Raleigh 1988 Catalog — Lightweights for the Pursuit of Excellence

— Page 1 (front cover) —
RALEIGH
LIGHTWEIGHTS
for the pursuit of excellence

[The front cover of the Raleigh Lightweights catalog: close photographs of gloved hands on a black touring bicycle with flat bars, a front reflector and mudguard, and on the white bar tape of a drop handlebar on a white racing bicycle. The title is set in red and yellow over the photograph.]

— Page 2 —
RALEIGH
LIGHTWEIGHT EXCELLENCE

For over a hundred years since 1887 Raleigh has always been identified with the highest standard in cycle manufacture. Continual involvement in cycle sport at the highest levels has ensured innovation and technical advance.

The team building the Raleigh Lightweight bicycles retains all the skills and dedicated craftsmanship of the small specialist builder, with all the advantages in modern tooling, quality and production control inherent in being part of a large manufacturing group.
Of particular importance is the large primer coating facilities used to give all frames and forks a coating which offers corrosion protection to the highest automotive industry standards.
E.P. or cathodic electrophoretic primer to use its full title, bonds the primer electrically to both the outside and inside of the tubing providing the base for the individually hand sprayed finish to be applied.

[illegible]GINAL 1934[?] R.R.A.

Lightweight Details
Different frame styles to suit purpose:[?] racing/training/touring/commuting/’off-road’.
Variable frame geometry on all bikes to ensure better fit of bike to customer.
Other features change with size e.g. toe-clips where specified and race/training handlebar size as well as stem size. Micro-adjust seat pillars fitted as standard.
Ease and comfort of cycling – all models have index gears and some have Bio-pace chainsets, features that make modern cycling a real pleasure.
Ladies frames with ladies geometry both for commuting and leisure riding.
Frame building – large amount of braze-ons, fitted with low temperature silver solder at critical frame points (all are silver soldered on 653[?]). We use either fine gauge super leger[?] lugs or even some cast lugs and bottom brackets on the top race models for improved frame performance. ATB’s[?] feature fully brazed frames with oversize tubes and heavy duty lugs for maximum frame strength under the toughest conditions.
Recessed brake fitting (Race/Training) – a neater solution that takes a little more time and care, but we believe it is worth while[?]
All Raleigh Lightweight models are hand sprayed to ensure the very best in colour and finish.

Lightweight Choices
Racing
These models feature a short wheelbase, high performance racing frame which is extremely responsive and energy efficient in use. There is insufficient clearance for full mudguards, and no allowance is made for their fitting. Suitable for all aspects of cycle racing and for the cycling section of Triathlons for the more experienced cyclist.
Training
Sharing many features of the main frame geometry of our racing frames, the bicycles wheelbase has been lengthened slightly to accomodate[?] the fitting of mudguards for winter use, with the added bonus of making the bike easier to handle and offering a more comfortable ride. A superb dual purpose bicycle, particularly suitable for keep-fit/leisure riding and for new-comers to the sport of cycling. The Triathlon model, and its more extrovert companion, the Quadra[?], feature components specifically brought together in a package designed for those athletes attracted to cycling from other sports.
Touring
Bicycles designed and equipped purely for touring; comfortable to ride, easy to handle even when fully laden, and geared to handle all terrains, the Tourers are equally at home on city streets or on boulder-strewn tracks in the Himalayas.
Off-Road
Heavy duty frames and components teamed to provide comfortable, responsive performance under the most difficult conditions.

[cut off]

RECORD ACE MODERNE

Raleigh Record Ace is a name traditionally reserved for the very best in production bicycles, and this all new model proudly continues that tradition. It is designed to be a pleasure to own and ride, and boasts a level of sophistication in styling, componentry and frame building previously unmatched on a production bicycle from this Company.

The Frameset – Built with hand-finished sets of Reynolds 653 butted tubing, using high precision investment cast lugs, bottom bracket and fork crown, Campagnolo forged drop-outs and with all fittings (gear lever bosses, cable guides etc.) low temperature silver-soldered in position. Geometry is variable with size, with racing clearances.

The Components – Based around Shimano’s newest ensemble Sante[?]; gear selection is indexed and accurate; BIO-PACE chainrings improve pedalling efficiency; Linear Response brakes ensure smooth stopping power with light finger pressure; (the quick-release on the ergonomically styled brake levers even has an automatic reset to avoid loss of braking action after wheel changes or servicing.)

The Colour – co-ordinated styling of the chainset, gears, brakes and midi-flange hubs is complimented[?] by the stylish Lycra covered Turbo Special saddle and the simple elegance of the Cinelli handlebar and stem.

The Finish – Hand applied over a base coat of electrophoretic primer, the lugs are individually brush painted, and a full coat of pearlescent lacquer is applied. A further coat of water clear lacquer then seals the finish and imparts a deep gloss to the whole frame.

Frame Size
54.5cm
57cm
59.5cm
62cm

653
SIS
biopace
SLR

[cut off]

[The Raleigh Lightweight Excellence introduction with a large photograph of a red Raleigh frame, beside the Record Ace Moderne, a white racing bicycle with drop handlebars, shown in a studio photograph. This is a two-page spread, transcribed left page then right page: the left page also carries small photographs of frames in a finishing plant and of a builder at work on a frame, a reproduced advertisement headed “Raleigh Record Ace” and icons for the Racing, Training, Touring and Off-Road categories. The right page gives the Record Ace Moderne frame sizes, its Racing and Training icons and logos for Reynolds 653, SIS, Biopace and SLR.]

— Page 3 —
COMPETITION

Sporting the very latest Raleigh Team scheme, the 1988 Competition is equipped with a racing geometry frame [cut off]n Reynolds 531C tubing, and a full Shimano [cut off]05 ensemble. One special feature is a set of [cut off]eam sponsor decals supplied with the bicycle [cut off]o enable a total Team look to be achieved.

Frame Size
54.5cm
57cm
59.5cm
62cm

SIS
SLR
531

SIS
biopace
SLR
531

CORSA

Based around a 531 butted main tubes racing frame, the Corsa is equipped with the all new EXAGE Sport ensemble; both front and rear derailleurs are indexed ensuring accurate gear changing on all 12 gears; the chainset features BIO-PACE rings for efficient pedalling and brakes are smooth acting Linear Response type, with a safety styled quick release mechanism on the brake lever.

Frame Size
54.5cm
57cm
59.5cm[?]
62cm

ROAD ACE SELECT

The new Shimano Ultegra 600 ensemble is not only stylish but exceptionally functional; fourteen speed index gears, Linear Response brakes, light alloy headset, sealed mechanism hubs and bottom bracket, and even specially styled cycling shoe cleats and fittings are supplied. The racing geometry frameset incorporates Reynolds 531C tubing, and precision cast fork crown, bottom bracket and seat lug.
Anodised aero-style rims are shod with narrow section high pressure tyres, and the handlebar and stem are from Cinelli.

Frame Size
54.5cm[?]
57cm[?]
59.5cm[?]
62cm[?]

531
SIS
SLR

[cut off]

[The Raleigh Competition in yellow and black team colors, the Corsa in white with red and the Road Ace Select in white shading to light blue, all racing bicycles with drop handlebars shown in studio photographs. This is a two-page spread, transcribed left page then right page: the left page carries the Competition and Corsa with frame sizes, Racing icons and logos for SIS, SLR, Biopace and Reynolds 531, beneath a large photograph of a rim and hubs. The right page shows the Road Ace Select with its frame sizes and Racing icon, and a photograph of a mechanic in a blue jacket building a wheel.]

— Page 4 —
RITMO

A bright newcomer to the range, this training geometry bicycle is based around the highly successful Raleigh Trainer frameset, and features a Reynolds 531 butted main tube frame, super leger lugs and sloping fork crown.
Twelve speed index gears, a full alloy chainset (with detachable rings should you wish to change the gearing) and quick release alloy wheels with high pressure narrow section tyres are fitted, and the colour and graphic styling ensure the RITMO will stand out in any crowd.

Frame Size
54.5cm[?]
57cm[?]
59.5cm
62cm

531

SIS
biopace
SLR
531

TRIATHLON

The TRIATHLON is specifically designed as an off-the-peg model for triathletes new to cycling, but is equally well suited to those requiring a stylish, well-equipped mount for general purpose leisure/keep fit activities.

Frame/Fork
The frame geometry varies with size, and with a slightly longer wheelbase than our pure racing cycles, the handling is more predictable and stable and allows the rider to concentrate more on speed than on controlling the bike in a straight line.
The stiffness of the rear triangle, however, ensures that there is no loss of power transmission when stomping hard on the pedals. Frame and fork ends are fitted with eyes to enable mudguards to be fitted for winter training, and clearances are sufficient for a narrow lightweight guard with no toe clip overlap when correctly adjusted. Main frame tubes are 531 butted, with taper gauge 531 fork blades.

Wheels
Hollow section Weinmann rims are used for strength and rigidity, and are shod with Pro-Lite[?] tyres, which are not only extremely light in weight but also have very low rolling resistance on the road. The soft Kevlar bead makes them easy to fit and remove, and of course they can be folded if a spare is carried.

Transmission
Derailleur gears are Shimano New 105 with indexed levers, ensuring perfect gear changes every time. The New 105 chainset features Bio-Pace chainrings, giving improved pedalling efficiency with an action that more closely matches the cadence of the human legs when walking or running.
The pedals are very special – a wide platform design offering full foot support, with a detachable plate allowing use with conventional cycling shoes with cleats when removed, and running/training shoes when in place. Gearing is also slightly wider than normal racing ratios, which together with the Bio-Pace chainrings optimises performance opportunities.

Saddle
A new design from Selle Royal; the narrow styling reduces chafing, whilst the special covering material improves grip on wet clothes. The nylon chassis also incorporates a spring area[?] ensuring the best combination of support and comfort.

Other Features
Twin bottles are fitted as standard, and the direct fit pump is accommodated under the top tube. Handlebar size varies with frame size – 400mm width/medium drop on 54.5 and 57cm sizes, 420mm width/deep drop on 59.5 and 62cm sizes. Aero brake levers feature comfortable/ergonomically designed covers for “on the hoods” riding, and the cushion tape provides a comfortable grip for other positions.

Frame Size
54.5cm
57cm[?]
59.5cm
62cm

[cut off]

QUADRA

The Quadra offers all the features of the Triathlon plus dramatic styling, the latest generation hollow section aero-styled alloy rims with dark gray[?] anodising, and butted, stainless steel spokes for lighter, more durable wheels.

Frame Size
54.5cm[?]
57cm
59.5cm
62cm

531
SIS
biopace
SLR

[cut off]

[The Raleigh Ritmo in white and yellow, the Triathlon in yellow and the Quadra in white, yellow, red and blue, all drop handlebar training bicycles with twin bottles shown in studio photographs. This is a two-page spread, transcribed left page then right page: the left page carries the Ritmo and Triathlon with frame sizes, Training icons and logos for SIS, Biopace, SLR and Reynolds 531, and a photograph of a frame builder in dark glasses brazing beside a fanned stack of frame tubes. The right page shows the Quadra with its frame size, its Training icon and a photograph of headset bearing parts.]

— Page 5 —
OZAR[illegible]
ATB 18

Strength, lightness and durability are guaranteed with this handbuilt Reynolds 531 ATB frame, giving lively, responsive handling both on and off road. The 18 gears are quickly and accurately selected using indexed gear change, anodised Weinmann rims provide the strong wheels required for serious off roading and Shimano’s new U brake is mounted under the rear chainstays for powerful stopping and stylish lines. Adaptability is built in by providing mounts for carriers and mudguards.

Frame Size
[illegible]
[illegible]
[illegible]

biopace
531

AVANTI
ATB 18

The heart of any bike is the frame, and this is hand brazed in Reynolds 531 ATB tubing with a matching 531 fork. The components are the Shimano New Deore group set, including SIS index shift gears, XT pedals and, U brake. With a multi-adjust alloy seat pin and quick release seat bolt, an alloy handlebar, anodised Weinmann rims plus the full complement of braze ons and eyelets this completes the picture of the ultimate mountain bike. The shark-fin deflector on the chainstay ensures no jamming of chain against tyre[?].

Frame Size
[illegible]
[illegible]
[illegible]

531
SIS
biopace

[cut off]

Gemini
A bike for all reasons

HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED…
why lightweight sports bikes usually have drop bars, or why town bikes can be heavy and slow?

What if you want a top quality handbuilt lightweight bike in the very best materials? You don’t want to race, pedal up mountains, or go long distance touring. You want a general purpose leisure bike that is equipped with the best quality components.

What bike do you choose?
We didn’t have the answer.
So it was back to the drawing board.
It had to be:-
• Responsive, light yet comfortable.
So we started with a totally lightweight frame with touring bike geometry and added wide section tyres.
• Easy to control, with good visibility.
So we gave it a very stable mountain bike style flat handlebar and added thumb operated gear selectors, with indexed gear change.
• Safe and practical, an all purpose leisure bike, but lots of fun.
So we gave it light weight mudguards and carrier as standard, powerful cantilever brakes, then we included a quick release front wheel for ease of transport. That was it, we had the answer.

GEMINI

Available as a 6[?] speed for uncomplicated easy cycling, or an 18 speed with full Shimano ensemble for those with more distant horizons.
6[?] Speed | Colour: Aquamarine highlight on a white base.
Frame Sizes: | Ladies 48[?], 52, 56cms.
| Gents 54, 57, 60, 64cms.
18 Speed | Colour: Charcoal highlights on a white base.
Frame Sizes: | Ladies 48[?], 52, 56cms.
| Gents 54, 57, 60, 64cms.

531

[cut off]

[The Raleigh Ozark ATB 18 in white and red and the Avanti ATB 18 in white and blue, both mountain bikes with flat handlebars, beside the Gemini, a flat handlebar leisure bicycle ridden by a woman and a man in a town street. This is a two-page spread, transcribed left page then right page: the left page carries studio photographs of the Ozark and Avanti with close views of the chainset, thumb shifters, forks and a rider, with Off-Road icons and logos for Biopace, SIS and Reynolds 531. The right page introduces the Gemini under its script logo with its colors and frame sizes in six and 18 speed versions.]

— Page 6 —
RANDONNEUR

531
SIS
biopace

Since its introduction, the Randonneur has not only become an extremely popular model, but has probably been more intensively tested than any other production bicycle. The Four Corners bike ride and the British Army trans-Himalayas expedition are two major tours undertaken in 1987 using stock models.
“For any bicycle to prove so strong, reliable, well designed and well made is a great credit to both its designer and its makers. The parts used are of top specification, yet the machine still succeeds in being much more than just the sum of its parts.”
Major John Gamlin[?] FRGS.
British Army Trans Himalayas Expedition

KEY FEATURES

Frame
New design with full Reynolds 531 ST tube set and Shimano forged vertical dropouts.
Fork
Forged crown with 531 blades and Shimano double eyelet forged ends.
Brakes
Shimano Cantilever with lined cables and 600 EX levers.
Wheels
Maillard[?] sealed bearing 600 EX quick release hubs offer high protection against water and dirt ingress into the bearings. Rims are Mavic MXCD[?] hard anodised hollow section for maximum rigidity, and the stainless spokes are single butted 13/14 gauge at the rear for strength.
Tyres are the new Michelin Select[?] 700 x 28C[?] [illegible] incorporating all the latest developments in tread design and rubber compound technology.

Transmission
The chainset is the Shimano FC-M730[?] BIO-PACE with forged anodised cranks and [illegible] chainrings. A Shimano Deore indexed derailleur is fitted ensuring smooth accurate gear changes under all conditions.
Carriers
Front and rear alloy carriers are included in the specification – the front is low-rider style, and the rear a Blackburn four-point fixing type.
Pedals
The Shimano PD-T100[?] is a uniquely styled platform pedal offering the option of using either broader training/walking shoes or, by removing the plastic insert, conventional cycling shoes with cleats. Toe clips and [illegible] leather straps are naturally provided.
Accessories
Two spare spokes are carried on brazed on mounts on the chainstay, and these also serve to protect the chainstay from damage by the chain.

Frame Size
54cm[?]
57cm[?]
60cm[?]
64cm[?]

10

biopace
531

ROYAL

This high specification touring model features a full 531ST touring geometry frame with forged vertical dropouts, eighteen speed transmission with a BIO-PACE chainset and indexed derailleur gears, alloy rear carrier, leather covered anatomic saddle and alloy “randonneur” bars.

Frame Size
54cm[?]
57cm
60cm[?]
64cm[?]

LIGHTWEIGHT TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

MODEL | RECORD ACE MODERNE[?] | ROAD ACE SELECT[?]
[The cells of this block are illegible at the scan’s resolution: about 15 specification rows, with row labels and cell text that cannot be read with confidence.]

MODEL | TEAM COMPETITION | CORSA | QUADRA[?]
[The cells of this block are illegible at the scan’s resolution.]

MODEL | TRIATHLON[?] | RITMO[?] | GEMINI 6[?] | GEMINI 18[?]
[The cells of this block are illegible at the scan’s resolution.]

MODEL | OZARK 18[?] | AVANTI | ROYAL | RANDONNEUR
[The cells of this block are illegible at the scan’s resolution.]

11

[The Raleigh Randonneur, a dark touring bicycle with front and rear carriers, mudguards, twin bottles and drop handlebars, and the Royal, a touring bicycle with a rear carrier and mudguards, shown in studio photographs. This is a two-page spread, transcribed left page then right page: the left page gives the Randonneur’s history, a quotation from the British Army Trans Himalayas Expedition, its key features, frame sizes, Touring icon and logos for Reynolds 531, SIS and Biopace. The right page gives the Royal with its frame sizes and Touring icon, above the Lightweight Technical Specifications table in four blocks covering all 13 models.]

— Page 7 (back cover) —
LIGHTWEIGHT DISTINCTIONS

All Raleigh Lightweight frames are handbuilt using Reynolds famous Manganese Molybdenum alloy tubing, in sets specifically designed for the intended purpose of the bicycle.

Reynolds newest tube set combining a stronger, stiffer material specification, with thinner tube wall thickness to reduce overall weight.

A specially developed tube set for racing cycles, combining lightness with high strength. To improve the weight characteristics and looks, we use the slimmer 531 Pro backstays.

A tube set designed specifically for lightweight touring, with improved weight characteristics and high performance stays to take the strain of heavy pannier loads.

Heavy duty sets with oversize tubing give the performance required for off-road use. The custom frame tube set is teamed with a unicrown style carbon steel fork, whilst the full 531 ATB set features taper gauge fork blades in 531 material.

Indicates a frame where the three main tubes are in Reynolds 531 butted material. High tensile carbon steel tube is used elsewhere, except where, as indicated, the fork is also in Reynolds material. As a rule, we use the 3 tubes from the 531C set for racing and training geometry frames, and 3 tubes from the 531ST set for touring geometry frames.

For details of our full range of framesets see the Raleigh Frameset Catalogue.

HAND BUILT BY CRAFTSMEN
Each model is hand assembled by individual craftsmen. The exclusive touch: a card, with your bike, signed by the man who actually built it (not on Criterium, Record Sprint or Zenith).

RALEIGH
SPECIALIST LIGHTWEIGHT
DEALER
After you’ve perused this catalogue – and tentatively chosen the cycle, or cycles, you’d like to see – call on your Specialist Lightweight Dealer. He has the range and the information that’ll help you make up your mind.
RALEIGH Specialist Lightweight Dealer

THE RALEIGH 15 YEAR GUARANTEE
Every bicycle in this catalogue carries the Raleigh 15 year guarantee on frame and forks plus a 1 year guarantee on all other components. See the Raleigh Bicycle Guide for details.

This catalogue is one of a set of 5 available free from your Raleigh dealer.

Our policy of continual improvement means that product specification and appearance may be changed while this catalogue is still in use.

All the bicycles shown in this catalogue are available from your RALEIGH DEALER –

Issue Date JAN ’88

RALEIGH
RALEIGH LTD.,
NOTTINGHAM,
ENGLAND

[The back cover, headed Lightweight Distinctions: a bare Raleigh frame in a light finish behind a key to the Reynolds 653 and 531 tubing transfers, with panels on hand building and the Raleigh Specialist Lightweight Dealer and the Raleigh 15 year guarantee. Below are the covers of the set of five Raleigh catalogs, among them Fun Bikes, Performance and Frame Sets, and a photograph of a signed “Handbuilt by Craftsmen” card. The dealer box carries an imprint in dark blue-black ink that looks like a rubber stamp: “Discount Cycles 249 STOCKPORT ROAD CHEADLE, CHESHIRE SK8 2DP Telephone: 061-428 3311”.]