Where indeed, Steve?!
Actually I know where mine was yesterday... enjoying a corking good day's fast cycling with her owner. A bike that's best ridden than revered, tested rather than talked about. And definately not one anyone in their right mind would.. sell!! And I suspect not part of "what I rode as a teen" simply because these babies spec'd as you have cost about $1100 in 1980. That's a whole lot o' lawns to be mowed!
Mine, alas, doesn't have the blue Mavic SSCs, I am making do with boring 'ol GP-4s until I find a pair that doesn't cost a fortune. Oh, and I think these machines came with the magnesium Maillard 700 freewheels. That's what I am running on mine.
But yes... "the peak of the classic bike tech" and I think I'd prefer to think of the TI Raleigh livery as distinctive rather than garish. But hardly muted... so much for British understatement!
By the way, on yesterday's ride I enountered a lad of about 15 riding a 1981 Lambert! Traditionally attired and obviously chuffed to see another classic lightweight on the road. "What I rode as a teen".. the kid is starting off in the right direction.. looking backward!
Peter Kohler
Washington DC USA