Time warp Europa built page 8.
- Thread starter The History Man
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Re:
Another time warp 1982 Europa. Someone had fitted 27" wheels so I replaced them with a spare set of R500s.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/Yr3rjG][img]...r.com/4386/37039366816_110a9f220e_b.jpg[/img]IMG_3138 LIGHTING CROP SHARP4 RSIZE by airbrake1, on Flickr[/url]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/YHZ4iv][img]...r.com/4437/37231087835_2d172c6b10_b.jpg[/img]1982 Raleigh Europa by airbrake1, on Flickr[/url]
Another time warp 1982 Europa. Someone had fitted 27" wheels so I replaced them with a spare set of R500s.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/Yr3rjG][img]...r.com/4386/37039366816_110a9f220e_b.jpg[/img]IMG_3138 LIGHTING CROP SHARP4 RSIZE by airbrake1, on Flickr[/url]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/YHZ4iv][img]...r.com/4437/37231087835_2d172c6b10_b.jpg[/img]1982 Raleigh Europa by airbrake1, on Flickr[/url]
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Let's see what it looked like at the start. Nice job.
Southcoast
Dirt Disciple
Great job. They always were a good looking bike.
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Mine now for sale.
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Thanks for the compliments guys. The bike as it came to me was rideable but dusty and grimy. This was how it looked in July :
[url=https://flic.kr/p/YtCrqj][img]...r.com/4337/37068633942_7febf56e23_b.jpg[/img]Raleigh Europa1982 JULY 2017 by airbrake1, on Flickr[/url]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/XsPjPN][img]...r.com/4388/36403084724_951dfe73f2_b.jpg[/img]Europa by airbrake1, on Flickr[/url]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/XsPsFj][img]...r.com/4386/36403111144_39332c3144_b.jpg[/img]IMG_2869 CROP SHARP RSIZE by airbrake1, on Flickr[/url]
I found this tucked in the seat tube. The refinish must have taken place sometime before April 1995 as the telephone codes changed at that time :
[url=https://flic.kr/p/YrZdS7][img]...r.com/4413/37050056066_2eae8b6567_b.jpg[/img]IMG_3318 JEJAMES RESTORE RSIZE by airbrake1, on Flickr[/url]
Thanks for the compliments guys. The bike as it came to me was rideable but dusty and grimy. This was how it looked in July :
[url=https://flic.kr/p/YtCrqj][img]...r.com/4337/37068633942_7febf56e23_b.jpg[/img]Raleigh Europa1982 JULY 2017 by airbrake1, on Flickr[/url]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/XsPjPN][img]...r.com/4388/36403084724_951dfe73f2_b.jpg[/img]Europa by airbrake1, on Flickr[/url]
[url=https://flic.kr/p/XsPsFj][img]...r.com/4386/36403111144_39332c3144_b.jpg[/img]IMG_2869 CROP SHARP RSIZE by airbrake1, on Flickr[/url]
I found this tucked in the seat tube. The refinish must have taken place sometime before April 1995 as the telephone codes changed at that time :
[url=https://flic.kr/p/YrZdS7][img]...r.com/4413/37050056066_2eae8b6567_b.jpg[/img]IMG_3318 JEJAMES RESTORE RSIZE by airbrake1, on Flickr[/url]
The History Man":1rtuoki2 said:Undeniable proof you CAN polish a turd.
Finally went out on this today. See that wall behind the bike. I'd have rather been riding that home. Suppose I've been spoilt with the 8806, the Roberts and the Overbury's but this was truly shocking. They say never meet your heroes. Well I've just met the equivalent of a poor Elvis impersonator.
A pretty dead frame, jarring, unstable at speed. Didn't trust it at all. Great view though. I am Joop!
I got a lot of long looks from the usual yogurt pot riding roadies as i flew past, in the other direction. The signature yellow bar tape really does look stunning and finishes it off beautifully.
Looks great HM ! I think yours cleaned up better than mine - the chrome is in definitely in better condition. Must admit I was surprised by your comments of a dead feel to the frame and instability. True, these frames being plain gauge will never have the ride quality of butted 531 but I've been pleasantly surprised by the ride - and particularly the handling which is stable (been up to around 40mph downhill so far). The steering is lightning quick - just think of a line and it takes it, yet there's no weaving or twitches. Overall I would say the feel is very sporty - more so than my Reynolds 2060 Dynatech - yet that particular bike has one inch shorter wheelbase @41". How can it have faster steering ? I think this can be explained by the Europa having less trail in the fork geometry. My only criticism is I wish the stem was longer but that's easily changed.
It's a real fun bike to ride as it darts in and out of corners - I would say give these early '80s Europas a chance if you can find one in your size at a decent price, but be careful (as with any used bike) to check alignment etc. I also have a '70s Europa but these are quite different beasts as they are built from thicker tubing and consequently are pretty heavy bikes - still fun but more of a sledgehammer rather than a dart !
The weight of my '82 Europa is around 10.6 kg - I don't think that's too bad when there are heavier aluminium framed / carbon forked bikes around.
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You're probably a lot lighter than me. And the last full road thing I rode down the road before this was a Roberts.
It is a lovely bike for what it is but what it is is a low end beautifully finished bargain vintage bicycle that makes you smile. I shall miss it. It's been on the wall next to me since i finished it. But the boy has moved back for a bit, space is tight, the loft collapsed with the weight of 'stuff', I could go on...............
Enjoy it. You will.
It is a lovely bike for what it is but what it is is a low end beautifully finished bargain vintage bicycle that makes you smile. I shall miss it. It's been on the wall next to me since i finished it. But the boy has moved back for a bit, space is tight, the loft collapsed with the weight of 'stuff', I could go on...............
Enjoy it. You will.
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