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Retro Raleighs: The Competition Series

From the 1976 catalog:

1976 Raleigh Team Professional

From the 1977 catalog:

1977 Raleigh Competition

Detailed descriptions of Competition GSes enjoyed by fellow Raleigh enthusiasts.

Sheldon Brown's 1976 Competition "Superbe"

My Raleigh Competition "Superbe" is intended to be an interpretation of the classic Raleigh Sports/Superbe 3-speed, only with higher-quality materials and with improved modern technology.

The frame is a classic Raleigh Competition, originally a 10-speed racing machine. It appears to be a 1976 model, all Reynolds 531 butted tubing, with Hurét dropouts.

I have equipped it with a Shimano Nexus 7-speed internal-gear hub, and a Shimano Nexus generator front hub.

Assorted gold plated parts accent the gold trim on th black frame.

Rims are lightweight Mavic clinchers, with Panasonic/Rivendell Roll-y Pol-y tires.

raleigh-competition profile

Black 1979 Competition GS


"WH9..." serial number, Heron headbadge. Black, with half-chromed forks and chain and seat stays.  Gold pinstriping around lugs.  Reynolds 531 double butted tubing throughout.  Campagnolo eyeletted drop outs, long horizontal in rear.  Components are from the Campagnolo Nuovo Gran Sport group, except for Weinmann 605 brakes.  Rims are also Weinmann.  Saddle is Brooks, Stem is marked "Raleigh", no markings on handlebars.

1978CompGS-small.jpg

Technical specifications from the official Raleigh catalogue

Year 1978
Model Competition G.S.
Frame Sizes 21.5", 23.5", 25.5"
Colours Black or Pearl Silver
Frame Material Reynolds 531 Butted Tubes, Forks and Stays with Campagnolo Fork Ends
Lugs Bocama Professional Hand Profiled Lugs
Fork Reynolds 531 Taper Guage with Vagner Crown and Campagnolo Ends
Handlebars Raleigh Italienne Alloy
Stem G.B. Biba Forged Alloy
Brakes Weinmann 605 Alloy Side Pull with Wheel Guides
Crankset Campagnolo Gran Sport Cotterless 42/52T - 170 mm
Rear Cluster 14-22T
Chain 1/2" x 3/32"
Pedals Campagnolo Gran Sport
Rims Weinmann 700c Alloy Concave A124 Narrow Section
Hubs Campagnolo Gran Sport Small Flange Q/R
Tires Raleigh 700c x 25c Skinside
Saddle Brooks Professional
Seat Post Campagnolo Gran Sport 27.2mm
derailer Campagnolo Gran Sport (Rear) Campagnolo Gran Sport with Down Tube Controls (Front)
Cable & Tape Black Cables with Cloth Handlebar Tape
Extras Competition Pump, Brooks Toe Straps and Christophe Toe Clips.  Brazed On Rear Gear Stop, Chrome Plated Stays and Fork Blades
Wheel Base 39.375" - 21.5" Frame
Frame Angles 74 degree Head, 74 degree Seat - 21.5" Frame
Approx. Weight 24 lbs - 23.5" Frame