Sarah's Raleigh Gran Sport is really neat, but perhaps a few observations might be helpful:
1) It surprises me never to have seen the model before; in 62 I was looking hard across the Raleigh - Schwinn - Whatever universe for a bike for myself. But, memory is the second thing to go...
2) It is quintessentially Raleigh, from the wrapover seat stays to the riveted chainrings.
3) Indeed, it seems more like an upgraded Gran Prix than anything else. It seems to be slotted with the Super Course (or was that a few years later, as a replacement for this model?), but with lesser tubes and better derailleurs.
4) As with the Sears Ted Williams Sport Racing of the same vintage I recently bought, at least one wheel seems to have its spokes inserted backwards, with spoke bend against the unbeveled side of the hole... Should we keep it original, or ride it? :-)
5) Looks like the famous hold-over Raleigh narrow rear slots designed for Sturmey hubs. Why they found it easier to put flats on axles than stamp out new ends has always puzzled me...
6) WHAT A GEM OF PRESERVATION! That is incredible.
harvey sachs
only mildly jealous in McLean VA
but really grateful to Sarah for preserving it, offering it, and sharing
the pleasure with us.
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Date: Wed, 29 May 2002 21:29:26 +0000
Subject:
greetings all
though dale has recently questioned the use of this list for pricing items,
it seems that there are times when it is needed and who better to ask! for
those who don't want any part of that or are not interested in raleighs
please delete.
you will find at http://www.oldtowncyclery.com/
peace
sarah gibson
kcks