Raleigh 531c Competition - Make it or break it?

[BretonDave]

I came across this Raleigh 531c Competition and can't decide whether its worth renovating or breaking for parts!

Its not in bad condtion (apart from rear Campag 980 deraileur!), its a real mix of parts, Shimano 600 brakes, campag front deraileur, SR cranks, handlebars, seat stem, Hinault marked Turbo saddle, Mavic Monthlery Pro rims, Maillard hubs.

This can't have been standard kit on this bike, so tend to think breaking is best option and frame can then be spec'd correctly.

Ideas on value might be handy.

Cheers Dave

 

[non-fixie]

Interesting. It looks like an '84 at first sight, but it doesn't have the fastback seat stay arrangement.
What's the serial number?

 

[BretonDave]

Serial Number WD3002915 - which I think equates to Nottingham. March 1983

 

[MrW]

1983 model, spec is here:

http://bulgier.net/pics/bike/Catalogs/R ... l83_04.jpg

http://bulgier.net/pics/bike/Catalogs/R ... l83_05.jpg

 

[non-fixie]

Serial Number WD3002915 - which I think equates to Nottingham. March 1983

Thanks. I think you're right. Original specs are not necessarily those listed in the catalogue. I have two '84 Competitions, one built in December '83 and the other in January '84. The January '84 example already deviates from the catalogue by having Shimano 600 brakes instead of Weinmann 405s.

BTW, these are nice bikes. I'd make it.

 

[Midlife]

SR stuff seems a bit of a bonus

Shaun

 

[BretonDave]

Hi Midlife (Shaun), I may be out of touch but always thought SR was somewhat lower quality! However, looking at the specs there isn't a lot on the bike that isn't original - but what to change? The brakes or the gearing?

 

[gazza285]

Re:

SR as in Sakae Ringyo, not SR as in Campag Super Record.

 

[Tel]

Personally I'd replace the brakes with some period correct Weinmanns and leave the rest as it is apart from maybe the saddle which I'd change for a regular Turbo.

Does the rear wheel match the front? It looks like a rusty old steel wheel!

I have a Campag 980 rear mech I think if you need one. Be looking at £15 posted for that.

 

[Midlife]

Bretondave

Quick scan of my 70's Mags shows the prices of chainsets average about .....

Campag £54 (titanium SR £100)

Shimano Dura Ace silver £43

Ofmega £41.50

Sakae Ringyo (SR Royal) £32

Shimano 600 £27

SR Apex £20

SR Custon £13

Sakae stuff was seen as midway between the cheaper 600 and the more expensive Dura Ace

Shaun