Raleigh Racer - a little help needed please

[StellaArtoiz]

Hi all;

So I decided to take the plunge and propel myself straight back into the 80's with this entry level Raleigh Racer.

It looks almost all complete, I would like to source the original lights (to suit brackets) and water bottle if any one can educate me accordingly?

Other than the bike requiring new tyres, I will strip, degrease, clean and regrease accordingly ..... and hopefully enjoy ..... oh, and even more hopefully shed a few pounds!

 

[dg01]

Very nice sir - seems pretty clean. Good luck with it

 

[dorset boy]

Re:

Looks good.

 

[beechdaleboy]

those light brackets are from wonder lights

 

[Midlife]

Smart looking Cadet looking bike MrW hopefully will be along to confirm

1970-80's lights were shocking, please remove brackets and ride in daylight

Shaun

 

[StellaArtoiz]

Re:

Brilliant - thanks for that, I shall search and seek said lights ..... I want to try to maintain the era correct look, despite technology having moved forward.

 

[AndyMart]

That looks to be in fantastic condition, and would look even better with all those reflectors and light brackets removed, you know it's the first thing your 12 year old self would of done!

 

[StellaArtoiz]

You make a very good point Andy

 

[Vino]

Re:

Nice find. Doesn't look like it's been ridden much, does it?

The overall spec changed from year to year (10/12 speed and so on) but this one looks pretty close to yours:

Not sure I'd want even a NOS one of that aero bottle, and as I guess you know, those lights were pish! Unless you're planning on having a retro accident with a Sierra or summat, I'd get some new ones. Something like a set of Lezyne Femtos can be had for pocket money, and are plenty good enough around dawn/dusk and in well-lit areas. Easily removed and won't spoil the look of your sweet ride.

 

[MrW]

Given it's Raleigh branded chainset, I'd say it was a very early (83) Cadet

Looks 100% original to me

and the lights? I chucked one of those out only 3 weeks ago, they were utter rubbish in 1983, so even worse now!