Another vintage British thoroughbred, from the late steel era, which I’m proud to present for sale after a complete strip and rebuild in my workshop. The timewarp condition Veloce is in superb working order, highly original, fully tuned and ready to ride. Its stunning neon Reynolds 531 tubed frameset is light and strong and features Raleigh stamped seatstays, adjustable horizontal dropouts, recessed brake mounting and a lovely sloping crown 531 fork. Two bottle cage mounts and fittings for mudguards, not forgetting the classic 74° parallel geometry, make for a wonderful vintage ‘training’ machine, exactly as it’s described in Raleigh’s 1990 catalogue. If, like me, you lusted after a bike like this in your youth then this is obviously the one for you.
Features a classic blue/grey anodized Shimano Exage 400EX groupset (roughly Tiagra level in today’s parlance) featuring smooth-shifting 14 speed SIS Hyperglide Biopace transmission and powerful quick-release SLR aero brakes – all of which show very little wear – from the Japanese giant’s golden era. The Shimano hubs and headset are in beautiful condition, the crank bearings have been completely overhauled and the Alesa rims, which are double-walled with eyelets, have been gently re-tensioned and trued.
Japanese made finishing kit to complement the frame includes engraved SR Sakae Road champion handlebars, stem and seatpost. New inner cables add to the bike’s performance and weighing in at a very healthy 23lb, this gorgeous handbuilt machine will absolutely fly in the hands of the right rider – and turn heads everywhere it goes, as it did on my numerous test rides! My asking price – about the same as a basic new entry-level road bike – reflects the stunning bike’s condition, originality and rising value as an investment.
PRICE:
SOLD
Collection only from Chorlton, M21
Frame: Raleigh Veloce, Reynolds 531 main tubing
(features adjustable horizonal dropouts, stamped seatstays, recessed brake mounts, two bottle cage mounts, mudguard mounts, original cable guide)
Size: 59.5cm seat tube c-t (top tube = 57.5cm c-c)
Fork: original, Reynolds 531
Headset: 1″ threaded Shimano Exage
Stem: black SR Sakae 100mm
Handlebar: SR Road Champion (42cm c-c)
Bar Tape: leatherette (original, re-wrapped with new end plugs)
Brake Levers: Shimano Exage Motion SLR (BL-A351) *
Brake Calipers: Shimano Exage Action SLR (BR-A350)
Brake Pads: Shimano
Brake Cables: new Jagwire inners & original Shimano SLR outers
Downtube Shifters: Shimano Exage 7 speed SIS (SL-A400) with rare original hoods
Front Derailleur: Shimano Exage 400EX (FD-A400)
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Exage 400EX (RD-A400)
Derailleur Cables: new Jagwire inners, original SIS outer
Cassette: Shimano HG 7 speed (13-23t)
Chain: Shimano CN-UG50
Cranks: Shimano Exage 400EX (FC-A400) 130bcd, with rare original dust caps
Chainrings: Shimano Biopace steel (52/42t)
Bottom Bracket: Shimano 68x113mm
Pedals: not supplied *
Rims: Alesa 613-622 (700c clincher)
Hubs: Shimano Exage (front HB-RM50, rear FH-HG50)
Hub Skewers: Shimano Exage chromed steel
Tyres: CST Super HP 700x25c (clincher) *
Saddle: Iscaselle *
Seatpost: SR Sakae
Seatpost Binder: recessed stainless steel bolt
Weight: 10.4kg as shown in photos
Bottle cages: not supplied *
* Extras & Notes:
Bike is supplied with its original Raleigh 4 frame pump (not shown in the photos).
Suitable pedals & bottle cages are available as optional extras.
Brake levers could be swapped out for non-aero cable type (for Eroica) on request, may affect price.
Alternative saddles available on request, may affect price.
Tyres can be upgraded for extra charge, as while originals have full tread they show some perishing to sidewalls