Info on frame needed - Raleigh SBDU?

[kkjale]

Hello all. I've come here hoping to glean some information on a bike I've been given.

From my limited research this looks to be an SBDU frame, serial SB2720. I guess getting a date of manufacture would be tricky, but I wonder if any features tell any story.

How can I ascertain the tubing type with the decals gone? Is this 753...? It seems very light to me, lighter from memory than my 531 Viking or Holdsworth.

I've found some fascinating webpages on SBDU/Ilkeston already, but any input from forumites would be much appreciated.

This bike really rides well and I'm planning to get it running more sweetly. I sincerely apologise for the paintwork and the dirt.

 

[kkjale]

Ooops, one more...

 

[Elev12k]

Weren't those drillings typical for the the short 753 frame?

 

[David B]

As far as age goes, mid-80s is my best guess - allen key brake fittings and braze-on lever bosses but only 1 set of bottle mounts; Ilkeston and Lightweight Unit Raleighs from the late 80s onwards tended to have twin bottle mounts, even on the entry-level 531 jobs.

Catalogue scan here (warning - big file, may be slow to load);

http://bulgier.net/pics/bike/Catalogs/R ... icture.jpg

Rear ends look similar, but head lugs are different and these frames lack lever mounts as well as having the older braze-on style of gear cable guides instead of a plastic one under the BB shell.

David

 

[lastpubrunner]

Regarding SBDU numbers, 1979 started with SB2800; your frame with number SB2720 would have been built towards the end of 1978.

Regarding tubing:

1) 753 is Metric-diameter tubing (28.0 mm O.D. for the seat and down tubes, 26.0 mm O.D. for the top tube), and was introduced in about 1975. Seat posts for 753 frames are either 27.0 (for small frames) or 26.8 mm (for large frames).

2) 753R and 753T are Imperial (English/Inch) diameter tubing (28.6 mm O.D. for the seat and down tubes, 25.4 mm O.D. for the top tube), and began production in 1983. Seat posts for 753R and 753T are either 27.2 or 27.4 mm. Your frame cannot be this tubing, as it is too early.

In my (limited) experience, if your frame is 753, it should be noticeably lighter than 531. It should weigh approx. 1800gms.

Hope this helps

 

[Elev12k]

Now we are discussing the 753s and there are people with so much knowledge, I am sorry to hijack the thread :

I have a Raleigh in Panasonic colours.

SB6663
frame decal says 753R, decal blades 753
62cm(!) special request frame
drillings in ends and drop outs
26.8 post

A full Super Record bike including the ti cassette

It looks very much like gavr's, but with slimmer seatstays and caps and without drilled gussets on inside blades >>

http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewto ... ht=raleigh

The bicycle rides beautifully.

Anything special to say on this?

 

[Elev12k]

I took an additional look on my frame:

- there is a 2nd pair water bottle bosses.

- the frame is very light (given the size). I compared it with another quality frame: a Jan de Reus built with 531c. A 61cm frame of the same era, but with a half chromed tail. The Raleigh is somewhat lighter. It is not spectacular, but it is certainly lighter. The frame also makes another sound when I knock on it. Tubing feels thinner and there is more a resonance in it.

 

[lastpubrunner]

SB6663
Anything special to say on this?

Your frame dates from 1984.

1984 Started with SB6300
1985 Started with SB7000

 

[Elev12k]

Okay, 1984

Thank you

 

[kkjale]

lastpubrunner -

Your info is spot on. 28mm for the down tube, 26mm for the top tube. Great dating info, too.

I'm struggling with the most badly stuck stem I've EVER come across (too low for me and anyway the head race needs work) but I'm soaking it and will persevere. BB is good, rims and hubs serviceable, it's all there bar some pedals. I think this bike is worth saving.

Cheers for the help. Much appreciated.