Classic & Vintage - Raleigh Capri

Any ideas about the vintage of this bike? I know nothting about the seller, etc. I just happen to have one just like it that I am considering for conversion to SS/fixed.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Raleigh-Capri-Road-Bike_W0QQitemZ300030398574QQihZ020QQcategoryZ98084QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Any help or ideas would be greatlt appreciated. I assume it is fairly worthless, just wondering if it would be a good candidate for conversion....

Looks exactly like the one I bought earlier this year. I couldn't figure out the vintage through google either, but if I had to take a stab, I'd say mid 80's.
I did the same thing and converted it to fixed, and it rides great.

But a word of advice; don't buy that one. I got mine in similar condition minus the rear pannier for $80. It's an ok mid-range bike if that.

For the age $200+ is pushing it. I take that back. $200+ is outrageous, that bike isn't worth that. Plus if you're just going to mess with it and assume it to be worthless, don't spend that kind of change on it. You can pick one up way cheaper at a yard sale or on craigslist. Also, the seller's practices look questionable regarding his feedback.

Thanks! I got mine at Yellow Bike for free! Our work has donated several bikes in the past and they let me choose that one. I had been toying with the idea of trying to re-work the rear wheel myself, but the rim wall failed on a ride a few weeks ago. So, I think I'll break down and buy a new rear flip-flop SS/fixed and have a cool bike for ~$100 (or whatever a wheel sets me back....)

I purchased one a few years ago that was much taller. The tubing is pretty thick and heavy. I bought a 60 cm frame (or so) from a guy who was about 5' tall, so I managed to talk him down to $12 (what I had on me at the time).

I guess it's acceptable, if a little heavy. But you already have it, so convert away. The only issue I can think of is that the drive side crank was all one piece, and so you can't very well remove the big chainring. I don't know if this bothers you or not...

That's pretty steep considering I paid $5.00 for mine at a thrift shop. If memory serves me correctly they are of an 1984 vintage... it has something to do with the Olympics tie in sticker on the frame. In original condition they are some adequate transportation. Wheelset and group updates make a big difference.

Here's mine:

http://mysite.verizon.net/tegants/mybike.jpg

It's not my stolen Technium, but it will do... it fits. :)

I transferred the drivetrain from a later model technium. it's down to one (42) chainring...

I will move forward with the conversion and assume it's mid 80's.

Can I easily obtain a 27" fixed rear wheel for cheap??

Nashbar has a deal on it's track hubs right now - $19.99 for high flange double fixed rear. At $40 for a pair, you could get wheels built pretty cheap.

I saw a new one - badged Capri at any rate - at the LBS last Year going for $900.00. Made the one a colleague rides - he got it for free - seem like a bargain.

"Nashbar has a deal on it's track hubs right now - $19.99 for high flange double fixed rear."

Alas, I think Nashbar sold 'em all; they're no longer on the site (the rears, at least). I scored a few of them at that price, figure I can flip in trades, etc...

I wouldn't pay much for a Capri. 200$ sounds high to moi; 900 is completely farcical. Free sounds pretty good, though. But I have to keep in mind I don't pay much for my bikes.