1984 Raleigh Corsa 12 - 59.5cm (23 1/2")

The ongoing cull continues. This time, it's the turn of my 1984 Raleigh Corsa 12.

Not to be confused with some of the other rubbish that Raleigh were turning out at the time, this was handmade by the lightweight division out of double butted Reynolds 501 throughout, with Gipiemme forged dropouts, and Prugnat S4 lugs. This is a quality piece of kit - it's no mass produced gas pipe frame with an odd sized bottom bracket or headset.

The bike is from the first year of production, in a rare pearl white colour ('Oyster'), although this is looking very tired. 1984 was the only year that they did this colour - they moved on to Panasonic colours a year later.

Gears are Shimano 600/105 Golden Arrow
Bars/Stem are 3TTT
Seatpost is SR Laprade
Wheels are Wolber GTX on Shimano 105, with 7 speed cassette (so it's a '14', not a '12' these days)
Brakes are a mix - Shimano 105 levers. Rear is Weinmann 500. Front is Galli.

Price for this piece of retro cool is £175. Viewing is in Thames Ditton, near Surbiton.

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I think I've priced this a bit high. £150 anyone? Perfect pub bike for someone.

So I had my luggage scales out earlier (which are also handy for weighing bikes), and it turns out that this is comes in at 9.5kg, which is lighter than my Reynolds 531c Condor, so if you're wondering if Reynolds 501 makes a bike heavy (for a steel bike!), it does not. If you're looking for a beautifully riding steel commuter bike, you've found it!

Genuinely surprised that no-one's interested in this. Yes, the paint's a bit tired, and it's not from a small maker, but it's a quality frame, and rides beautifully.

Obligatory reduction to £140.