A very special 1947 RRA backstory

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Mark Stonich

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Apr 25, 2025, 10:17:21 PMApr 25

to Cyclist Gentleman

Gentlepersons,

I thought I’d share recent communication from a gentleman who needed headset races for a 1947 RRA, that has very special meaning to him? Should he ever come here from Massachusetts for an ABCE, it has a great backstory.

The lower races are the worst I’ve ever seen.

Hi Mark,

Two years ago, I inherited my grandfathers old Raleigh Record Ace from 1947. He actually worked in the same factory it was made in Nottingham.

My dad rode it for decades. By the time I got it, the top tube was bent and the frame was basically not safe to ride. So, I hired a frame builder to remove and replace the top tube. I repainted the frame, restored each component, then rode it over 1500 miles. I was/am smitten with this bike, but the races on the headset are completely shot and my steering has become very “indexed”.

After scouring the internet, I found you and thought I might as well ask: are you able to replicate or replace the races on my headset (1” threaded/ 26TPI)?

I replied that I had spares of the upper bits and the lower races could be modern, as they aren’t threaded. Turns out he has Campagnolo lower races.

I asked if he had seen Saturday Night and Sunday Morning. Much of it was shot in the Nottingham factory. Staring Albert Finney, before he learned to act, trying to channel James Dean.

“Haha! Yes! My dad had me watch Saturday Night and Sunday morning before he gave the bike to me. He was from Nottingham as well, he says it defined a generation!”

British frames from almost any era are better than most of today’s offerings. However period correct parts for a bike from the ‘40s tend not to work all that well. (With the obvious exception of Sturmey Archer and Brooks. ) The frame is now graced with a vintage Campagnolo grupo.

Here's some photos from the rebuild for you to share with your club (sorry, dont have any social media)-RRA 1947. I appreciate you spreading the word. I'm fairly determined to keep this bike rideable!

Mark Stonich
Bikesmith Design and Fabrication LLC
5349 Elliot Ave
Minneapolis MN USA
Ph. +1 (612) 710-9593