My bikes.

[Woz]

I've been collecting parts for my 1980 French import Record Ace. I finally got around to fitting them.

New brake hoods, the originals rotted and I prefer black hoods. Dura ace chainset. Narrow mudguards. 600 Arabesque mechs. SR Royal handlebars. Milremo bar plugs. A better 1978 Brooks Professional.

I really like this bike, it just fits so well. I'm able to go much quicker on this than a lot of modern bikes. It had a sticker on the top tube that said "Bacquet". This has left a shadow in the paint which hasn't faded, I rather like the effect. After some research this appears to be a French racing club. I named it Scabby. Because it is.


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That must be rather unique - being pedantic, isn't it more of an export model to the continent (France among others)? It does say Made In England. Raleigh was certainly at a peak then, mopping up races across Europe and getting good advertising.

Interesting that it is tighter geometry, and visibly looks pretty tight. Probably a very good score all considered - no messing about with weird continental standards and something a bit brisk. Very interesting and wonder how it all came about. There was a metric Reynolds 531 tube set for export to France if I recall correctly, but at least around these parts I've yet to see one.

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

W prefix means it's Worksop then and that means it's bones/build and most likely geometry is Carlton. Super nice Bike, luv'it.

Thanks mate

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

That must be rather unique - being pedantic, isn't it more of an export model to the continent (France among others)? It does say Made In England. Raleigh was certainly at a peak then, mopping up races across Europe and getting good advertising.

Interesting that it is tighter geometry, and visibly looks pretty tight. Probably a very good score all considered - no messing about with weird continental standards and something a bit brisk. Very interesting and wonder how it all came about. There was a metric Reynolds 531 tube set for export to France if I recall correctly, but at least around these parts I've yet to see one.

Not pedantic at all. It was a French model. It was imported from France would be a better and more accurate use of English. It is tight, brake drop is around 55mm, toe clip overlap for the unwary. 39.5" wheelbase. Edit tight for the time.

 

[ferrus]

The ends and drop outs are Campagnolo. Lugs are Haden. Full 531 double butted. 39.5" wheelbase.

Suntour GS dropouts on domestic RRA frames in 1980, so seems to be a higher spec’ along with the chrome.

Is it perhaps more equivalent to a Gran Sport?

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

Suntour GS dropouts on domestic RRA frames in 1980, so seems to be a higher spec’ along with the chrome.

Yes mine had Suntour GS. This is a different bike altogether in appearance and ride quality.

 

[Woz]

Could a certain "Monsieur Bacquet" had it custom made perhaps?

Like a certain mad Frenchman not content to bimble along on British country roads and sign up the CTC after being marooned by Brittany Ferries

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

Suntour GS dropouts on domestic RRA frames in 1980, so seems to be a higher spec’ along with the chrome.

Is it perhaps more equivalent to a Gran Sport?

Possibly, I've not really found any equivalent.

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

Could a certain "Monsieur Bacquet" had it custom made perhaps?

Like a certain mad Frenchman not content to bimble along on British country roads and sign up the CTC after being marooned by Brittany Ferries

My research led me to a French racing club. I prefer your theory though

 

[Woz]

My research led me to a French racing club. I prefer your theory though

Perhaps it was one of those things again - for sure at this period people were moving around more and buying up foreign things directly and riding them back to avoid customs duties, taxes.

I see you were French, I think it would make sense if you really wanted what the stars had, and really not available locally. It would be worth going custom based on what you know works with snail airmail exchanges and then picking it up at factory with a holiday.

I've found the French rather appreciate and hold fondness to British cycling brands.

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

It seems to have exactly the same lugs and seatstay caps as my 1980 Worksop build Record Ace
Very nice bike Bob

Thanks Ben