Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Score! 70's? Raleigh Super Course. How lucky am I? PIC HEAVY *Modern content warning!

I've been waiting for my new frame all week. It finally arrived today!

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4098/5432849046_c29692928a_m.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/embreyart/5432849046/)
2010 Specialized Allez (http://www.flickr.com/photos/embreyart/5432849046/) by Mr. Embrey (http://www.flickr.com/people/embreyart/), on Flickr

During the build I cut my rear brake cable too short, so I ended up making a trip to the bike shop. While there I noticed a nice dirty old bike hidden in the corner. I took a look at it and said "That's a nice old bike." The owner said "You want it?" I said "Sure, if you don't."

What did I end up with? Looks like it's all original. Is there any way to revive the hardened Brooks? I'm not sure how to date these old Raleighs. What could it be worth? Looks like about a 55-56cm but I haven't measured yet. Too big for me.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/5432836140_24a6599a76.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/embreyart/5432836140/)
1973? Raliegh Super Course (http://www.flickr.com/photos/embreyart/5432836140/) by Mr. Embrey (http://www.flickr.com/people/embreyart/), on Flickr

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5052/5432836992_ab9a750fe6.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/embreyart/5432836992/)
1973? Raliegh Super Course (http://www.flickr.com/photos/embreyart/5432836992/) by Mr. Embrey (http://www.flickr.com/people/embreyart/), on Flickr

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/5432227425_478bf4047f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/embreyart/5432227425/)
1973? Raliegh Super Course (http://www.flickr.com/photos/embreyart/5432227425/) by Mr. Embrey (http://www.flickr.com/people/embreyart/), on Flickr

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5132/5432229221_c57803f8e9.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/embreyart/5432229221/)
1973? Raliegh Super Course (http://www.flickr.com/photos/embreyart/5432229221/) by Mr. Embrey (http://www.flickr.com/people/embreyart/), on Flickr

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4082/5432840690_e5b3d55288.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/embreyart/5432840690/)
1973? Raliegh Super Course (http://www.flickr.com/photos/embreyart/5432840690/) by Mr. Embrey (http://www.flickr.com/people/embreyart/), on Flickr

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5214/5432841538_1044183c06.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/embreyart/5432841538/)
1973? Raliegh Super Course (http://www.flickr.com/photos/embreyart/5432841538/) by Mr. Embrey (http://www.flickr.com/people/embreyart/), on Flickr

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4098/5432234661_973f222243.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/embreyart/5432234661/)
1973? Raliegh Super Course (http://www.flickr.com/photos/embreyart/5432234661/) by Mr. Embrey (http://www.flickr.com/people/embreyart/), on Flickr

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4154/5432846908_640e339f99.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/embreyart/5432846908/)
1973? Raliegh Super Course (http://www.flickr.com/photos/embreyart/5432846908/) by Mr. Embrey (http://www.flickr.com/people/embreyart/), on Flickr

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/5432847814_4af41aaafe.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/embreyart/5432847814/)
1973? Raliegh Super Course (http://www.flickr.com/photos/embreyart/5432847814/) by Mr. Embrey (http://www.flickr.com/people/embreyart/), on Flickr

Wow, very very very nice score. You must have an excellent relationship with your bike shop, they could have sold this for some big bucks.

If you were to get rid of the surface rust on the components, I think you could sell that bike for at least $500, it appears to be in great shape. You might be better off to leave the Brooks as it is since whoever is buying the bike will know that it is original to the bike. There are ways to refurbish a Brooks but it is time consuming and will be part of the fun for the new owner.

Here is Sheldon Brown's Raleigh page with catalogs, I am sure you can find yours in there

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/retroraleighs/

Thanks for the link.

Btw, The owner is a buddy of mine. I don't think he digs vintage bikes that aren't his size. This is the 3rd old bike he's hooked me up with either cheap or free.

Find the bike in the catalog and include that in your classified ad. Take lots of clear photos of the bike against a white garage door and describe it as a "garage queen", a bike that has been sitting in a garage, unridden, for years (as that is what it appears to be, perhaps your buddy can tell you a bit more about it). Depending on how comfortable you feel, you might even want to go the eBay route.

Buy your buddy dinner once the sale is clear.

I can't find it. 69-73 are all about the same, but none appear to have the Carlton sticker on seat tube. Any ideas?

looks like it's a 57(ish)cm c-c 22.5"

I can't find it. 69-73 are all about the same, but none appear to have the Carlton sticker on seat tube. Any ideas?

Post your question in this thread, it is a new one started today about a Raleigh International:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/712535-I-love-this-color!

Thanks

I would say the bike is worth $250-$300 maybe $350. People really like Raleighs and the Brooks saddle is a big plus. You will do well with some cleaning though and polishing some of that rust off. Nice pictures and accurate description would maximize profits.

+1 buy him dinner or at least nice beer.

I JUST missed out on a Super Course locally but it wouldn't have been as good a deal as yours.

Fantastic luck you have there.

Very nice score , I paid 50 dollars for mine (similar condition) and it's a couple years newer. Could yours be a '73?

http://www.jaysmarine.com/1973raleighcat_09_lg.jpg

Sweet. I puts my Raleigh USA Super Course to shame. Your bike is high art in comparison.

Very ... Could yours be a '73?

http://www.jaysmarine.com/1973raleighcat_09_lg.jpg

Looks like it, thanks

As is my style, I'm selling it to a guy for $50. I like to pass along my good deals if I can. I'd rather not start another project right now.

....Fantastic luck you have there.

Karma :)