Hi, I'm looking for a Super Course MK2, 1974/5, in 23.5" or 24.5" frame size. I have a red 1974 Super Course MK2 frameset in red 20.5" frame in good condition, willing to trade.
Now, about restoring a raleigh super course :
Starting in 1974, raleigh used nervar cotterless steel cranks with aluminum rings, 122/123 bcd I believe. The rims were weinmann dimpled alesa rims, normandy sport hubs, and huret derailleurs. My bike has a jubilee on the back and the huret moon-crater derailleur on the front (? name). The jubilee was a common substitution. I asked Dale and he said that the Nervar star alloy spider (same rings, aluminum spider) was not a common sub on this model - more likely to show up on gran sports and competitions. I love the raleigh line because it was french up through the competition and then italian to finish off the line.
To be "period correct" and "close to original" I think a super course should be built with :
franco drivetrain ( stronglight/nervar crank, sedis chain, atom / maillard freewheel, normandy sport hubs, simplex/huret gears, weinmann rims / brakes. maybe atom or lyotard pedals )
i think suntour freewheels are an appropriate sub on any restoration.
british user interface ( brooks seat, GB stem, GB/generic handlebars, maybe raleigh 501 steel pedals).
Most raleigh bikes are either campagnolo, or a variant of the franco / english mix listed above.
- Don Gillies
San Diego, CA