Greetings closet vexillologists and future Raleigh-phobes
Saw this on ebay today, and recognized at least one bidder as a group
member, so thought I would just throw in a quick little caution.
http://ebay.com/
Frame does indeed appear to be a repainted 69 Raleigh Pro frame, and the absence of any chrome is correct for that year/model. However, I just have to question the description of the model as being "a replica of the 68 German Olympic team bikes", as justified by the original paint scheme of white with red, black, orange colored bands on the seattube, the bands being "the colors of the German flag". Almost had me going with that one, it seemed so logical, and I'm more accustomed to seeing the old white ones repainted metallic blue/grey to disguise them as the (usually) more desireable later model, so the honest and open admission that it was a repaint put me off guard. The original paint scheme is described correctly, BUT the rest of the story may just be a little "creative salesmanship". Perhaps soon to become just another bit of vintage misinformation folklore. If anybody can verify this story, I'd like to hear it. But for now I have to doubt it. The German flag has black, red, and yellow bands top to bottom. Not quite a color match with the Pro, and also a different order top to bottom.
Not trying to deter potential bidders. Nothing to gain. Nothing to lose. Not my size. Frame looks fine. It is what it is, just an old Raleigh, but nothing more. You can wrap it in the flag (or the "vexillum", if you prefer latin), but the clothes have no emperor.
All answers questioned Larry "with white Raleigh Pros strapped to my toes" Osborn Miles-from-Nowhere, WV