Classic & Vintage - Raleigh Grand Prix (Made in England)

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gazolba
02-18-04, 08:04 PM
I saw a Raleigh Grand Prix, marked Made in England in a local thrift store. It looked like a 1970's model. It was priced at $30. It was not in good condition but the frame looked well made (lugged), it had brazed on cable guides. The bike had a bottle holder and a luggage rack. The tires were shot and the rims had some rust on them around the spokes.
Is this a valuable bike or should I forget it?

Hunter
02-18-04, 11:18 PM
The Nottingham Raleigh's are the "keepers" of the lot. If I remember correctly the frsme is buuted Reynolds 531. The rims should be alu. maybe the eyelets are rusted but unless the wheels were changes the rims themselves should not be rusted. However if you are good at cleaning up snd overhauling a bike, it should be a good ride.
I restored a Super Sport last year and it is a descent rig.
don d.
02-18-04, 11:37 PM
Here's a link to a Vintage Raleigh site:

www.retroraleighs.com/grand-prix.html

The bikes were an all around sport bike built with 20-30 high carbon steel tubes, not 531, but a good serviceable bike. The photos and info at the link should help more.

johno
02-19-04, 03:18 PM
I started my cycling career on a Grand Prix, way back in the mid 70's. If the name is in script, it's a late 60's model.

It's not a real lightweight, but rock solid and well built. Might even still have the old steel Stronglight crankset on it. For sure, it's worth $30, a classy ride.