Raleigh Record Ace

[Tobias Rodriguez]

I have no need for another bike, no room for another bike but I’ve gone and bought another bloody bike
A late night evilbay browsing session resulted in me putting an offer in on a bike listed as a 1979 RRA. The listing pics were not the best, quite low res and bad lighting, I asked no questions and took a gamble, my offer was accepted . I’m happy about it though! It’s mostly original and has potential. Patina and unseen damage to be assessed on arrival. I think it’s ice green with a mix of Campy GS, SR and Weinmann components, you know the one.
Cleaning it up will keep me busy for a while, and for the money that’s alright with me.

 

[Tobias Rodriguez]

It looks like I’ll be getting my hands on the bike earlier than expected. The seller was going to ship it to me but asked if he could drop it off in person. Sure no problem, there is less chance of it being damaged in transit, I don’t have to reassemble it and no packaging to get rid of. So I’m meeting the seller at a train station near my house tomorrow. Can’t wait!

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

The RRA is a nice bike, you should enjoy it.

 

[Tobias Rodriguez]

The RRA is a nice bike, you should enjoy it.

Thanks, I’m sure I will enjoy it.
The bike is now with me and has had a quick wipe over. As expected there is some patina and paint damage but it is quite presentable and has a charm about it. It’s an honest bike.

It’s had newer Campy record headset fitted which is a nice upgrade. The clamp section on the front derailleur has snapped where the adjusting screws thread in, so I will need to source a cheap replacement and use the cleanest parts to make a decent one. The hubs need a service, the rims look decent and should clean up well, the spokes not so much. The drive chain needs a clean and degrease. The chainrings are loose so I will go over everything bit by bit, cleaning as I go along.

I got half a tin of Proofide and an inner tube thrown in too, it’s always nice to get a few freebies with a purchase. The owner was a young lady who is going travelling, which was a surprise because I thought it was going to be an older gent clearing out his garage

 

[Tobias Rodriguez]

I found a decent looking front derailleur for £15 + postage. I’m happy with that, should clean up nice too

 

[ferrus]

I’m very fond of a RRA.
Yours looks to be a 1982 model

 

[Tobias Rodriguez]

I’m very fond of a RRA.
Yours looks to be a 1982 model

I think you’re right. I’ll know for sure when the rear derailleur is removed for cleaning, then I can move the gear cable outer to reveal the 3rd character in the serial number. I’m sure it will be a 2

 

[Tobias Rodriguez]

Raleigh crank dust caps acquired, I can’t live with plastic Solida caps in place on this old girl.

 

[Tobias Rodriguez]

I’ve just put a wanted post up for x1Campagnolo <c> logo friction gear shifter wing nut. Has somebody got one gathering dust somewhere? Any help finding one would be very much appreciated. The cleaner the better please

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

Look under your bottom bracket. There will be a W for Worksop the next number will be the year. Raleigh rotated the numbers so sometimes you see 80s bikes advertised as 70s. As ferrus says yours is 80s.