Folding Bikes - Something has happened to Raleigh 20 folders.

At lunchtime I went to lbs to buy a new blinkie. Out front are a pair of 20s. I think cute, his and hers. I look em over. They are in decent shape, but are both missing the chainguards. I look at the price.

$275cdn each.

I think Holy C he is out of his mind. When I get back to my desk, I search eBay. There is a good one with a bin of $325us.

I paid $35 for mine a year ago.

i was in victoria not long ago and i saw a raleigh twenty in the window of a trendy, vintage clothing store. we folding bike riders are obviously on the cutting edge of the next big thing.

That is just insane! I swear if i could figure out a a way to buy 10 to 20 twenties in UK and ship them to US i could make 5 tot 10 times on my investment...! Still, i think it sad that a bike that was once for the plebs is now touted as retrocool and demands such prices.

That is just insane! I swear if i could figure out a a way to buy 10 to 20 twenties in UK and ship them to US i could make 5 tot 10 times on my investment...

I know - they barely fetch more than about £30 ($55 USD) here; They are still ridden mainly by older ladies. I am rare in being a male rider. I did have a second one I bought for a part it turned out I needed and when selling it on eBay I made a £10 profit for doing nothing so maybe they are starting to get more precious here too. Or maybe there was just a blip of fair-weather buyers trying to avoid public transport after the much exaggerated bombings here in july.


Still, i think it sad that a bike that was once for the plebs is now touted as retrocool and demands such prices.

Sad in some ways but cool in others; we probably are contributing to this by showing off how cool they still are, though I doubt they'll ever reach true retrocool status here.

So how many do you think would fit in shipping container?
We need a man in NY!

Hmm well tons would fit in the shipping container! (twist handlebar stack and fill in gaps with folded ones/frames only). As for a man in NY i am sure that could be arranged. But i am guessing containers they would cost heaps and wipe out the profits... i am not really at home in this type of thing.

It would be nice to make a little money but still offer them in Us at affordable prices rather than premium....

I could envisionon A Twenty NY Terror Critical mass crew!

the problem will be storage when they arrive. I would offer to receive them, but where would I put them while trying to sell? i could truck them to my place in PA, but then I gotta get 'em back here, etc. etc. etc. worth some thought, though.

In fact, I am buying a place that may have substantial storage in the near future. the cogs are definitely turning.

Hmm, sounds cool. Would be nice to see people appreciating and pimping them. I am i outta the loop/no longer a cog ha ha?

I do think that if you put them on-line and you live in NY of course it would takes some weeks but you could sell them pretty quick. You'd need a good E-bay add with pictures and links.

i was in victoria not long ago and i saw a raleigh twenty in the window of a trendy, vintage clothing store. we folding bike riders are obviously on the cutting edge of the next big thing.

I have seen that. I believe 600 block of Johnson, across from Market square. Very high rent area.

Perhaps boardwalk S1's will be next.

I recently paid US$150 for a Raleigh 20 listed on craigslist, the original asking price had been US$200, and he had already sold the first of the matching pair he originally had a week or two before. The bikes had been brought down to Portland from the Vancouver BC area, it's a 1975 model folder. I paid US$125 for a Raleigh RSW 16 a couple years ago. I think prices are higher in Portland because cycling is so popular here. Still, retail shops and resellers are going to be asking more, if you find one at a yard sale, you can probably still get it for cheap. :)

There is a Brazilian Bike Manufacturer called Caloi (it actually made all the way up to Jacksonville Florida, but I don't think it is popular anywhere else).

In the early 80 they came up with a nice BMX bike called "Caloicross Original". You could buy one for aprox. US$80.00 back then (which was quite expensive).

Time went by and in the late 90s someone X-rayed and tested one of the "Caloicross Original" frame and they found out that was the best BMS frame available in the market. It was a FEVER and prices went up to the equivalent of US$400.00 for just the FRAME.

I still don't know if it was a Marketing strategy (they didn't make new "original" bikes, so I guess not).

Somehow this thread reminds me of those little bikes and the good times...

Rafael Guerra

Ok, I'm getting chest pains now. I got outbid on ebay Australia for a working Raleigh 20 that needed a new seat. No postage was specified, so I only bid AU$30.59. Got outbid by $1. That's about US$22, plus whatever the postage was. I'll go back to my corner and weep now.

The bikes had been brought down to Portland from the Vancouver BC area, it's a 1975 model folder.
that's it, i'm going to put in a grievance to NAFTA. you people are stealing our heritage... this blatant disregard for my culture must stop!!!

It's got a Maple Ridge Cycle Ltd., Haney BC sticker on it. :)

So what did a Raleigh folder cost new through the years?

Perhaps boardwalk S1's will be next.

I really hope not. I already tried used bikes at first (here in Southern California you can't locate them anywhere since people are buying them up so fast). The Boardwalk S1 that I purchased a while ago is now getting to be just as attractive to thieves as any super bling bike. Unless you go for department store bikes, a good bike no matter what age or make like the Raleigh Twenty becomes too attractive and another major headache for the serious cyclist rather than a bike collector.

So what did a Raleigh folder cost new through the years?

1976 model: US$129.95
http://retroraleighs.com/catalogs/1976/pages/18-76-prices.html

here's (http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~hadland/twenty.htm) an ad that had them going for $255 and a variety of pounds...

here's (http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~hadland/twenty.htm) an ad that had them going for $255 and a variety of pounds...
That's NZ$255.

Ok, I'm getting chest pains now. I got outbid on ebay Australia for a working Raleigh 20 that needed a new seat. No postage was specified, so I only bid AU$30.59. Got outbid by $1. That's about US$22, plus whatever the postage was. I'll go back to my corner and weep now.

It's odd to quote myself, but I felt an update was in order. The bike was relisted, and I was the winning bidder at AU$31.89. I'll post photos when it arrives, and will be asking all sorts of questions as to what direction to take as far as restoring or modifying. I hope you guys will accept me in your playgroup. :D

[edit] I deal with international containerized shipments every day. A 40ft container holds 120 boxed petrol mini-motorcycles, (the Christmas gift that wasn't) so you could theoretically fit 50 or so folders into a 20ft container. Cost is generally US$4k, but that may or may not include port fees, Customs inspections, and duties. Unless you can get them cheap and score a deal on a container (or share a container) it's probably not a profitable venture. PM me or ask here if you need any specifics.

@ Expatriatie, congrats on the 20. Welcome to the cult! You will have to take few vows (Retrogrouchiness, Omerta, Modmanic, Forum addict) and there is no way back no *Evil cackling laughter is heard*

Anyways,.. i am sure we will all be delighted to answer any questions (and push our pet peeves and agendas) for the 20....... ;-)

Thanks very much for the heads up on the containers, i figured it might be very hard to make any cash this way. It is actually very usefull info for me as i intend to emmigrate to NZ or OZ from the Netherlands and share a container with a friend (to transport our irreplacable goods) and i always wondered what it would cost. Any chance you could hook me up when the time comes? That would excellent.

Cheers.

When my bike arrives, I'll post a few photos and then the questions will begin in earnest. I don't know if it's best to restore it, or keep it as stock looking as possible while upgrading it for usefullness. Or perhaps go all out and turn it into one of those stealth racers that so many of you seem to own. I'm open to suggestions.

As far as a container, I can put you in touch with a company that handles overseas moves. We handle the transport/packing and railing of aluminium to customers all over the world - from a hole in the ground in Australia to your A/C unit, mobile phone, bike, window frames, and $1 million exotic cars. PM for info when you're ready to move.

I've kept mine original except for a few choice mods - better pedals, new Brooks seat, new tires and brake pads, overhauled the Sturmey hub, lowered the gear ratio by changing out the 15T sprocket for a 19T, planning on changing out the rims soon. I like the look and functionality of the fenders and chainguard so they are going to stay. I'm keeping the orig. BB, crank, front fork and headset for now too.

I'd like to keep the fenders and chainguard too, if possible. But the cranks/fork/stem/bars will probably get replaced at some point. I'll also be looking for suggestions regarding gears. Is the 3 speed sufficient?

Here's the auction photo:

Nice - I think that's the nicest color.

In case you haven't seen it: http://home.comcast.net/~cheg01/r20.html

I've had 3, 6, and 18 gears on mine. Right now it has 6. Some think one is enough. The most important improvement is alloy wheels instead of steel. Higher pressure tires are also good. The rest is optional. ;) Have fun.

I deal with international containerized shipments every day. A 40ft container holds 120 boxed petrol mini-motorcycles, (the Christmas gift that wasn't) so you could theoretically fit 50 or so folders into a 20ft container. Cost is generally US$4k, but that may or may not include port fees, Customs inspections, and duties. Unless you can get them cheap and score a deal on a container (or share a container) it's probably not a profitable venture. PM me or ask here if you need any specifics.

What do you suppose it would cost to ship a single R20 frame (just the frame sections and the hinge bolt) to the US?

Yep, I've been reading up on yours. I'm going into work early tomorrow (I work 8 hours/week at a bike shop) and see what I can scrounge up that might be useful.

I'd like to keep the fenders and chainguard too, if possible. But the cranks/fork/stem/bars will probably get replaced at some point. I'll also be looking for suggestions regarding gears. Is the 3 speed sufficient?

Here's the auction photo:



That bike's pretty original and had the correct rack, cool. I like the color, too. It looks like there might be some rust problems to deal with, though...and the seat looks questionable, too, but all in all I'd say a good find at a good price! Have fun gettin' it smokin'!

Cost of shipping one frame and bolt to US? Depends on speed of delivery. I wouldn't imagine it should go beyond about £40 GBP. There are still about 3 a week going on ebay.uk.

This one is only £5.50 with two days to go... (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7197814234&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1)

If you were after one I'd happily get hold of one and strip it down for you! They pack pretty small without wheels...

(There's actually a Dawes Kingpin going at the moment which interests me. Oh and a Pocket Gnu. But that's another story. I've got the fever!)

Cost of shipping one frame and bolt to US? Depends on speed of delivery. I wouldn't imagine it should go beyond about £40 GBP. There are still about 3 a week going on ebay.uk.

If you were after one I'd happily get hold of one and strip it down for you! They pack pretty small without wheels...

Hey LittlePixel, I sent you a PM. :)

@ Expat, that's a beauty! I think 3 Sturmey Archer archer gears are a great place to start, i'd try em for a while before buying anything else. I second the Rim, sokes, saddle and tire replacement as essential mods.

Thanks ever so much for you offer of help, when the time is there i will be sure to get in touch.

@ Littlepixel, is that offer also valid for me?! I 'd love to order one through you at one point (and i would insist on giving you something for your trouble, maybe some Red Alerts LED's (i am kindoff in the bizz of selling them). Cheers.

Quite some wheeling, but also some 'dealing' seems to be going in this thread ha ha, nice to be able to get help and hopefully give it.

That bike's pretty original and had the correct rack, cool. I like the color, too. It looks like there might be some rust problems to deal with, though...and the seat looks questionable, too, but all in all I'd say a good find at a good price! Have fun gettin' it smokin'!

I was led to believe that the surface rust was only on the chrome, so I'm not terribly worried. And I've already got the replacement seat. If the paint is in good shape, I'll keep it that colour. Even though it's not even here yet, I'm already itching to get started. I'm leaning towards replacing the seatpost/bars/stem/rims with nice black ones. Either that, or all silver with whitewalls. I suppose I'm going to need a bit of patience. I'll keep everyone updated once it arrives.

Oh, LittlePixel, can you get me a quote for a frame from the UK to Australia? :D

Oh, LittlePixel, can you get me a quote for a frame from the UK to Australia? :D

You're kidding right?
vInce - I guess holland is a bit easier... But why would you need two? ;)

Ha ha, yes Holland is easier. And though you were kidding, i have actually given the much thought to whether i need two and decided yes i do. I'd like to wait for a good offer/price on a model with a Sturmey Archer 3 speed, the Carrier that is Alu/rectangular.and possibly (not so likely) a dynohub front wheel, i am not even dure about that dynahub actually,....doesn't it require 2 diff. spoke lengths? I intend it as my back up beater, so if it looks ugly but isn't all messed up/full of rust that is fine. I've seen mint condition ones sell for under 10 pound but it seems like crime to do a rattle can paint job over them,...? I will check e-bay of course but should you come across something i'd appreciate a holler.

I've been checking out the UK postal service site but had a hard time of it, any idea of postage rate for postage (slow/overland) of a Twenty (complete but dissasembeld, minus saddle and pedals.) Thanks very much!

My e- mail

v*rhizomes.nl

* = @ Everything is written stuck together.

You're kidding right?
vInce - I guess holland is a bit easier... But why would you need two? ;)

Not kidding, married. The Princess saw the yellow one in the link of Sheldon's that's on v1nce's page. She's keen to have one of her own too.

Thanks for everyone's interest in my notion of buying/stripping/shipping Raleigh Twentys from the UK to further climes...

Sadly it seems that shipping would more than ruin any savings made on the still-easy-to-find Twentys that can be had on eBay.co.uk; US=£95; NL=£45; AUS=£135 - those are the cheapest. Try the UPS website for a really good laugh!.

Those quotes are based on an unstripped weight of 17kg so they could be a bit less (Anyone got an accurate weight for just a twenty frame?) but they are still likely to be more than is reasonable once packaging and time spent stripping down is taken into account.

If anyone still wanted to do this by meeting up if they happened to be in the UK on holiday/business or had family friends here that would be happy to take a frame over as luggage on a visit overseas then I'm still up for it but otherwise despite my initial enthusiasm the numbers don't really add up unless getting a Twenty for a project is a 'money-no-object' thing...

Bummer!
Huw

It looks like I stick with seeing what I can find locally. In the meantime, I've started a new thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=157877) here. If anyone would like to offer advice or follow along to see what happens with my Twenty, feel free to join me.

Cheers.

I'm wondering how much this one (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7203144473&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.ebay.co.uk%3A80%2F%2Fsearch%2Fsearch.dll%3Ffrom%3DR40%26satitle%3D7203144473% 26fvi%3D1) will make. It's a beauty...

Yup, real beautifull, unused/NOS SA 3 speed!? That's good to go for the next twenty five years at least! Nice. Too bad it is non folding though!

Very nice, too bad it's missing the back carryall.