kohl57@yahoo.com
Old School Hero
One of the icons of America's "Bike Boom" in the 1970s was the Raleigh Professional, a machine that's unknown to the folks who built it... the British. Proof that Raleigh was a global cycle company which tailored its products to specific markets, this was never sold in the UK but is actually derived from the Carlton Giro d'Italia with an all-Campagnolo specification. As such, it was one of the most sought-after racing bikes of its era and the top of the Raleigh line in the USA c. 1969-1979 with myriad marques and variations.
This is a 1971-built frame that was built up in 1972. Totally original throughout except for the saddle, I bought it a few months ago from the son of the original owner. Said to have only a few 100 miles on it, it sure looks it. Like a NOS bike after 39 years!
Superb ride, very stiff, criterium-like handling and superb build quality from Carlton's Worksop plant. And yes... a big girl, too, about half an inch bigger than I prefer to ride but hey, I wasn't passing up this amazing example of a real classic.
Full details and more pix:
http://www.wooljersey.com/gallery/v/Pet ... k+IV+1972/
This is a 1971-built frame that was built up in 1972. Totally original throughout except for the saddle, I bought it a few months ago from the son of the original owner. Said to have only a few 100 miles on it, it sure looks it. Like a NOS bike after 39 years!
Superb ride, very stiff, criterium-like handling and superb build quality from Carlton's Worksop plant. And yes... a big girl, too, about half an inch bigger than I prefer to ride but hey, I wasn't passing up this amazing example of a real classic.
Full details and more pix:
http://www.wooljersey.com/gallery/v/Pet ... k+IV+1972/
