Raleigh 1976 Catalog — Your Guide to Better Bike Buying (Selected Pages)

— Page 1 (front cover) —
RALEIGH

…your guide to better bike buying

[The front cover of a Raleigh catalog: a family of four with their bicycles beside a garden pond, seen in a round inset framed by a white tire, against a close-up of spokes and stacked chainwheels. The photographed cover is worn and creased, with a stain at the lower left of the inset.]

— Page 2 —
new

GRIFTER

New style Grifter handlebars have special facia panel in foam plastic with steel tie-bar support.

Sturmey-Archer twist-grip control works the 3-speed gear from the handlebars.

Putting on the style – a chaindisc guard is fitted, in high-impact plastic.

“Grip” is the name of the game ! The 20″ Super-Grip tyres have heavily studded treads.

[The Raleigh Grifter, flagged “new” in a starburst, ridden by a boy on a lawn while a younger boy holds the front of the bike. A column of four close-up photographs at the right shows the handlebars with their foam facia panel, the Sturmey-Archer twist-grip gear control, the chaindisc guard and the studded Super-Grip tire.]

— Page 3 —
GRIFTER

GRIFTER
Lean, and rarin’ to go ! The sensational new Grifter by Raleigh. The low-slung frameset is strong and stable ; 20″ Super-Grip tyres with studded tread for maximum grip ; the 3-speed Sturmey-Archer gear is twist-grip controlled from the bars ; there’s a contoured foam saddle and matt black mudguards with plastic flares. All this, plus matt black handlebars with special facia panel in foam plastic supported by steel tie bar. Sponge plastic handlebar grips for suregrip hand hold. Twin Raleigh caliper brakes. Giant rear reflector, ball bearing pedals with reflector panels. Prop stand. You’re gonna like Griftin’.
Colours : Steel Blue, Metallic Red.

Grifter . . . the fast one ! all the pace and pounce a youngster wants . . . plus superb Raleigh engineering.

Grip . . . from the wide-track ‘knobble-tyred’ rear wheel . . . a road holder with style !

Rip-roaring, rakish lines makes Grifter a bike in a class all its own. Just get astride and GO !

5

[A studio photograph of the Raleigh Grifter in steel blue, with its high-rise handlebars, foam saddle, black mudguards and studded tires. Three photographs in a column at the right show a boy riding a red Grifter.]

— Page 4 —
RALEIGH OLYMPUS (above & right)
Illustrated above is the 19½” size Olympus in Flamenco Red and shown right is the 21″ model in its alternative colour Turquoise Blue. Both models have 5-speed gear, leather saddle, hooded brake levers and Amberwall tyres, on 26″ wheels. Also available in 18″ Frame size with 24″ wheel (this model has short reach brake levers and whitewall tyres).

RALEIGH HUSTLER (left)
His first real sports cycle perhaps. Frame sizes : 18″ with 24″ wheels, or 19½” and 21″ with 26″ wheels. Whitewall tyres on the 18″. Raleigh cable brakes, leather saddle and a 3-speed with trigger control are standard features. Colour : Flamboyant Violet with eye-catching graphics.

RALEIGH HUSTLER 16 (far left)
The go-go bike for the young enthusiast. 16″ frame, 20″ wheels. In styling it’s very like its big twin brother. Colour : Flamboyant Violet, Yellow seat panel and dynamic sizzling graphics.

21

[A two-page spread on the Raleigh Olympus: a studio photograph of the Olympus in Flamenco Red with mudguards and dropped handlebars, and a youth in a number 32 jersey holding a turquoise blue Olympus in front of a painted canal narrowboat whose signs read “Camden”. The text also describes the Raleigh Hustler and Hustler 16, which are not pictured on this spread.]

— Page 5 —
new

RALEIGH ARENA
A super-fast Raleigh pace-maker. Frame sizes : 18″, 19½”, 21″. Fitted with Raleigh Racing Amberwall tyres, Maes steel bars, with black tape, white plugs and Huret 5-speed derailleur gear. In Steel Blue with eye-catching imi-chrome Olympic style graphics.

Mudguards
The short pattern in stainless steel as preferred by speed merchants.

Brake Levers
Operate two ways, GT extension levers having been fitted. Perfect brake control for “on-top” riding.

Saddle
A smooth, fast looking racing saddle. Comfortable and built for sporting performance.

22

[A studio photograph of the Raleigh Arena in steel blue, flagged “new” in a starburst, with short mudguards, dropped handlebars and amberwall tires. Three close-up photographs at the right show the mudguards, the brake levers with extension levers and the saddle. A name, apparently “Russell”, is handwritten in blue ink below the bicycle.]

— Page 6 —
RALEIGH NIMROD
A machine that reflects the designing care with which Raleigh approach every model. The 72° parallel frameset has brazed on brake and gear fittings. A Brooks leather saddle has been specified, also hooded brake levers, full chrome guards and a 5-speed derailleur gear. Frame sizes: 22½”, 21½” and, for the younger rider, 20½”. All have 27″ wheels, Amberwall tyres. The finish: Flamboyant Purple with contrasting head and seat panels.

RALEIGH SCORPIO
Packs a string of features into its sports design. The alloy centre-pull brakes are augmented by GT extension levers; there’s a Brooks leather saddle, a professionally designed frameset of 72° parallel with Latin Line Lugs and brazed on gear and brake fittings. A 3-pin detachable chainset is a further asset. The Scorpio with its 27″ h.p. wheels, comes in frame sizes of 21½”, 22½”, 23½” in both 5 or 10-speed. In Flamboyant Copper with head and seat panels in Sienna.

23

[The Raleigh Nimrod in purple and the Raleigh Scorpio in copper, each with mudguards and dropped handlebars, held by two teenage boys on a sunlit park path. Descriptions of each model with frame sizes and finishes run beneath the photograph.]

— Page 7 —
TI RALEIGH RACING TEAM
Now in its third year, the TI/Raleigh Team has established itself as one of Europe’s top competitors. Under manager (ex Six Day King) Peter Post, this impressive team is led by current World Road Racing Champion, Hennie Kuiper, with support of many of the continent’s leading riders.

RALEIGH EUROPA
It has to be good to proudly carry our Racing Team colours. Each model in this outstanding range offers the perfect choice to the rider who requires a high-quality road machine. The frame sizes available : 19½” with 26″ wheels, 21½” and 22½” with 27″ wheels. 5-speed gears on all sizes plus optional 10-speed gears on the two larger sizes. Alloy centre-pull brakes, alloy bars and forged alloy stem are common to all models. Fitted with distinctive matt black large flange hubs and Raleigh detachable chainset with matt black centres[?]

RALEIGH TEAM RECORD
(right)
Combines the lightness of 531 main tubes with the professional excellence of Bocama lugs and Italian style sloping fork crown. Sizes : 21½”, 22½”, 23½” frames. The specification includes sprint rims and tubular tyres on large-flange quick-release hubs. Alloy brakes, bars and forged alloy stem. A 10-speed Simplex has been fitted with Raleigh 3-pin detachable chainset. Brooks B17 saddle. In Raleigh racing colours : Red, Yellow and Black.

25

[A studio photograph of the Raleigh Europa in red with Team Raleigh decals, mudguards and a bottle cage, with a smaller photograph of the Raleigh Team Record at the lower right. A group photograph of the TI Raleigh Racing Team shows the riders in team jerseys with their bicycles and team cars, one rider in a world champion’s rainbow jersey and a man in a suit at the right. A dark blot on the paper covers the last word of the Europa text.]

— Page 8 —
sun

Suddenly in the mid-seventies, cycles are making a spectacular comeback. Everyone seems to want one; and everyone wants theirs to be the smartest looking vehicle on wheels.
Hence Raleigh have brought out a new ‘Sun’ range featuring three sure-fire trendsetters – ‘Squadra’, ‘Strada’ and ‘Stanga’. But they’re not simply instant scene-stealers, despite the red-hot graphics. They’re ‘big specification’ models, with a verve and dash so typical of our machines. Read all about them now!

SUN SQUADRA
A crack machine from a famous stable. Finished in brilliant White high gloss enamel with bold, uncompromising graphics in Green and Yellow. Ideal for younger riders, with frame sizes of 18″ with 24″ wheels, 19½” and 21″ with 26″ wheels. All have 5-speed gears, leather saddles and hooded brake levers.

Gears
5-speeds in a top-quality derailleur assembly. You’ll go places fast on the Strada.

Saddle
All leather for utmost comfort at speed. Nothing shapes itself better to the contours of your body.

Alloy Handlebars & Stem
Alloy Maes handlebar and forged alloy stem – a special feature of the Stanga.

26

[The Sun Squadra in white with green and yellow graphics, mudguards and dropped handlebars, photographed in the studio against a red background under the green “sun” logotype. A column of three close-up photographs at the right shows the derailleur gear, a leather saddle and an alloy handlebar and stem, each with a caption.]

— Page 9 —
CARLTON

CARLTON CONTINENTAL
One of our most vaunted racing ‘classics’. The Continental offers a host of professional features including Bocama lugs and wrap-over stays, Vagner fork crown; alloy bars on a forged alloy stem; alloy brakes with lever hoods; 3-pin detachable chainset, quill pedals and leather saddle. To suit a wide range of riders, the Continental is manufactured in no less than five frame sizes. 18″ with 24″ wheels, 19½” with 26″ wheels, 21½”, 22½” and 25½” are fitted with 27″ wheels. All have 5 speed gears and are finished in Polychromatic Lilac with contrasting panelling and chrome front fork ends. (The 18″ model uses a chrome plated, fixed ring chainset with 5½” cranks; Junior race saddle in plastic; Chrome fork ends are omitted).

Seat Stays
The ‘wrap-over’ style, hallmark of the highest levels of cycle-building craftsmanship.

Brake Lever Hoods
To provide a comfortable “second-grip” riding position.

Detachable Chainset
A superbly engineered chainset with 49 tooth detachable ring and square section fluted cranks.

28

[The Carlton Continental in lilac with white handlebar tape, mudguards and a leather saddle, photographed in the studio against a red background under the “CARLTON” heading. A column of three close-up photographs at the right shows the wrap-over seat stays, a brake lever hood and the detachable chainset, each with a caption.]

— Page 10 —
CARLTON

CARLTON CORSA
One of the enthusiast’s all-time favourites, this famous model is built in a wide range of sizes: 18″ with 24″ wheels (5-speed only), 19½” with 26″ wheels, 21½”, 22½” and 23½” with 27″ wheels equipped with either 5 or 10-speed gears. Its comprehensive specification includes Bocama feature cut lugs, wrap-over seat stays and a Vagner fork crown. Alloy bars on a forged alloy stem and centre pull brakes in alloy complete with lever hoods are standard equipment. There’s a 3-pin detachable chainwheel, quill pedals and a Brooks leather saddle – in fact everything which stands for Carlton quality. Polychromatic Aqua Green has been chosen for the frameset colour, contrasting panels in Black and White together with chrome front fork ends, complete the decor. (18″ model uses chrome plated, fixed ring chainset with 5½” cranks – alloy brakes with side action – Junior race saddle in plastic – chrome fork ends are omitted.)

Brakes
The centre-pull system; a skilfully constructed braking mechanism for instant stopping power.

Saddle
Brooks leather. The natural material still proved unrivalled in the racing world.

Chrome fork ends
One of the many stylish refinements that put the Corsa in a much-admired class by itself.

[The Carlton Corsa in aqua green with black and white seat tube panels, mudguards and black handlebar tape, photographed in the studio against a brown background under the “CARLTON” heading. A column of three close-up photographs at the right shows the center-pull brakes, a Brooks leather saddle and the chrome fork ends, each with a caption.]

— Page 11 —
CARLTON

Carlton 531 Ten. Proof that you don’t have to pay the earth for a top-quality 10-speed Carlton. The double chainset is the 3-pin detachable, with ratio of 40/49 teeth. Alloy handlebars on a forged alloy stem, alloy centre pull brakes with lever hoods. Brooks saddle. The “Ten” is built with 531 main tubes and is available in frame sizes: 21½”, 22½ and 23½”. The colour finish is Flamboyant Copper, with frame tube panels in Carlton Green.

CARLTON COBRA
A look of sheer brilliance is personified by the lavish all-chrome frame finish with Red or Blue merged panels. Alloy centre pull brakes, alloy bars, forged alloy stem, Brooks saddle, 3-pin chainset. Available in 21½”, 22½” and 23½” frame sizes. Choice of 5 speed (Chrome/Red) or 10 speed (Chrome/Blue).

CARLTON CRITERIUM
Ask the Criterium owner his opinion, and you’ll listen to praise indeed! You’ll hear about the 72° parallel frameset with wrap-over seat stays; professionally designed front fork with the built-in extra of a Vagner fork crown; large flange quick release hubs; alloy bars and stem and centre pull brakes with lever hoods; quill pedals; 3-pin detachable chainset and a Brooks leather saddle. Available as a 5 or 10-speed model in sizes: 21½”, 22½” and 23½”. The Criterium is finished in its distinctive colour of Polychromatic Bronze with contrasting Silver panels and chrome fork ends.

30

[The Carlton Cobra in chrome with red panels and the Carlton Criterium in bronze stand on a park path, with two young men in tracksuits examining the Cobra. An inset photograph at the upper right shows the Carlton 531 Ten in copper with its caption.]

— Page 12 —
CARLTON EQUIPE
Keenly priced, yet capable of traditional, magnificent Carlton performance. Specification includes 73 parallel frame of Reynolds 531 main tubes with Bocama professional lugs; Italian sloping fork crown; chamfered seat cluster and reinforced rear brake bridge. Plus 10 speed derailleur gears, 42 52 alloy cotterless chainset, Brooks professional saddle, and sprint rims with quick-release hubs. Down tube fitting, feeding bottle and cage. Frame sizes; 21½” 22½” and 23½” Colour: Lagoon Blue with White panels and all-chrome front forks.

531 Reynold Tubing
The tubes that make the lighter frame.

Quick release hubs
For instant action under competition conditions.

CARLTON KERMESSE
Special preferences, individual taste: they’re superbly catered for in the Carlton range. And the Kermesse is typical. Frame sizes 21½”, 22½”, 23½”. The racing specification includes close clearance frame with Bocama lugs and sloping fork crown; tubular tyres on sprint rims and large flange alloy quick release hubs; ten-speed gears, detachable 3-pin chainset, and Brooks B17 saddle. Down tube fitting feeding bottle and cage. Colour: Lagoon Blue with all-chrome front forks.

Hooded Brake Levers
With quick-release mechanism for wheel removal.

Feeding Bottle & Cage
Down tube fitting wire cage complete with plastic feeding bottle and cap.

31

[A two-page spread showing the Carlton Equipe and the Carlton Kermesse, both in blue with dropped handlebars and bottle cages and no mudguards, photographed in the studio against a yellow background. Four captioned close-up photographs beneath them show a Reynolds 531 frame tubing decal, a quick-release hub, a hooded brake lever and a feeding bottle and cage.]