Well I picked this one up on ebay and picked it up locally since the seller was in a suburb near here in chicago. It's a great bike but it's just too big for me, I thought I could swing it but I can't. The seller had it listed as a 1959 raleigh gran sport but I can't confirm that date. Here are some pics I took: http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/
and here is the original listing: http://ebay.com/
There are some numbers on the bottom of the bottom bracket: RA 31011
U (Y/9?)136(J?)
The first group is very readable the second is not. I tried to type them exactly as they appear, the RA is above the numbers and not part of the same line. In the second group, the U is above the rest and I can't make out the first symbol, it really looks like a circle with a vertical line coming of the bottom of it. Maybe one of you guys can date this.
The bike has campagnolo gran sport derailleurs. The rear does not have a patent date but this is on the back plate: "Patent Campagnolo DA14A26 Denti" I"m not sure if you can date it with this info.
Here are the specs on the rest of the bike: dunlop special lightweight rims laced to racelite hubs. The frame measures as follows: seat tube c-t 23 1/2 inches, top tube c-c 22 inches. The brakes levers are GB Superhood Rapide annodized in red, the left lever has faded a bit. They have half hoods, which are in fair condition. The calipers are GB Coureur 66 centerpulls. The handlebars are GB with the red annodized center sleeve. The cranks have sir raleigh marked on them as well as the kick stand. The bottom bracket also has an oiler cap.
It also has a lenton generator light set which does not look period correct. It does however have the braze on light mount on the front fork. The bike did come with the original brooks swallow saddle, I have removed it and would like to keep it. It is supple but cracked. I will include another leather saddle if you'd like one. If you really want the swallow perhaps we could work something out.
The paint is in good shape, some scratches but it still shines nicely. Most of the decals are in nice shape as well. Chrome is good but could use some polishing. The bike is a little dirty, the previous owner went a little crazy with oil on the change and it got on the bike, in my car, on my clothes, etc.
I'm not looking to turn a profit on this bike I just want what i paid for it which if you went to the ebay link is 350.00. shipping of course would be extra and my zip code is 60625 if you want to get a quote. I would prefer paypal for this transaction.
I would also conisder a trade or a trade and cash. I currently need some campy nuovo record brake hoods, a rear NR brake caliper but I would'nt mind a set as I could use the front for my raleigh track bike. I also need some 700C wolber super champion clincher wheels with NR hubs, a brooks pro saddle, campy dust caps and a campy seat post binder bolt.
I'm always interested in bicycles as well, of course I have a particular love for raleighs.
Marc Garcia
chicago IL