*UPDATED*RALEIGH 653 FRAMESET ID?? PURCHASED TODAY

[cipolinni]

Just collected today a raleigh road bike
The seller says it is a 753 tubing.HE NOW STATES IT COULD BE 653!!!
he has re-painted the frame with a brush
can i identify it as being a 653 tubing
malc

[andos162]

Hi,

Would it have a SB frame number? Any other clues ( although not conclusive)...Campagnolo dropouts, Cinelli/Campagnolo BB. What about the weight, about 1750g for a 753 frameset.

All Raleigh 753 frames were custom built so look for the clues. Painted with a brush!!??...I hope you gave the vendor " a talking to ".

Andy.

[cipolinni]

Closer examination shows the paint underneath the horrible dark blue brushed paint is a very light blue.
btw,a few words were exchanged as to why he painted the frame in such a way.
the dropouts are gipiemme
the frame number starts with WD7 stating this to be a 1987!!!
no visual markings on the bb to state what brand.
also if it helps,the seat post binder bolt is an allen key * and threads into the frame
hopefuly if it's of quality frame tubing,i will restore to original finish
any idea on the light blue finish
please see photos
malc

[airbrake]

753 frames would be marked SB with a sequential number (up to 9500 I believe). Ilkeston produced them from 1974 to 1987, although the SB prefix continued to be used by Raleigh to around 1990.

Worksop bikes had the W prefix, but it closed in May 1981. However, the W was used on some Raleigh's produced in Nottingham.

[cipolinni]

What i have found is the 653 frames were in fact a mix of tubing
main trangle tubing were 531 and forks were 531
seat stays and chainstays were standard tubing
please correct me if i'm wrong with this info
also can anyone tell me the colour scheme.underneath the brush painted dark blue there is a light blue finish
cipo

[sandy555]

Hi Malc,

The lightest blue that Raleigh did in the '80's was Polar Blue, it was a very light pearl blue as seen on Road Ace's.
653 is a bit of a mystery, some say its re-badged 531pro, others say its a mix of 531 & 753 tubes.
Cant find your frame in the '87 catalog (British) but there is a touring frame painted in similar colours.

You got that Team Pro finished yet?

Dave.

[cipolinni]

Hi dave
yes your right the 653 is a bit of a mystery
i've actually rubbed down parts of the frame with wire wool,and revealed a very light blue.
could you email me an attachment of the raleigh catalogue!! with the colour.
btw the team pro is near completion,i'm waiting on a nuovo record seatpost,cinelli 1r stem and transfer the modolo pro's brake levers.then all i have to do then is decide on wheelset and a chain of course.
thanks for your reply
malc

[sandy555]

http://www.cyclemuseum.org.uk/ncl/searc ... ch&tpage=2
Click on 1987 catalog Racer & Lightweight and look for Raleigh Granada.

Edit. Malc, that link seems to be broken. Click on the one below it, 1987 racers.

[sandy555]

http://fivenineclimber.com/bikes/gazell ... lds_80.htm
Good Reynolds chart.

According to Reynolds, and they should know, 653 was 531 main tubes & fork blades with 753 stays.

[spanner]

Closer examination shows the paint underneath the horrible dark blue brushed paint is a very light blue.
btw,a few words were exchanged as to why he painted the frame in such a way.
the dropouts are gipiemme
the frame number starts with WD7 stating this to be a 1987!!!
no visual markings on the bb to state what brand.
also if it helps,the seat post binder bolt is an allen key * and threads into the frame
hopefuly if it's of quality frame tubing,i will restore to original finish
any idea on the light blue finish
please see photos
malc

lovely bike bet its a dream to ride on the road