Andy T’s 1981 Carlton Raleigh Competition

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Andy T in New Zealand sent his absolutliest most beutimust Carlton Raleigh Competition. I’ve heard wonderful things about New Zealand, and if this OTS is any indication of what the country has to offer, I’m packing my bags tonight!

hi there, really enjoy the oldtenspeedgallery, it helped inspired me to grab this old beauty instead of some bland modern machine!

year: 1981
make: Carlton Raleigh
model: Competition

a bit about her:

Being in New Zealand, we’d only ever see the british built Raleighs here, and i got this from the bike shop that originally sold it in late 81, early 82 (still has the bike shop sticker on the seat tube). The serial indicates Feb 1981 as manufacture date, and the Tour de France ’80 victory sticker matches that logic. The condition is absolutely lovely given her age, and it’s testament to the previous owner’s care and attention ( i’m guessing it’s only had the one previous owner!). The componentry doesn’t match what i can find online about these bikes, but it had a cycle computer wired on it when i received it (and a weight-watchers muesli bar in the bumbag!) so i figure the previous owner was a serious-ish cyclist. the original logos and pinstriping are all there, as are the reynolds stickers. the only real wear is on the underside of the top tube where it’s been slid on and off a smooth rack however many times in the past 28 years. smoothly worn through to polished metal in the middle, running a good twenty cms or so.

Componentry is: Shimano 600 FD and RD, O.M.A.S. cranks, capagnolo shifters, suntour superbe hubs, stem and bars, modolo speedy brakes (they don’t share my sense of urgency), san marco rolls seat, unknown rims, cheapo tyres.

The best thing was, a friend tipped me over the edge to go for this bike as i was on the fence and i ended up paying less than what i was going to spend on a bottom of the line avanti with nothing going for it. bland and functional lost out to awesome and classic!

She’s exactly as i got her for now, but the plan is replacement hoods and honey leather bar tape soon, with maybe a brooks seat to match. i’m almost tempted to go some new brakes as the modolos are frighteningly casual, but i don’t want to go aero.

thanks,

andy

Thanks Andy

Related posts:

  1. Virgil F’s 1977 Raleigh Grand Prix
  2. Ramon’s 1981 Raleigh Competition
  3. Matt K’s 1980 Motobecane Mirage
  4. Ed H’s Raleigh Gran Sport
  5. Doug’s 1975 Schwinn Continental
  • http://hughsbicycle.blogspot.com Hugh

    Fantastic bike, Your planed changes for her sound spot-on. There is just something about a vintage Raleigh that just really………I can`t think of the words, But you know what I mean.
    It was my brother`s Raliegh Competition (first year for the model) that got me hooked on classic road bikes. Great Choice!

  • Joe B.

    “Pristine condition” is the first thing to pop into my mind. I didn’t see a bit of rust on it!

  • Steve

    What a beauty!!! Such detail could never be found on oine of todays machines. By the way, should you decide to replace the Modolo’s, I’d be interested!? I have speedy’s now and lov’em. Some back-up/replacements would be great! Enjoy your exceptional find!!

  • http://everhandy.com Jim Basara

    I am sooooo… jealous!

  • sveno

    This bike is a beauty! I have a pretty similar one, and I can give you a simple explanation for the fact that you’ll hardly ever find two of these with the same components. I found out from a 1980 catalogue that back then the only way to get hold of a Competition in this coulour was to buy a frame from Raleigh, and then rig it up yourself. Funny you are planning to give the brakes a chop, it was the one thing I changed. I went for a pair of 600EX Arabesque instead of the Weinmanns.

  • Ramon

    A while ago I found a bike on the side of the road, she was in a horrible condition. When trying to find out what the specs are from my bike I found yours, Its exactly the same!

    Exept the detailing has been worn on mine ofcourse, Stille lovely to see some are still out there (even in New Zealand) Love the old Raleighs!

    Mine has frameno. 1004000 guess its a ’81?

    Anyway, lots of riding fun!

  • Stephen Melville

    I just bought one almost the same. Same color and carlton workshop decals but it’s a 12 speed. The paint isn’t great, there’s a fair bit of surface rust, she rides like a dream. Has a frame number ws1001068, I think that the last number is an 8, it’s hard to read.