The bike in the spotlight this time is a Raleigh Rapide from the 1970s in the typical colors of the once successful TI Raleigh team that achieved numerous victories in the years 1974 - 1983, thanks to Jan Raas, Joop Zoetemelk, Gerrie Kneteman, among others. and Hennie Kuiper.
The racing bike that the team was riding at the time was a TI Raleigh Professional that was characterized by the colors yellow, red and black.
The beautiful Nervex lugs
The Ti Raleigh Team with their bicycle and clothing in the typical colors
The Raleigh Rapide discussed here is a kind of replica of the popular Professional. Unfortunately there is very little information available about it. All information is therefore welcome. I only found this model in a catalog from 1982, but not in the typical colours.
A Raleigh Rapide as found in the 1982 catalogue
The Rapide is a much simpler model, not equipped with Campagnolo parts but with the cheaper but still very solid Suntour.
The rear derailleur is even a Suntour V Luxe that was produced between 1973 and 1979 and had an excellent price-quality ratio. The Raleigh Rapide in the spotlight here probably dates from that period and was a very good alternative for those who were looking for a Raleigh racing bike in the colors of the famous team, but did not need it for professional use.
The shifters as found in a catalog from 1977
The racing bike as it is here is still completely original with Brooks saddle, Mafac brakes, Suntour group as it was offered for sale at the time at bicycle repair shop Toortelboom in Maldegem (East Flanders)
Components
- frame: built with Reynolds tubes and Nervex lugs
- Brake levers Mafac Racer R3
- Brake calipers Mafac Racer R3
- Levers Suntour DLW LD-1000
- Front Derailleur: Suntour Compe-V
- Rear derailleur: Suntour V-Luxe RD 1300
- Stem: 3ttt
- Handlebar: 3ttt Modello Grand Prix
- Quick release: Shimano
- Saddle: Brooks B17
