1980's Raleigh Clubman specification

mgalashan
mgalashan Posts: 3
edited May 2008 in Workshop
Can anyone help me with a detailed specification for a Gents Raleigh Clubman bought around 1980? I owned the bike for years but all I can remember now was that it was a large frame size (I have very long legs). I sold it several years ago and now am looking to buy a new road bike of a similar size and geometry. Alternatively if can anyone recommend a modern make and model with a similar design?

Thanks
Mary

Comments

  • dttlincs
    dttlincs Posts: 384
    I sold a 22.5 inch frame raleigh clubman last year which I had bought secondhand and used for a couple of years. Almost kept it to change to a fixie/single speed and sometimes wish I had.
    Cannot remember the full spec but from what I can remember:
    Reynolds 531 frame, and also forks I think.
    Campagnolo downtube shifters, front and rear mech.
    Custom 53/42 chainset with 6 speed cassette.
    Raleigh Weinmann brake callipers and levers.
    Weinmann rims with maillard hubs 27x1 1/4.
    Alloy seatpost again possibly Custom.
    Suede effect saddle.
    Stainless toeclips with leather straps.
    Geometry etc I cannot help with, sorry!
    Still thinking!
  • meagain
    meagain Posts: 2,331
    I assume it's the FRAME sizing and geometry that you are seeking, rather than the specification (usually taken to mean/include the components)? Not easy, unless at least a starting point. Frame sizes then simply given as seat tube, either centre of b/b to top of seat tube or to centre of top tube, in inches! Most Raleighs came in either 1/2" or 1" increments from about 20 to 25 (tho' probably in 1" jumps above 23").

    At the risk of being personal, what is your inside leg length (actual, not jeans!)? In the '80s most shops would have sold you frame size c. 10" less than your inside leg measurement.

    I have an early '80s Clubman which is 22" c to top. IF that were sort of your size then can measure other bits - and there might a few other Clubman owners around who could do the same for other seat tube lengths!

    Any more clues???

    Oh and welcome!
    d.j.
    "Cancel my subscription to the resurrection."
  • mgalashan
    mgalashan Posts: 3
    You are absolutely right - it is size and geometry am I after. Juts got hubbiw to measure inside leg and he saya 34".

    25" rings a vague bell - I remember I chose the Clubman because it was one of the largest frames available at the time (and I liked it!). I had if for about 20 years and it was always great to ride.

    Does anyone make anything similar now?
  • meagain
    meagain Posts: 2,331
    25 sounds on the big side for 34 leg, so to speak! Today's bikes tend to longer top tubes pro rata to seat tube than those of 20 years ago - and "fashion" is for more seat post out than in the past (I'm guessing that if your frame WAS 25" then you had only maybe 2-3" seat post exposed?).

    I THINK that your starting point (no more than that - as others may well point out, there is more to sizing than seat tube or even top tube lengths) should be to go and sit on a few bikes with c.58-60cm seat tubes (centre b/b to top of seat tube either actual (horizontal top tube) or virtual (sloping top tube).

    That's about all I can think of for now!

    OR you can seek out a good quality 2nd hand '80s 24" framed bike on say ebay. At that size, often some top bargains to be had!
    d.j.
    "Cancel my subscription to the resurrection."
  • meagain
    meagain Posts: 2,331
    Just an example at random - this would be pretty similar geometry to your old Clubman I guess:

    http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/RALEIGH-COMPETITI ... dZViewItem

    but plenty more about. All depends how much you want to spend!

    Usual disclaimers - not mine etc.
    d.j.
    "Cancel my subscription to the resurrection."

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