Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Raleigh Super Grand Prix - worthy bike?

Hello everyone!

I'm looking at this Raleigh Super Grand Prix 10 speed to buy, and wanted to get more info and advice on it.
http://img2.claspics.com/264/732612/1304803909-784.JPG_m.jpg?1304804265

It looks like it's in pretty good shape and it comes with new tires and tubes, new seat, and new handle bar tape, 700 wheel set.

What level bikes are these and does anyone have the specs? weight? Asking pricing is $230 which sounds a bit steep!

I just got into taking looong bike rides and need a sturdy, lightweight bike that can handle it!

Thanks so much in advance!

Agreed, $230 does sound a bit steep. But it looks like it's ready-to-ride condition. If it truly is and you like the way it rides, offer a little less than $200 and see what happens. Any bike with only 10 speeds, though, is probably not gonna be particularly light. It's probably late 70s/early 80s. This thing will probably be around 25-30 lb.

If it's a 1978, it's 26 lb., which is pretty good for that era.

http://www.jaysmarine.com/TH_Raleigh_Cat_78_8_LG.jpg

Thanks so much for the info! Do you know what years Raleigh made these models?

Well, judging by the writeup, I would say that 1978 was probably the first year for this model. You can look through Raleigh catalogs here (http://www.jaysmarine.com/TH_raleigh_catdata.html) or here (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/retroraleighs/index.html#catalogues).

it looks like a small frame too...if you are gonna take looong rides you need to be sure the frame fits you....

I re-read the OP and see the wheel upgrade. The brakes may have been upgraded as well to a longer reach caliper; another plus.

I've seen claims of Japanese SGPs as early as 1977 http://triplebranch.blogspot.com/2008/05/1977-raleigh-super-grand-prix.html

I own what was (before alteration) the twin to that bike, I also own a 1979 Nottingham built SGP. My Japanese bike is 24 lbs without water bottles and other accessories.

$230.00 might be high for that one unless it's in exceptional condition and fully rideable.

I love my Japanese built bike and I'm currently (slowly) restorng the English one.


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Thanks, Doohickie!

Well, judging by the writeup, I would say that 1978 was probably the first year for this model. You can look through Raleigh catalogs here (http://www.jaysmarine.com/TH_raleigh_catdata.html) or here (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/retroraleighs/index.html#catalogues).


it looks like a small frame too...if you are gonna take looong rides you need to be sure the frame fits you....

I re-read the OP and see the wheel upgrade. The brakes may have been upgraded as well to a longer reach caliper; another plus.

Yeah, I'm 5'4'' and it's 52cm so it should be perfect.

Well, judging by the writeup, I would say that 1978 was probably the first year for this model. You can look through Raleigh catalogs here (http://www.jaysmarine.com/TH_raleigh_catdata.html) or here (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/retroraleighs/index.html#catalogues).

Thanks, I'll be browsing these the next couple hours

I've seen claims of Japanese SGPs as early as 1977 http://triplebranch.blogspot.com/2008/05/1977-raleigh-super-grand-prix.html

I own what was (before alteration) the twin to that bike, I also own a 1979 Nottingham built SGP. My Japanese bike is 24 lbs without water bottles and other accessories.

$230.00 might be high for that one unless it's in exceptional condition and fully rideable.

.

I love my Japanese built bike and I'm currently (slowly) restorng the English one.

What's the difference between the British and Japanese ones?
Which years for the super grand prix were Japanese built?

I've also heard that a couple may have been manufactured from Taiwan... thoughts?

What's a better bike between the Raleigh Super Grand Prix and the Bianchi Brava?

Pics
Bianchi Bravas with Columbus frame tubing (http://lh4.ggpht.com/_dNxi8h53r7s/TciSoCJ73KI/AAAAAAAAI0Q/ISWJ7ClskRw/Picture%203659_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800)
and Raleigh Super Grand Prix (http://img2.claspics.com/264/732612/1304803909-784.JPG_m.jpg).

Thanks!

I love my Japanese built bike and I'm currently (slowly) restorng the English one.

What's the difference between the British and Japanese ones?
Which years for the super grand prix were Japanese built?

I've also heard that a couple may have been manufactured from Taiwan... thoughts?

I don't think any SGPs were Taiwan built, the Japanese bike seems to be higher quality overall with better workmanship and forged dropouts, Th English bike has stamped dropouts but more ornate lugwork.

Also the Japanese bike is on 27" wheels while the English bike is on 700s, the original high flange wheels on the Japanese bike were beyond trashed when I got it so the ones on it now are replacements.

Japanese bike, repainted and decalled and yes the fork is bent and the dork disc is also gone now.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/FORDSVTPARTS/Bikes/DSC03357.jpg

English bike,

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/FORDSVTPARTS/Bikes/DSC04093.jpg

And yes, I'm tall. 6'6" to be exact, the Japanese bike is a 64cm that just fits me as it's set up in the pics and the English bike is a 68cm which is at the upper limit of what I "think" will fit.

We shall see.

That's a beautiful white SGP! Good luck with building up the other one, I'm sure you'll have ppl turning heads when it's finished :)

Thanks again!