Raleigh Corsa 12

[Tebb1t]

Hello,

This is my first post and thanks for having me. I bought this 1985 Raleigh Corsa, however one thing puzzles me is the screw adjusters which I didn’t think were on the Corsa. Anyone any ideas?

 

[Paulus]

Welcome @Tebb1t
When you say 'screw adjusters' do you mean the quick release levers to take the wheels off?
The wheels are probably not the originals, and have been replaced at some point with these.

 

[Cycleops]

I think he might mean the set screws in the rear dropouts? Maybe it’s a 531 frame? Does seem unusual on a ‘cooker’.

Hello and to the forum. Nice project you’ve got yourself there.

 

[Paulus]

I think he might mean the set screws in the rear dropouts? Maybe it’s a 531 frame? Does seem unusual on a ‘cooker’.

Hello and to the forum. Nice project you’ve got yourself there.

Oops, I didn't zoom in enough to see them.

 

[raleighnut]

They're 'alignment stops' they are so when you take the back wheel out you don't have to faff about centreing the wheel just pull it back until it hits the stops and the wheel is in its proper place.

BTW @Cycleops is right, the use of those dropouts suggests good tubing was used for the frame Reynolds 501 or even 531

 

[Cycleops]

I don’t think that is a Corsa but something rather better. That colour scheme was used on several models, maybe @midlife could give us some idea.

 

[raleighnut]

I don’t think that is a Corsa but something rather better. That colour scheme was used on several models, maybe @midlife could give us some idea.

Google tells me they built the Corsa in 531.

 

[Cycleops]

Those are the team Raleigh colours aren’t they @raleighnut ? This might have been a ‘team replica’ bike?

 

[raleighnut]

It's in 'Team Panasonic' colours, I think they were a Dutch team that Raleigh sponsored and supplied bikes for so not as sought after as the works Ti Raleigh bikes.
I wonder what letter @Tebb1t 's bikes frame no. starts with.

 

[Cycleops]

Could this be it? The Team Corsa. Reynolds 501.

 

[midlife]

I think @Cycleops has probably found it

Raleigh were not shy at sticking the Panasonic colours on multiple bikes to try and sell them. Raleigh put their classic red, black and yellow livery on as many bikes at they could from the lowly Europa to the SBDU frames lol

 

[Tebb1t]

I was thinking that it could be a better bike when looking at the auction photos before I bid. The frame has a 501 badge but what threw me is the adjustment stops which weren’t standard on a Corsa. I checked the frame number which starts with a W, so it’s a lightweight factory built bike.
The lot that went before it was a Record Sprint which went for more, probably about £80 after fees. I got the Corsa for less than £60, which is a bit of a bargain.

 

[raleighnut]

I was thinking that it could be a better bike when looking at the auction photos before I bid. The frame has a 501 badge but what threw me is the adjustment stops which weren’t standard on a Corsa. I checked the frame number which starts with a W, so it’s a lightweight factory built bike.
The lot that went before it was a Record Sprint which went for more, probably about £80 after fees. I got the Corsa for less than £60, which is a bit of a bargain.

So it's a Worksop 'hand built' in Reynolds 501, cool bike

 

[Illaveago]

It should look really nice once it's had a good clean .

 

[Tebb1t]

It should look really nice once it's had a good clean .

I’ve ordered a period 105 front changer, and a Rolls saddle for it. New chain and rubber with replacement cables. A clean and then I’ll test ride it. I think I will replace the none standard rear mech (600 Shimano) and leave it at that.