Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - 78 Raleigh GS

I bought this bike a week ago or so. Finally today I had time to air the tires up and test ride it. Needs greased and the wheels trued, but that's it. I don't plan on selling it as I bought it to keep it. I seem to love late 70s Raleighs for some reason. But out of curiosity, what could I expect to sell it for?

This is a 1978 Raleigh Competition GS. It's nearly 100% original. The tubes/tires were put on it in the mid 80s just before it was put in storage. Everything else including the Brooks saddle and air pump are original. Even the water bottle is vintage. It even has water in it that has now become equally as vintage :lol:. It has a few scratches along the top tube, and the 531 tubing sticker on the down tube is a little worn. Other than that there are no major blemishes and absolutely no rust. It's still a little dusty from sitting for 20+ years. I plan on spending a few hours getting it in perfect shape this Saturday.

It had the original foot straps on the pedals, but I don't like those so I removed them. I'll hang on to them though just in case I ever sell the bike. I also plan on swapping out the seat for something a little more comfortable, but I'll keep it too.

Weinmann brakes, everything else campagnolo. Shifts and brakes just fine. I know I over paid a little on it, but like I say I really like this era of Raleighs plus it was local so no shipping. I just wonder how much I over paid though.

Here's one that just sold on ebay for $315 + $85 shipping. Not sure what year it is. Poor listing. Looks like it's got a bunch of replacement parts.

http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-RALEIGH-COMPETITION-CARLTON-ROAD-BIKE-BICYCLE_W0QQitemZ330309250760QQcmdZViewItemQQptZRoad_Bikes?hash=item330309250760&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2|65%3A13|39%3A1|240%3A1308

I just bought a '79 Competition GS, nearly identical to yours in build specs. Mine's missing the Brooks saddle, and the rear hub looks like a replacement. It's also probably got a bit more patina than yours, with some very small spots of surface rust on the frame. It's also got some very light rust on the chrome and steel bits, and one spot of flaking chrome on the forks. I got it for $130.

I just wonder how much I over paid though.

You didn't overpay a penny if you're enjoying it. That's all that matters post-purchase if you do not intend to re-sell it.

-Kurt

Looks like a beautiful bike! As far as value, condition is everything. So the price and value can vary a lot! You paid what you thought it was worth, I wouldn't worry about what others think. It really doesn't matter. Clean it up, enjoy it, and chances are, it will be worth as much or more than what you paid for it. That's a lot better than buying a new bike that loses 50% of its value almost immediately!

I have a couple of bikes I will never sell. They are probably worth more to me than what others would say if I posted them to this list. But it doesn't matter.

Enjoy that nice bike!

After truing the wheels and greasing everything I took it for a quick 10 mile ride today. I would've gone farther, but the cold head wind made me decide to turn it around. It rides very nicely with the seat I put on it. The black paint/silver chrome combination got it quite a few compliments when I went through the park. I'm gotta say completely satisfied with my purchase.

I'd right a lengthy post, but my keyboard is covered in drool. That is one beautiful bike. Nice find, enjoy it.

I paid $355 plus $60 shipping for my Ebay purchased 1979 Competition. I had to snipe to get it about eighteen months ago. Ready to ride in great shape, it replaced my 1974 PX10LE as my favorite ride. Enjoy your Raleigh.

It was murder on me when I first got it. It rained for several days so I couldn't take it for a ride. I just need to figure out how to get that yellow bicycle license off of the seat tube without scratching anything. I'm going to try to borrow someone's hair dryer and see if that'll help. I'd leave it there, but yellow doesn't match the bike.

They were really great bikes. DON'T UPGRADE THIS MACHINE!!!!!!!

God, I've wanted one of those for years.

They were really great bikes. DON'T UPGRADE THIS MACHINE!!!!!!!

I'm just planning on upgrading the seat. It's extremely uncomfortable. I'll keep the old one though, so don't worry about it getting thrown away or anything.

The Brooks saddle on the bike, once broken-in would be the best saddle you've ever ridden on. Yes don't get rid of it.
You're really lucky:-)

The Brooks saddle on the bike, once broken-in would be the best saddle you've ever ridden on. Yes don't get rid of it.
You're really lucky:-)

+1, and try tilting the saddle so the nose is a bit higher than the back, I think mine is comfy that way. Great looking bike by the way.

-Matt

+1, and try tilting the saddle so the nose is a bit higher than the back, I think mine is comfy that way. Great looking bike by the way.

-Matt

I'll give that a try. I still haven't taken the time to completely grease the crank and hubs so I can take it riding on a regular basis. I've got one too many projects sitting around. Or maybe ten too many...