Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - 1981 Raleigh Competition GS Valuation Please (classic or beater?),

Hi C&V,

after reading about drop vs. flat bars, I got this bike as a rainy/windy day drop bar commuter. After cleaning it up, I am having second thoughts. I am wondering how much it is worth and should I be looking for a different drop bar beater?

I think the bike is 1981 model year with Reynolds 531 fork & frame and mostly 1980 Campagnolo Gran Sport parts, Modolo Speedy brakes, Sunshine hubs, Avocett racing III saddle. Tires and chains were replaced as they look a bit rough. I also switched out the narrow 6 speeds Suntour for a regular 5 speeds SunRace. Friction shifters are new to me and I find the 5 speeds is a little easier.

Thanks for your inputs,

http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee477/cyberphat/Raleigh%20Competition%20GS/IMG_0614.jpg

http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee477/cyberphat/Raleigh%20Competition%20GS/IMG_0588-1.jpg

http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee477/cyberphat/Raleigh%20Competition%20GS/IMG_0618.jpg

http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee477/cyberphat/Raleigh%20Competition%20GS/IMG_0603.jpg

http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee477/cyberphat/Raleigh%20Competition%20GS/IMG_0620.jpg

http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee477/cyberphat/Raleigh%20Competition%20GS/IMG_0619.jpg

http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee477/cyberphat/Raleigh%20Competition%20GS/IMG_0617.jpg

http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee477/cyberphat/Raleigh%20Competition%20GS/IMG_0615.jpg

I an not a big Raleigh girl but I think if I had time and money I would look for a different rain bike. unfortunately that is a problem alot of us have. we buy a bike thinking it will be a rain bike, overhaul, clean and reubuild it and suddenly it is as nice as the rest of our bikes. now we need another beater.

I don't think I'd treat that machine as a beater. It's not the top of the line, but it's quite nice. If I really needed a beater, I'd sell this one, buy a real beater, and pocket the savings.

But I probably wouldn't sell it, if it were mine.

OK, thanks for your inputs Bianchigirll and Zumkopf.

Does it worth $300 - $400 range?

OK, thanks for your inputs Bianchigirll and Zumkopf.

Does it worth $300 - $400 range?

That would be about right - I would keep it if I were you though (and replace those calipers with some less flexy ones with some Koolstop pads).

That would be about right - I would keep it if I were you though (and replace those calipers with some less flexy ones with some Koolstop pads).

I am considering keeping this bike for sunny day commute. I am a newbie at restoring and maintaining "old" bike. Do you have any suggestions for calipers?

Thanks,

I am considering keeping this bike for sunny day commute. I am a newbie at restoring and maintaining "old" bike. Do you have any suggestions for calipers?

Thanks,

I would consider Tektro Dual Pivot Caliper road bike Brakes, in silver anodizing for that bike.
They are recommended by many as a more modern and much improved design for braking - but they would look good on your bike.

I have purchased other Tektro brakes and have been very satisfied.

I would consider Tektro Dual Pivot Caliper road bike Brakes, in silver anodizing for that bike.
They are recommended by many as a more modern and much improved design for braking - but they would look good on your bike.

I have purchased other Tektro brakes and have been very satisfied.

Thanks for the recommendation auchencrow, nice brakes and affordable too. obviously, I should be replacing levers too. Question, new levers have black hoods and I am considering new bar tapes. What bar tape colour would go well this this combo?

Thanks,

I'm not so sure you'd NEED to replaced the levers, but for aesthetics perhaps you'd want to. Are you in Winnipeg per chance? That bike looks familiar ...

I'm not so sure you'd NEED to replaced the levers, but for aesthetics perhaps you'd want to. Are you in Winnipeg per chance? That bike looks familiar ...
I have been wanting to change the hood to newer rubber but the cost just doesn't make sense. Since I am changing calipers, I may as well changing levers. I am a little concern that the bike won't have that "old" look after the refresh. But it will stop on a dime :)

I am way out West.

Thanks,

What bar tape colour would go well this this combo?


I dont know if you can go wrong with black bar tape. Heres how I did mine up.

207215