Thanks to prompt replies from 5 listers the mystery Raleigh has been identified as a Competition from 72 or 73. This list is an amazing resource for unraveling bicycle mysteries.
The bike in question is being used as a college student's beater so I am in the process of building up a replacement beater to make a deal. I have a few more questions I'd like to resolve while waiting to close the deal:
- what are the differences between a '72 and a '73? This bike has a "G" s/n which should indicate '72 but has the block letter Raleigh decals. I have heard that the '72's used the script logo.
- I always thought that all 531 DB frames (other than French) used 27.2 seat posts. This one has a 28.8 or 28.6, is this correct? Any explanations?
- does anyone on the list have pictures of a similar bike? I'd like to see what the grahics look like, especially the triangular decal at the base of the seat tube.
This will be my first non Italian project so I expect that when I get my hands on it I'll have more questions especially about the French components.
Norm Lafleur
Ashfield, Ma.
USA