Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - 1962 Raleigh Gran Sport-Value?

I did a little research, this bike appears to be a 1962, All original(Except maybe the tires).
Veloci Fenders, Campy parts(which are apparently original)

Found this one Sheldon Brown's Retro Raleighs page.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h307/t0rinoc0bra1971/62-gran-sport.gif

And this would be mine:
I dont want to clean it, as im afraid of messing up the decals...I would like to sell it as is
Ive had it around for months, i have not touched it since i got it.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h307/t0rinoc0bra1971/IMG_3849.jpg
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h307/t0rinoc0bra1971/IMG_3850.jpg
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h307/t0rinoc0bra1971/IMG_3852.jpg
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h307/t0rinoc0bra1971/IMG_3853.jpg
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h307/t0rinoc0bra1971/IMG_3854.jpg
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h307/t0rinoc0bra1971/IMG_3855.jpg
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h307/t0rinoc0bra1971/IMG_3856.jpg

And here is the rest of the pictures.

I do want to sell it...I may end up cleaning it to get a bit more money
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h307/t0rinoc0bra1971/IMG_3857.jpg
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h307/t0rinoc0bra1971/IMG_3858.jpg
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h307/t0rinoc0bra1971/IMG_3859.jpg
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h307/t0rinoc0bra1971/IMG_3860.jpg
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h307/t0rinoc0bra1971/IMG_3861.jpg
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h307/t0rinoc0bra1971/IMG_3863.jpg
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h307/t0rinoc0bra1971/IMG_3862.jpg
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h307/t0rinoc0bra1971/IMG_3864.jpg

No matter what, either take a hose to it or use some elbow grease to take those cobwebs away... That's a great looking bike

Wow! Everthing in tact and original. Thats a rare find. Does it even have a scratch on it? Looks like it was stored away after a couple rides.

Wow, that's a beauty! Thanks for sharing!,,,,BD


Any way you could possibly stretch the frame 3-4cm?;)

No matter what, either take a hose to it or use some elbow grease to take those cobwebs away... That's a great looking bike

Not a bad idea. Little spritz of Simple Green here and there on a warm dry day followed by a wash down from a garden hose. Just be really careful cleaning the paint, decals and chrome.

I'd clean it, but just be careful that's all. You won't have any trouble selling it. It appears to be original, and in very good shape. It's gonna look fantastic when you clean it. You might want to consider keeping it. You'll never see another.

Half-step gearing!

That's a heap o' C&V there. My own opinion is that you might indeed get more money for it (on eBay) by doing absolutely nothing to it, and concentrating on photography. A serious collector may well want the satisfaction (and the assurance it wasn't damaged) of doing the cleaning hirself.

That's a heap o' C&V there. My own opinion is that you might indeed get more money for it (on eBay) by doing absolutely nothing to it, and concentrating on photography. A serious collector may well want the satisfaction (and the assurance it wasn't damaged) of doing the cleaning hirself.

Thats some good advice there.^^^^^

So the OP was looking for a value. So what does everyone think?

I'm thinking as is, on ebay, $700-1500. I was originally going to just leave it at $700, but I bet that there is someone out there that really wants a bike like this. Its before my cycling interest and knowledge. Those brake levers alone would fetch some cash. And the brakes, I have never seen before.

Several years ago I sold a Raleigh Lenton Sports of the same era to a collector for $300. It was in near mint condition and original down to the inner tubes. But this Gran Sport is a few levels above that. Under all that dust and grime is one rare bike. And theres some people out there that would love to start cleaning that up, me included, that think the cleaning would be just as exciting as the bike itself.

I'd put it on eBay starting at $200 or so for a week or 10-day long auction. My guess is that it would end around $500 but very well could go over $1000 if the right people caught wind of this.

And knock the cobwebs off, but don't take anything apart. It's a beautiful bike and it'll be interesting to see what comes of it.

That bike is in incredible condition! I agree that at the very least you should vacuum the cobwebs. Be careful with those fenders, as they are prone to cracking very easily. If you ultimately ship this somewhere, you'll need to devise a way to protect them.

Incidentally, the Gran Sport was Sheldon Brown's holy grail as a teenager: http://search.bikelist.org/getmsg.asp?Filename=classicrendezvous.10509.0626.eml. There's a marketing angle for you.

So the OP was looking for a value. So what does everyone think?

Value goes to subforum.

-Kurt

So basically everyone agrees....

I did want to leave it alone, because i know there are hardcore restoration fanatics strictly with raleighs. Im afraid of touching it, the decals are perfect as is. Now shipping, im petrified of hurting those fenders. Theyre near perfect.
I never thought to vacuum the bike, or lightly brush it off.

That's a heap o' C&V there. My own opinion is that you might indeed get more money for it (on eBay) by doing absolutely nothing to it, and concentrating on photography. A serious collector may well want the satisfaction (and the assurance it wasn't damaged) of doing the cleaning hirself.

I agree - you shouldn't attempt to clean it unless you know what you are doing. It's not a wheelbarrow.

I have experience with cleaning bikes, But not with decals this old....

Do not clean it. That bike is a time capsule and any true collector can see that. If I was going to buy it I would not want anyone to touch it except me. I'd be stressing out about the tear-down for packing.

You might use a feather duster or LOW pressure compresed air to blow off the dust. But no water, no cleansers, etc. needed.

That bike is in exactly the type of condition you want to see for that period. It's beautiful.

That's your bike? Then who's bike is this one on this site: http://www.ratrodbikes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&p=242246

That's your bike? Then who's bike is this one on this site: http://www.ratrodbikes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&p=242246

Why should there be any confusion? The user names match, and he even says he is posting it on BF. Only difference is how cocksure he is of making a killing from it.

-Kurt

That's your bike? Then who's bike is this one on this site: http://www.ratrodbikes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&p=242246
That would be mine

TheFlyingDingo

So what the heck is RatRod Bikes site? It looks like a copy site of this forum? Is it a good forum site?

So what the heck is RatRod Bikes site? It looks like a copy site of this forum? Is it a good forum site?
Ratrodbikes is a great site, its more of a Custom Restoration site than original restoration like this site seems to be...

I am starting to enjoy this site alot too, reading about everyones trips on trails, and riding new bikes.

Man that bike would be a blast to clean up and restore! :) DO NOT TOUCH IT! Whoever buys it deserves to get the joy of taking it to perfection. Seriously.

Man that bike would be a blast to clean up and restore! :) DO NOT TOUCH IT! Whoever buys it deserves to get the joy of taking it to perfection. Seriously.
I have prettymuch decided to do so.

I dont know how to bring it on to selling it...
I cannot setup an Ebay account, since i do not have a credit card or checking account

Damn, that's gorgeous. Wish mine had been in that nice a shape when I found it. Then again, I assume you're looking for more than the $3.00 I paid for mine.

Man that bike would be a blast to clean up and restore! :) DO NOT TOUCH IT! Whoever buys it deserves to get the joy of taking it to perfection. Seriously.

Geez, as if its impossible to use bronze wool and work Meguiars Scratch X around decals...

-Kurt

Geez, as if its impossible to use bronze wool and work Meguiars Scratch X around decals...

-Kurt

Jealous much?

How'd you like to trade for a like show room new Raleigh DL-1?

Jealous much?

No. It's a gaspipe frame that isn't my size.

-Kurt

Pretty cool looking bikes but I wouldn't be expecting a windfall. They come up pretty frequently, though not in all original shape like yours (exception: original saddle should be a Swallow B15). The Gran Sports are nice bikes but they were entry level and are pretty heavy. The hard core vintage lightweight crowd I think looks for for something racier. I had one a few years ago, a little nicer shape, and I think I got around $500 for it. I would definitely clean it up a little...paint and decals on those are pretty solid. If you're in it just for the money you'll make more parting it out...NOT THAT I'M RECOMMENDING THAT! I'd clean it up and ride it if it fits. They do look pretty cool when all shined up.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/26/62901552_9d463b9cfc_o.jpg

Here's the original reciept...$114.50 back in 62

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/28/62902348_29ae6d2974.jpg

No. It's a gaspipe frame that isn't my size.

-Kurt

Yea, too bad it's gaspipe. The bike is so cool, with the greatest decals...but it's so heavy it's impractical for a any long rides.

Yea, too bad it's gaspipe. The bike is so cool, with the greatest decals...but it's so heavy it's impractical for a any long rides.

Then explain (I assume you're being sarcastic) why mine served me wonderfully for 600 miles before I swapped the Magneet frame onto it's equipment - before the Magneet got further rebuilt into the 15 speed tourer. Oh yeah, it also has me wondering why it recently got built once again into that Lenton-style retro bike that's going to be my lunch timer errand runner at work.

Just the fact that it's a complete European road bike from back in the days before American discovered that adults could still ride bicycles is enough reason to keep or sell it complete.

Those old Raleigh 'gaspipe' frames are wonderful rides. Mine did a couple of metric centuries, loaded with panniers, while I was getting back into cycling - while I was building up my current stable.

By the way, kudos to the OP for at least being honest as to why he's picking our brains - even if this is in the wrong area.

Then explain (I assume you're being sarcastic) why mine served me wonderfully for 600 miles before I swapped the Magneet frame onto it's equipment - before the Magneet got further rebuilt into the 15 speed tourer. Oh yeah, it also has me wondering why it recently got built once again into that Lenton-style retro bike that's going to be my lunch timer errand runner at work.

Just the fact that it's a complete European road bike from back in the days before American discovered that adults could still ride bicycles is enough reason to keep or sell it complete.

Those old Raleigh 'gaspipe' frames are wonderful rides. Mine did a couple of metric centuries, loaded with panniers, while I was getting back into cycling - while I was building up my current stable.

By the way, kudos to the OP for at least being honest as to why he's picking our brains - even if this is in the wrong area.

+1 And there is, without a doubt, an eager market for this bike.

It's one thing to dislike posts on the forum that only seek an appraisal (and yes, this thread belongs in the appropriate subforum), but it's another thing to deliberately post misinformation or disparaging commentary.

moving to appraisals

moving to appraisals
Oh boy
Sorry!
Was not aware of the Subforum...I didnt know what was meant when it was stated

Thanks for the move

I'd ride it, and any true C&V'r would too.

There's an eager market for Schwinn Stingrays and those don't make any sense to me either. The best thing about this site is how different everyone's interests truly are. I'd have zero interest in this personally and I don't see this going for over $500 on ebay (and that includes shipping). I just can't get very worked up about high tensile steel. I'd rather have a Superbe or Sports as a city bike and it's too heavy to really be a road bike. Nice saddle but it would look a heck of a lot better on something with butted tubing.

Do not clean it. That bike is a time capsule and any true collector can see that. If I was going to buy it I would not want anyone to touch it except me. I'd be stressing out about the tear-down for packing.

You might use a feather duster or LOW pressure compresed air to blow off the dust. But no water, no cleansers, etc. needed.

That bike is in exactly the type of condition you want to see for that period. It's beautiful.

+1. I like to find them nice and grimy. Fun to clean, fun to make beautiful again. Keeps me out of trouble.

Also, tough to afford some of the bikes I get to ride if they were perfect from the seller.

People often price them lower due to a perceived mechanical condition. Often they just need window dressing, versus complete make overs.

If i cant get to selling this thing on ebay,
What other ways is there to sell it?

I doubt i would get the price i want on craigslist

If i cant get to selling this thing on ebay,
What other ways is there to sell it?

I doubt i would get the price i want on craigslist

There are plenty of other venues for selling things, including craigslist, but none will get you nearly the price that eBay will. It's a hassle but if you want the maximum return it's the best way to go.

I think Ebay is the best way to go on very rare items that are going to sell for $1,000 plus, but I'm not sure it's the best way to go on this one, especially when shipping charges are considered. I've done very poorly on Ebay with anything but top end stuff. I honestly don't think your end on Ebay would be over $400 when shipping and fees are considered. I could be totally wrong, but that's my guess. I'd toss it up on CL for $500 and accept any offer over $300. I do not think this is going to get you near 4 figures.

Another thing to consider with Ebay is that you don't have a sales history there...even assuming you want to get an account. I think a lot of people, myself included, would be skeptical of a big ticket item with a no feedback seller.

Judging from some of the replies on this thread you might be best off selling it on this site. You usually get fair offers and you end up dealing with good people who pay on time and where you don't get grief.

They were not many adults riding dee-rail-er bikes in 1962, we can assume. He got $7.00 for his trade in.
I'd rather have it covered in dust than rust. Chris

Well, i would love to get the most out of it i could....

I could use the money for college, and fix my car.

I didnt plan on the bike being worth 4 figures anyhow....
Ill see what i can do for ebay.