Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Thoughts on a Raleigh Sprite
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ohjonnybegoode
02-11-09, 07:30 PM
I have always liked the old Raleigh 3/5 speeds...and I have a chance to buy this Raleigh Sprite...supposedly it is in good mechanical condition, but it has some rust issues...based on these pictures, what would be the best way to treat this rust? It is worth trying to treat, or should I be on the lookout for something in better condition? The seller is asking $40.
Thank you for your thoughts!
I paid $8 for a similar bike this weekend, and I probably should have walked away. If you want to treat the rust, do a search on oxalic acid. There are endless threads on that topic already.
Actually, after looking at your pics again, the bike I bought this weekend had a lot less rust. That Raleigh has quite a bit rust.
But before you buy, make sure seat post is not stuck, and the same for the handlebar stem. And if there is heavy rust internally (look inside the seat tube), then I would pass.
mparker326
02-12-09, 03:28 PM
That is too much rust for my liking. I'd ask for a better price to tempt myself to try to clean that up.
cycleheimer
02-21-09, 07:16 PM
IMHO...if you really have to have it...$20 or walk. That looks like a later version of the Sprite. If so, it is more of a spin-off of the Raleigh Record than the Raleigh Sports. Good for riding around. By the way, those ugly Brooks mattress saddles are by no means the greatest. Tires, cables, wheel alignment...there's alot to consider here.