ride) of the '73 and the '83 would be quite different. The '73 will likely have slacker angles than the '83 and likely allow for wider tires. It'll give a more plush ride though the additional weight and relatively slack geometry might slow you down a bit.
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02-09-23, 12:30 PM
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How committed are you to the 73 Mirage? Instead of thinking in terms of Raleigh in/Raleigh out, how about swapping your early 70's bike for a better early 70's bike?
02-09-23, 12:34 PM
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The '73 Super Course has a much slacker headtube angle and longer chainstays which might be better for you if you prefer a shorter, taller stem.
The later models from at least 1979 on were lighter with more-responsive geometry, almost like a race bike.
Beware of some Carlton-labeled frames from the 1972-3 "boom" era having really shoddy brazing at the seat stay connections, lugs and especially the fork crown (a batch even went out with the steerer only tack-welded to the fork crown).
My own 1973 Super Course with the Carlton "mosquito" head lugs has decent workmanship, it just depends on who actually brazed it as there was a labor shortage in the factory which led to drunken or rushed brazing qualities.
Two of the similar Grand Sports bikes I've bought from this era have serious alignment and/or brazing deficiencies, apparently not intended to be more than test-ridden(?).
I too was smitten by the green color, rode this one at the first hint of good weather last week:
The later models from at least 1979 on were lighter with more-responsive geometry, almost like a race bike.
Beware of some Carlton-labeled frames from the 1972-3 "boom" era having really shoddy brazing at the seat stay connections, lugs and especially the fork crown (a batch even went out with the steerer only tack-welded to the fork crown).
My own 1973 Super Course with the Carlton "mosquito" head lugs has decent workmanship, it just depends on who actually brazed it as there was a labor shortage in the factory which led to drunken or rushed brazing qualities.
Two of the similar Grand Sports bikes I've bought from this era have serious alignment and/or brazing deficiencies, apparently not intended to be more than test-ridden(?).
I too was smitten by the green color, rode this one at the first hint of good weather last week:
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02-09-23, 01:31 PM
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I have a Root Beer colored '73 Super Course and I took it out for a ride twice last week. I enjoy the easy-going characteristics of that bike's handling. When you are not in a "Type A personality" mood, the supple ride and long wheelbase allow you to enjoy the surroundings you are riding through all the more.
I see that you track the weights of your collection with some care. Any early '70s Super Course can go on a bit of a diet by changing out the steel crankset to one made of aluminum.
I see that you track the weights of your collection with some care. Any early '70s Super Course can go on a bit of a diet by changing out the steel crankset to one made of aluminum.
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02-09-23, 01:51 PM
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I have both an 83 Super Course as well as early Super Course from 1968. I prefer the 68 which would be nearly the exact same bike as a 73. It is an excellent rider. If fenders and wider tires are a thing for you I think you’ll find the 73 to be the superior bike. The ride quality on the 83 is also excellent but the bike lacks versatility with its tighter clearances and like you, I already have a Competition from 84 as fast rider. The 73 would be an excellent choice as an upright rider and can easily be lightened with a replacement crankset. I love them both but I’ll be parting with the 83 in the spring.
My 1968 Super Course
My 1983 Super Course
My 1968 Super Course
My 1983 Super Course
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02-09-23, 01:57 PM
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I have a Root Beer colored '73 Super Course and I took it out for a ride twice last week. I enjoy the easy-going characteristics of that bike's handling. When you are not in a "Type A personality" mood, the supple ride and long wheelbase allow you to enjoy the surroundings you are riding through all the more.
I see that you track the weights of your collection with some care. Any early '70s Super Course can go on a bit of a diet by changing out the steel crankset to one made of aluminum.
I see that you track the weights of your collection with some care. Any early '70s Super Course can go on a bit of a diet by changing out the steel crankset to one made of aluminum.
Yep, fully agree. I have a '73 Super Course as well, 23" frame. It is a nice, relaxed ride, but not 'slow' per se. It feels more nimble than my old Fuji S10-S I used to have, and not as twitchy as some of the ultralight columbus-framed bikes I have. It has good road manners. Which might be the perfect fit for where you are at in your biking adventures.
Mine came will all alloy upgrades by the time I got it, so it was a decent weight when it came to me.
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02-09-23, 02:01 PM
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02-09-23, 02:42 PM
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I have a 73 supercourse and an 80ish supercourse 12. They are both fun but if you want fat tires and fenders the 73 is it. If you want a climber the supercourse 12 is it. Personally I don't care much for the 555-575 Raleigh tubing on the Japanese raleighs but I will say the paint and workmanship is really good.
02-09-23, 09:42 PM
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I have access to a 1973 Super Course beautiful green color. Has some wrong parts but owner has original parts. Here is the thing. I do not need another bike so the one to go would be the 83 Super Course. Problem is the 83 is lighter by 2 to 3 lbs and seems to have better derailleurs and other components. I see 531 and SL555 tubing as a wash. I do not want to go backwards here. which is what it feels like. Should I even bother with this? The green is pretty. Thanks
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...ispreloading=1
Mostly, comparing one of those '83 Raleigh USA bikes with a Raleigh Super Course from the early '70's is an apples and oranges kind of thing.
The 80's bike probably does have better derailleurs. But the geometries are different. Most people who ride a Super Course from the '70's, that is put together well and well aligned,like the ride. They are representative of an historical class often referenced as the English Club Bike. The Raleigh USA bikes (if that is indeed what your 1983 bicycle is), are a different, but still decent quality bicycle, constructed in a different country (probably Japan).
In 1982, rights to the Raleigh USA name were purchased by the Huffy Corporation after decades of being the US distributor of Raleigh bikes from England. Under the terms of the agreement, Raleigh of England licensed Huffy to design and distribute Raleigh bicycles in the US,[29] and Huffy was given instant access to a nationwide network of bike shops. The renamed Raleigh Cycle Company of America sold their bikes in the US. In the rest of the world, origin varied. The majority of territories received bikes from Raleigh in England, but other markets such as South Africa and India for example, had their own independently owned "Raleigh" companies like with Huffy in the US. At that time, production of some U.S. Raleigh models were shifted to Japan, with Bridgestone manufacturing most of these bikes. By 1984, all Raleighs for the American market, except the top-of-the range Team Professional (made in Ilkeston) and Prestige road bikes (made in Nottingham), were produced in the Far East
...they came in blue in one or two model years. But the green ones have been the most commonly encountered by me here.
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02-09-23, 11:47 PM
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...there is a very long thread on Raleigh Super Course. If you have time, you should read it.
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...ispreloading=1
Mostly, comparing one of those '83 Raleigh USA bikes with a Raleigh Super Course from the early '70's is an apples and oranges kind of thing.
The 80's bike probably does have better derailleurs. But the geometries are different. Most people who ride a Super Course from the '70's, that is put together well and well aligned,like the ride. They are representative of an historical class often referenced as the English Club Bike. The Raleigh USA bikes (if that is indeed what your 1983 bicycle is), are a different, but still decent quality bicycle, constructed in a different country (probably Japan).
The whole Raleigh Super Course thread is kind of interesting. I've had a few of them here, over the years. Mine have been the earlier British made ones. If you want to keep it original, you will miss out on the improvement a set of more modern, lighter weight, box section wheel rims can make on the general handling and acceleration of your bicycle. I would say that unless you are considering updating the wheel rims on the 70's bike, just stick with the 83 Raleigh USA bike you already have and like.
...they came in blue in one or two model years. But the green ones have been the most commonly encountered by me here.
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...ispreloading=1
Mostly, comparing one of those '83 Raleigh USA bikes with a Raleigh Super Course from the early '70's is an apples and oranges kind of thing.
The 80's bike probably does have better derailleurs. But the geometries are different. Most people who ride a Super Course from the '70's, that is put together well and well aligned,like the ride. They are representative of an historical class often referenced as the English Club Bike. The Raleigh USA bikes (if that is indeed what your 1983 bicycle is), are a different, but still decent quality bicycle, constructed in a different country (probably Japan).
The whole Raleigh Super Course thread is kind of interesting. I've had a few of them here, over the years. Mine have been the earlier British made ones. If you want to keep it original, you will miss out on the improvement a set of more modern, lighter weight, box section wheel rims can make on the general handling and acceleration of your bicycle. I would say that unless you are considering updating the wheel rims on the 70's bike, just stick with the 83 Raleigh USA bike you already have and like.
...they came in blue in one or two model years. But the green ones have been the most commonly encountered by me here.
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02-10-23, 12:11 PM
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Likewise! Mrs. Daka has a blue Super Course mixte (1970) and I would love to get a gents frame that matched hers. There was a blue one on the local CL here for a while but it was a 25.5 inch frame and there is no way I could ride one that big.
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02-10-23, 02:47 PM
#16
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Of course you need it...
Raleigh. Super Course. Green.
Your size?
Yum!
Raleigh. Super Course. Green.
Your size?
Yum!
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02-11-23, 12:52 PM
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I have access to a 1973 Super Course beautiful green color. Has some wrong parts but owner has original parts. Here is the thing. I do not need another bike so the one to go would be the 83 Super Course. Problem is the 83 is lighter by 2 to 3 lbs and seems to have better derailleurs and other components. I see 531 and SL555 tubing as a wash. I do not want to go backwards here. which is what it feels like. Should I even bother with this? The green is pretty. Thanks
The 1983 Raleigh Competition is one of my Favorites! I am 6'2" so the 25" Frame is a delight to ride.
..
Last edited by tjfastback66; 02-11-23 at 01:22 PM.
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02-11-23, 02:35 PM
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have an azure distaffer of MCMLXIX era which has been snoozing in me racks for aboot XXXV yar...wee spot o' doost she has accumulated...
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have an azure distaffer of MCMLXIX era which has been snoozing in me racks for aboot XXXV yar...wee spot o' doost she has accumulated...
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