Help identifying colour changing Raleigh 531

[GrumpyOldMan]

Fair point. The chrome on the rear stays did seem odd for a Royal. I agree. So is that the original paint with a respray sticker just because the original 531 sticker wore off (like they do)?

Hard to tell isn't it. The 531 stickers on the forks look original and even the respray 531 sticker is ....er, a sticker, rather than a transfer. Don't remember the Classic having the silver part on the seat-tube though and it looks like a headbadge on there as well. But lots of other things look original, the brakes, shifters, mudguards, even the grips look original but they're probably very brittle by now. The Classic originally had a B17 saddle and the one on there looks like a Colt to me so that probably isn't original. The KoolStop brake blocks are period correct (ish) but would be a replacement. The brake levers could be a replacement too as Raleighs around that period usually came with the extra lever (suicide levers I believe they are affectionately known nowadays).

If it is a Classic it will be a very nice bike to ride. I have a Royal of the same age and I've been riding it for around 28 years with never a thought of getting rid or updating.

Ian.

 

[paolo]

Hi everyone, thank you for the replies, much appreciated and interesting reading.

I've been riding the bike today but its a couple of inches or so too big for comfort so I will be selling it.

Have meanwhile given the bike a de-greasing, wash and wax with autoglym products (I tinker with classic cars) Didn't show any signs of the paintwork issue with cold or warm water so assuming it was something either on the bike or to do with the rain - as mentioned in the replies above.

Cleans up nice apart from the various chips and marks, I'd say original paint and if it was resprayed it was a long time ago. I've uploaded a bunch of photos (10Mb) to http://adsy.co.uk/bike.zip if anyone wants to see it in more detail, including the lugs, serial, head badge, and colt seat. And yes, those grips do look original and feel it too

From the replies above it does seem to be a mish mash of a bike, unique. If anyone who's been following this interesting in buying the bike please do let me know before I go whacking on the for sale section and ebay.

I live in Waddington, Lancashire where there's a cyclist friendly cafe (http://www.cyclistcafes.co.uk/Waddington.html)

Thanks,

Paolo.

 

[GrumpyOldMan]

Are the wheels both the same size? Looking at the brake block positions the front is at the bottom but the rear is at the top. The front is definitely a 700c which would indicate a replacement as the originals would have been 27" but the rear looks different. It might just be the position in the dropouts as it is a long way forward. If you want to replace the grips Poundland do a surprisingly good replacement for £1 a pair or Halfords have the Clarks ones for a fiver. The poundland ones are as good as the Clarks ones by the way, I have tried both.

What size is the frame? If you post on ebay add a link on here as I know someone who might be interested and I am fairly local to you.

Ian.

 

[paolo]

Hello Ian, yes both the same with 700 x 35C specialized tyres fitted.

Is currently on eBa, search for 1984 raleigh touring and you'll spot it right away - having just logged in I'm shocked by how many views and watchers the listing has had already, I've sold classic cars that haven't had this much attention

Frame is approx 25" / 64cm - welcome to come and view the bike, just message me on here.

From further reading I think this bike may have been built on the "gran tour" frame set. http://bulgier.net/pics/bike/Catalogs/R ... l84_15.jpg

Paolo

 

[GrumpyOldMan]

Couldn't find it on ebay but a 25" is too large anyway, thanks.

Ian.

 

[paolo]

Hello Ian, looks like it sold

 

[GrumpyOldMan]

Hello Ian, looks like it sold

Yes, I found eventually it by looking for completed listings. I'm surprised you didn't run it as an auction, I think you'd have got a lot more for it that way.

Ian.