John,
I've rechecked, and find no sign of a serial number, and I used to be pretty good at finding them during my stint as a mechanic in the local bike shop. I've decided to try and find the rest of the bike and clean it up and re-assemble it. Well, I'll put it on my "to do" list, anyway.
David Lester Hartford, Ct. USA
John Barry <usazorro@yahoo.com> wrote: David,
D'oh. I've seen it now. That's definitely from the '68 - '76 era. Just to double check on the serial # before we go and call it a '68... possible locations are on the bottom of the bottom bracket, near the top on the seat tube, in the vicinity of the head tube. If you find nothing there, and only see markings inside one of the chainstays, I'd feel reasonably comfortable calling it a '68.
Take care,
John
----- Original Message ---- From: Festiva 90 LX <festiva90lx@yahoo.com> To: John Barry <usazorro@yahoo.com> Sent: Wednesday, August 2, 2006 10:57:46 AM Subject: Re: [CR]New Member
John
I forgot to mention that I attached a picture of it - did you get the attachment? The fork ends are chromed, and you can see part of the head badge in the picture. I would say, the badge is not oval, so I guess we can say it's a 1968.
David
John Barry <usazorro@yahoo.com> wrote: David,
With the crankset you describe, I would expect that the forks are half-chromed. This would date it between 1968 - 1976 - but the difficulty you're having in locating the serial number hints at it being made in 1968 or 1969. Does it still have the head badge? If so, and it is oval, the bike is likely a 1969. If not, is is more likely a 1968.
I definitely understand having too many projects, and the wife considering tossing stuff out. It happens to many others as well.
Regards,
John
----- Original Message ---- From: Festiva 90 LX <festiva90lx@yahoo.com> To: John Barry <usazorro@yahoo.com> Sent: Tuesday, August 1, 2006 8:21:54 PM Subject: Re: [CR]New Member
John,
I tried to find a serial number on the Raleigh, but I don't see it anywhere! I took a picture of it, if that will help. The wheels are in the cellar somewhere. It's in pretty rough shape. I bought it because the frame said Reynold's 531 on it, but with the steel crankset, it seems quite heavy. I doubt if I will do anything with it. I have too many unfinished projects as it is. I have a number of old 3 speeds that need some attention, and I have to figure out what to keep and what to get rid of before my wife decides to throw it all out!
David
John Barry <usazorro@yahoo.com> wrote: David,
There would be a serial number on the frame. I'd be able to tell you what year just from that. There's a wealth of information at this web site that one of the list members maintains. There are several others as well. There are several list members that I know of who are quite knowledgeable about Raleighs, and who are quite generous with their time and knowledge. Pete Geurds, Peter Kohler, Larry Osborne, Harvey Sachs, and a few others can tell you quite a bit.
Here's the link to the catalogs. Look under Raleigh for some. There are even more if you click on Retro Raleighs. http://www.bulgier.net/
All the best,
John
p.s. - please don't feel rushed. I have plenty of other interests in life, and I understand there are a couple others on the list who are the same way. :)
----- Original Message ---- From: Festiva 90 LX <festiva90lx@yahoo.com> To: John Barry <usazorro@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, July 31, 2006 5:14:21 PM Subject: Re: [CR]New Member
John
I don't know what year the Super Course is. This is one of the things I need to take care of. It is in pieces right now, and I only hope I can find the parts and determine it's age. I didn't start out to be a collector, my hobby was fixing and "upgrading" bicycles. Now I realize the error of my ways, but I sure had a lot of fun working on my bikes. I often felt I should have spent more time riding them.
David
John Barry <usazorro@yahoo.com> wrote: David,
I absolutely agree. I don't ride all of my bicycles often, but some of them certainly get heavy use. I have over 900 miles on one of them this year so far.
Out of curiosity, what year is your Super Course? The one I bought from my uncle in 1977 was the first "good" bike that I ever had. It still has a special place in my heart, even though it was stolen 4 years later (and since has been "replaced").
Glad to hear from you, and the Le Chemineau certainly is loaded with class and character.
Regards,
John
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