Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - 1972? Raleigh Grand Sports...Carlton workshop...bar end shifters.....

per Sheldon Brown...

Notes:
1. The 531DB Gran Sports built in the early 70's did not have letters in the serial number.

My serial is 0002112 for a 1972 model. I'd appreciate your thoughts and opinions about this bike.

Thanks in advance.....

http://s246.photobucket.com/albums/gg84/thumpick/Raleigh%20grand%20Sports/

Hi Thumpic -
Your bike BTW, is a '73 not a '72 (different decals).

I am very biased (owning one of these myself), but I consider your GS to be one of Raleigh's best bikes ever, and a relative sleeper on the market because not so many people know about them. The geometry and frame provides a very supple yet responsive ride - much like a SC but a little more genteel, owing I think, to the wide-splayed randonneur bars...

The colors (White and "Lagoon Blue") are IMO the most appealing of color combinations, commanding attention but by no means garish.

The aftermarket vintage fenders and the Barcon shifters are very desirable features for many people too ( though personally I prefer DT shifters.)

Do the decals outrank the serial number for "birthday"? It's not really all that crucial I guess, just curious....

This bike is a little large for me; but I'll decide if I can make it work after it's finished. The colors are very nice. From a cursory inspection the paint appears to be in fabulous shape for a 40 year old bike.

Thanks!!

Do the decals outrank the serial number for "birthday"? ...



Insofar as I know, yes. Serial numbering is a little skitzey on Raleighs.

You should post this bike in the main forum with any add'l questions - There are a few members who are VERY knowledgeable in Raleigh.

Do the decals outrank the serial number for "birthday"? It's not really all that crucial I guess, just curious....

This bike is a little large for me; but I'll decide if I can make it work after it's finished. The colors are very nice. From a cursory inspection the paint appears to be in fabulous shape for a 40 year old bike.

Thanks!!

I think a 1972 would have had a script Raleigh decal on the downtube. The decal on yours first appeared in 1973 IIRC. Yours looks almost identical to mine... I've just guessed mine was a 1973. Of course, with Raleigh nothing is really set in stone.

It's a great bike and I would echo what Auchencrow has said.

per Sheldon Brown...

Notes:
1. The 531DB Gran Sports built in the early 70's did not have letters in the serial number.

My serial is 0002112 for a 1972 model. I'd appreciate your thoughts and opinions about this bike.

Thanks in advance.....

http://s246.photobucket.com/albums/gg84/thumpick/Raleigh%20grand%20Sports/

Is that a 23.5" or 24.5" one? Does it have forged dropouts (no separate 'claw' for attaching the rear derailleur)? If so, I'm interested in buying it. It would fill a hole in my group of (too many) Raleighs.... PM me if you want.

This is my favorite Raleigh paint scheme. Great bike, too.

I apologize that I can't add more, but lots of people know lots more about Raleighs here than me.

I have serial # 0022259 on a '73 purchased new, that year, in New Jersey. Exactly the same paint and decals except yours has aged much better. I'm wondering how mine would look in black.