Classic & Vintage - Raleigh Super Course for $165

I've the opportunity to buy a new-in-box 1970's Raleigh Super-Course with Reynolds 531 main triangle for $165 after tax. Should I do it? I use a 58cm frame with 700c sized tires. Will a 23" frame with 27" tires fit me the same?

Thanks. :)

I make 23 inches to be right about 58.5cm. I don't think you will notice the half cm. Snag it if you want it. I have never noticed a difference when riding 27 vs 700

That is a good deal, used ones can go for $150 on ebay, if you figure shipping in. Shoot, I just paid $95 total for one that needs some work!

Sounds like a screamin' deal to me! The SC is likely a 23-1/2" ctt. That is probably a little over 58cm ctc.

Oh, and if you do get it be sure to forward a pic of it to cudak888 when you get it all assembled for the "Raleigh Supercourse Database" that he is putting together!

Only surprise may be the top tube length. I have had several SC & one had a very long TT ( 21" Seat Tube x 22 1/2 Top Tube iirc). Don

Good price if it fits. I've seen lesser, used bikes go for more......

Sounds like a screamin' deal to me! +1

The one you're looking at has the pretty chrome. I don't think they're asking too much if it's in good shape.

I'd say that's a very good deal, but in terms of geometry the late 70s Super Course had much shorter top tube, much shorter wheelbase ("racing" geometry according to the catalog) as compared to the earlier 70s Super Course, which had much more relaxed geometry. In either case, if you don't like it, you can easily get your money back plus a bit more by flipping the bike on eBay.

Neal

And hey, FarHorizon, if you decide not to buy it, then I want to buy it!

Is that the whole bike or the frame only? Either way, being Reynolds 531, I think it would be a good buy. If it is the whole bike, brand new, I think it would a fantastic buy.

OK - I'm sold. Going to buy today - will post photos. Thanks to all who've helped!

OK - I'm sold. Going to buy today....
Don't forget to haggle!! :D

Alas, all the Raleigh Super Courses in stock are 21" size (too small for me). Other 70's bikes that may be available in my size include:

Raleigh Super Grand Prix
C-Itoh ?
Panasonic ?
MASA 12 & 18 speed models

Unfortunately, to my knowledge, all of the above are "stove pipe specials" which lack butted tubing. Is this correct? Further, the $165 price (full bike, new in box) is FIRM for all models regardless of specification. Are any of the above worth the asking price?

Thanks again!

The Super Course doesn't have butted tubing either. It is 531 though in the main tubes. I think some of the Panasonics had good tubing. The Super Grand Prix has 20-30 tubing. Not 531, but it isn't exactly terrible either. I haven't heard good things about C-Itoh, and know nothing about MASA though. Perhaps someone else can help.

I would be very suprised if the Panasonic was not a quality build from the Miyata factory, they made some of those early Specialized road bikes. What model? I'm not all that familiar with the brand, but all the bikes actually made in Japan in that era seem very well made.

I remember picking up that bike for $15 at a flea market and flipping it for $150 on ebay. I'll say, don't buy it. It's straight guage 531 not double butted. Not worth it IMO.

If it's NIB, and it's the bike you want, it's worth it. When will you ever get the chance to have one of those "new" again. Agreed, you're probably not going to make any money on it.

Is this that pain in the butt motorcycle dealer in the south end of Louisiana? Last time he faxed me his stock, it supposedly consisted of half a dozen Raleigh Grand Prixs and Super Grand Prixs.

Perhaps he may be eaiser to work with in person, but he is a royal pain to work with otherwise.

-Kurt

Is this that pain in the butt motorcycle dealer in the south end of Louisiana...Perhaps he may be eaiser to work with in person, but he is a royal pain to work with otherwise. -Kurt

One and the same - he is a difficult man to work with, even in person. His own "inventories" are done from his memory, not by examining what is in the warehouse. I've found boxes of bikes he didn't know he had when he lets me look around myself. The box labels have faded to where 50% of them can't be read. Some boxes you can see the model but not the size, etc.

The owner not only refuses to ship, but also remains completely indifferent as to whether he makes a sale or not. He has a price in mind, and the price is FIRM regardless of make or model. If you try to barter, the owner replies "I'm already selling them at a loss."

Since the owner has no financial motivation, the potential buyer has no leverage at all to bargain with. You either want one of the bikes in stock or not - either way the owner is content.

I would be very suprised if the Panasonic was not a quality build from the Miyata factory, they made some of those early Specialized road bikes. What model? I'm not all that familiar with the brand, but all the bikes actually made in Japan in that era seem very well made.

Hi venturi95!

What Panasonic models should I be looking for? There may be several & I won't know which is which.

Thanks!