Lilac does sound a bit limp-wristed, but I've always liked the Lilac Motobecane Le Champions. I was outbid for one on eBay a week ago or so. Actually a handsome color - I would have no hesitation riding one even here in macho Houston, TX. I don't think the rednecks in the double axle pickup trucks would go any further out of their way to run me over on that bike than on any other bike. I can't say the same for a Mercier in classic Mercier pink. That is why my wife is going to have to ride the pink Mercier frame if I ever get it built up.
Regards,
Jerry Moos Houston, TX "Pickup truck capital of the known universe"
> ---- Original Message -----
> From: "Carl Gonzalez" <bikecg@att.net>
> To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
> Cc: <bianchipan@yahoo.com>
> Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2004 8:08 AM
> Subject: [CR]RE: The "purple"Raleigh Competitions
>
>
> >
> > Yes. I would use "lilac" as a color descriptor.
>
>
> Raleigh always recycled the same paint under different names through the
> years. This is none other than the Polychromatic Lilac that was most
> associated with the Humber Clipper in the late 40s and 50s. It sounds a
bit
> limp-wristed a colour for a club bike but it's actually a very handsome
> livery. You could get your RRA in this of course as well.
>
> Raleigh also recycled the steel grey used on the 1958 Lenton Grand Prix
into
> the "platinum" of the 1970s. Lenton Green found its way onto Choppers
during
> this time as well.
>
> Speaking of paint, if any of you out there have a 1950-51 Clubman in blue
> and want to match the paint: the current VW beetle "Blue Lagoon" is a
> dead-on match.
>
> Peter Kohler
> Washington DC USA