SOMETHING VERY SPECIAL? IT DEFINITELY IS!
In the world of classic cycling, discoveries that truly stun the community are few and far between. But every so often, something truly extraordinary resurfaces—something so unique and historically significant that it stops even the most seasoned collectors and historians in their tracks.
That moment came recently when Neil McGowran, one of the foremost authorities on T.I. Raleigh racing bicycles, received an innocuous-looking email. It was from someone in possession of an old racing bike that, at first glance, didn’t appear to be anything remarkable. Time and neglect had taken their toll on the machine, with worn paint, mismatched parts, and years of grime disguising its true identity.
But then came the detail that sparked Neil’s interest—the bike had a frame number stamped beneath it: HK276
McGowran knew that frame numbering system all too well, and “HK” immediately triggered a wave of excitement. Could it really be? HK—Hennie Kuiper? The Dutch cycling legend? Further investigation was needed.
After securing the bike for closer inspection, McGowran’s suspicions turned into stunned disbelief. Every feature of the frame—from the lugwork to the geometry, and especially that serial number—aligned with a highly significant moment in cycling history. The frame wasn’t just *a* T.I. Raleigh; it was *the* T.I. Raleigh that carried Hennie Kuiper through the 1976 Tour de France.
Yes, the very frame that Kuiper rode to stage victory in the world’s most prestigious cycling race had re-emerged after decades lost to the public eye. Even more remarkable, this was the first time a Reynolds 753 frame—a revolutionary lightweight steel tubing developed in the UK—had ever triumphed in the Tour de France. A turning point not just for Kuiper and T.I. Raleigh, but for bicycle technology as a whole.
To understand the importance of this find, one must appreciate the context. The 1970s were a transformative era in professional cycling. Weight-saving innovations were just beginning to take hold, and Reynolds 753 was at the forefront. This ultra-light tubing, difficult to work with and requiring skilled builders, allowed top riders to race faster and longer, with more responsive handling.
T.I. Raleigh, under the leadership of team manager Peter Post and with technical input from frame-building wizards like Jan le Grand, was on a mission to challenge the dominant teams of the time. And in 1976, they had a secret weapon: a world-class rider in Kuiper, and a groundbreaking bike beneath him.
Kuiper’s win on that bike was more than just a personal victory—it was a statement. It proved that the 753 tubing wasn’t just hype. It was race-tested, resilient, and fast. T.I. Raleigh’s success in the Tour would only grow in the years to follow, culminating in team victories and cementing their place in cycling lore.
For decades, that frame vanished—perhaps passed from owner to owner, perhaps hung in a garage, its significance forgotten. But now, thanks to McGowran’s expertise and a bit of serendipity, it has re-entered the spotlight.
“This is the Holy Grail for Raleigh enthusiasts,” McGowran said. “To find a 753 frame is rare. To find *this* one—the first to win a Tour de France stage, ridden by the reigning world champion at the time—that’s just beyond words.”
Plans are already underway for a full restoration of the bike, with the goal of preserving as much original material as possible while returning it to its former glory. The bike will then be displayed at major classic cycling events and museums, allowing fans old and new to appreciate the craftsmanship and significance of this historic machine.
Kuiper himself, now in his seventies and still active in the cycling world, was reportedly astonished to hear of the bike’s rediscovery. “I remember that frame well,” he said. “It was light, fast, and beautiful to ride. I never thought I’d hear of it again.”
For vintage bike collectors, this isn’t just a rediscovery—it’s a resurrection of a legend. A bike that changed the trajectory of a team, a rider’s career, and even the industry itself.
It’s not every day a relic of this magnitude is pulled from obscurity. But when it is, it reminds us why cycling history matters—not just for nostalgia, but for the sheer wonder of the journey.
Because yes—something very special? It definitely is.
from cycling from October 22, 2012 to represent national cycling for his former team
