[CR]Help ID a bike

(Example: Racing:Wayne Stetina)

From: "Otis" <otis@otisrecords.com>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
References: <MONKEYFOODD8AeviU3C0000116a@monkeyfood.nt.phred.org>
In-Reply-To:
Subject: [CR]Help ID a bike
Date: Tue, 9 Dec 2008 12:01:58 -0800
reply-type=original

http://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/bik/950746964.html

Anyone ever heard of a raleigh Meteor? It says it's custom built in CA...

Cool looking bike, I especially like the fork crown.

George Ramos Portland, OR USA

I have no idea of the actual source. But C. Harding in Westwood, was Charlie Harding's bike store in Westwood CA. (Los Angeles). I know Charlie sourced frames from the UK and branded them Hardings as I bought one in 1979.

I would assume the "Meteor" to be along those lines and not a true "custom" build. More like "custom", in built up to spec in the shop by Charlie.

Anyone know the whereabouts of Charlie Harding these days? He was a quirky but really great guy, and gave me a lot of guidance when I first started riding road bikes. In the early 80's his shop was just dying a slow death and full of NOS 60's, 70's and beyond. Wish I knew then what I know now!

Jon Williams
Grants Pass OR USA