Is this bike late 1960s? Those cranks were early 1960s TA with screwy cotters to keep them tight to the crank. It wasn't long before TA followed the rest with square tapers. I guess the question is whether the frame date is nearer that of the cranks or that of the rear derailleur. The odd seat stay treatment makes me think it is earlier rather than later. I find the decor fairly revolting, but would encourage the buyer to keep the same color scheme in the interest of conservation.
Hugh Thornton Cheshire, England
In a message dated 19/02/2007 05:25:22 GMT Standard Time, gillies@cs.ubc.ca writes:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/
On thing that is interesting about this late 1960's bike is that perhaps three years before its time (i've seen that stem on a 1972 usa international), it uses all of the Raleigh Team pro colors, but in a different permutation : yellow painted frameset (chromed sloping fork and rear stays), black head-tube (chromed lugs yummm), and 3 color panels on the seat tube
3 inches of yellow black panel (about 4") 1 inch of yellow red panel (about 4") 1 inch of yellow black panel (about 4") 3 inches of yellow
The TA cyclotouriste-type crank arms are very unusual, and I have heard about these but forget the brand? They have tapers on 2 sides, and a semi-circle on the 3rd and 4th side.
Although the fork has been out in the UK rain for more summers than one would hope, i still think it could be a gorgeous restoration. The cost of shipping a bike from the UK to USA
- Don Gillies
San Diego, CA