Hi Raoul,
I picked up a Grand Prix a few weeks ago that I'm cleaning up and plan on re-selling. After pouring over it, I'm guessing it's an inexpensive entry level bike given the cottered cranks and steel rims. There's a label on the seat tube that says something like "20/30 steel tubing" (or something like that - my memory is fading). It is actually quite nice, with Simplex components and Weinmann brakes. It's white with black panels and gold lettering with 1/2 chrome forks. The lugs have nice gold striping. The seller said she bought it new in either the late 60's or early 70's. I am planning on taking digital photos of it this week - let me know off line if you'd like a look-see, and I'll forward them to you.
David Whitney Portland, Maine
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Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2003 09:25:09 -0500 From: "Raoul Delmare" <Raoul.L.Delmare@worldnet.att.net> To: "C.R. List" <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>, "Bruce C." <BruceCumberland@comcast.net> Subject: [CR]Information Help Please , Raleigh U.S.A. , Grand Prix , Super Course , Competition Message-ID: <008601c3715e$07cc4d40$e64efea9@oemcomputer> Content-Type: text/plain;charset="Windows-1252" MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Precedence: list Message: 5
Hello , =20
I've been a fan of the made-in-Nottingham-England Raleigh = bicycles , most of my life . In the past few years I've been = appreciating the Raleigh U.S.A. bicycles a bit more . =20
( of course I've always appreciated the Team 753 & 531 bicycles , = whether made in England by / for Raleigh England , or made in England = for Raleigh U.S.A. ) =20
I have four serious questions . But I'm not sure how to ask them = . =20
There was a particular "generation" or "time-period" of Raleigh = bicycles , made in Asia , for Raleigh U.S.A . Every time I see one = , or a photo of one , I INSTANTLY recognize it . But , what = should I call this style ? And are they later than 1983 ? ( if so = I apologize , and I'd be grateful if you'd contact me off-list ) =20
I'll describe them below . You'll probably know the ones I'm = asking about . =20
All of the ones I'm asking about were all-lugged , all-steel , = with no aluminum in the frames . =20
My four big questions are : =20
1.) When were these made ??? =20
2.) Where were these made ( Nippon , Taiwan R.O.C. , or . . . ) ??? = =20
3.) What was the size range ??? I've decided I'd like to buy one . = Since I don't know the range of sizes , I don't know what size to look = for & wait for . =20
4.) Were the frames actually different ( Grand Prix & Super Course = & Competition ) ??? Or were the only differences in the paint , = decals , and the components hanging on the frames ??? =20
Description : =20
The Grand Prix bicycles were chrome and red . =20
The Super Course bicycles were chrome and blue ( light blue , medium = blue , or deep purple-ish blue ) . =20
The Competition bicycles were chrome and white . =20
The tubing was "Raleigh 555" . The tubing decals were obviously = just attempts to mimic Reynolds 531 decals . Sometimes there were = even triangular decals for the fork blades , still with "Raleigh 555" = . =20
There was at least as much chrome as paint . The front fork was = all-chrome . The head tube was chrome , with the big Raleigh U.S.A. = badge on it . The seat stays and chain stays were chrome . =20
The Raleigh name was built into those frames . It was probably all = done by stamping the name into the steel . There was certainly a lot of = it . The Raleigh name or symbol was in the drop-outs , in the fork = crown , and in the seat-stay-caps ( top-eyes ) . =20
And of course , the Raleigh name was all over the components . The = Asian-made derailleurs , and the cranks , and the stems , and maybe = even the brakes , were all "Raleigh" . =20
Here are photos of a large-size Super Course , which was for sale = on eBay : =20
( I meant to write this message while that auction was still going on - = but I got distracted ) =20
Can anyone help me out , in trying to understanding these bicycles = ??? =20
Thanks !!! =20
Raoul Delmare =20
Marysville Kansas