Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Found a (1974?) Raleigh Sports

Don't know much about English 3 speeds & maybe paid to much.
($50.00/U.S.)
I do know that after just airing up the tires & taking her for a spin that it's one of the most comfortable bikes I've ever owned...She's a keeper.

Want to get it running like new,maybe even look for a generator/headlight,
but keep most of the patina.
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh130/jitterymonkee/bicycles/P7110165.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh130/jitterymonkee/bicycles/P7110176.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh130/jitterymonkee/bicycles/P7110175.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh130/jitterymonkee/bicycles/P7110177.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh130/jitterymonkee/bicycles/P7110174.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh130/jitterymonkee/bicycles/P7110171.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh130/jitterymonkee/bicycles/P7110172.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh130/jitterymonkee/bicycles/P7110166.jpg

The saddle might be worth what you paid for the complete bike. I haven't ridden one of these, but they get nothing but high marks from owners that have posted here.

I saw one several months ago and picked it up to check the weight. Probably between 40 and 50 lbs. easy. But lightweight isn't the point with these 3 speeds. They were built like tanks to withstand daily commuting over rough roads. From what I've read on the subject, these were the bikes many that worked at Raleigh actually rode and they took great pride in producing a dependable, comfortable bike that would take everything you could dish out at it.

I might buy one someday if I find one in really nice condition. It would be a blast to ride in the park or on gravel trails.

Enjoy your new ride. Take special care when addressing the corrosion on the chrome. Be gentle and you should get nice results.

Looks pretty good from the pictures. If it's the right fit, it's a great catch. For tires and tubes (looks like it could use new tires), you can't beat these deals online...

http://www.niagaracycle.com/product_info.php?products_id=12237

http://www.niagaracycle.com/product_info.php?products_id=12553

http://www.niagaracycle.com/product_info.php?products_id=10010

You can try black shoe polish on the saddle ... the "old school" way ... just pre-test it before riding on it with khakis.

Try to use some type of liquid rust remover and metal polish instead of steel wool if you can. Wet and soapy Brillo pad if no other alternatives.

If everything is in order mechanically, don't think you overpaid at all.

Thanks guys,
Really like riding this one & want to clean it up right.

I'm thinking about trying Panaracer Cul de la Vie tires... A bit pricey,
but I don't mind spending a little more time & money on this bike.

Also looking into the best way to clean the rims & all the chrome up.
The aluminum foil & water method sounds funny, but since it's cheap &
I've got plenty of rusty chrome parts laying around (Ohio/Heart of the "Rust Belt")
it's worth a try.:D

You'll want to use a mild acid (lemon juice or vinegar are good) with the aluminium foil, not water. It sounds funny, but it really does work.

Leave the saddle be. NO shoe polish. Just my opinion, but the patina of the leather is awesome. Just buy some Brooks Proofide and rub it on. Make certain to coat it underneath as well and you'll be fine.

I own a Schwinn Letour, 1974 that has the original Brooks B15 on it, and the color has aged wonderfully. I'd never dream of making it look newer.

Nice find. You just need a little WD-40 and #0000 steel wool and you can get that surface rust right off. Just wipe it down with a cloth after scrubbing it with the WD and you got a brand new looking bike

Leave the saddle be. NO shoe polish. Just my opinion, but the patina of the leather is awesome.

Actually, Kiwi brown shoe polish would be better than black. Black shoe polish might be a little too "old school". It did work well "back in the day" when that bike was new.
Brooks Proofride sounds like it may be worth a shot.

the link ....
http://www.brooksengland.com/en/Shop_ProductPage.aspx?cat=spareparts+-+maintenance+products&prod=Proofide+40g+Tin

Thanks again for all the advice.

Aluminum foil is working great!
Tried lemon juice & then switched to WD-40. Will post some pictures when done.

Planned on not messing with the saddle. Went for a ride after getting out of the pool & noticed my wet swim trunks made the leather much darker.
Probably use some sort of leather treatment on it & leave it alone.

My son broke one of the leather straps on the saddle bag. They were pretty dry & brittle from hanging upside down in the PO's garage for years (look at them tires) so I'm not that mad at him.:D
Who sells a nice canvas/leather bag that looks good on these old Raleighs?
&
I'm trying to decide on which 650A tires to get....
Schwalbe delta cruisers in creme or white wall.
Panaracer Cul de la vie's
Michelin World tours

The cost is not as important as how they'll ride or look on my Sports.
I'm leaning toward the Panaracers, but they seem hard to find & those Creme colored Schwalbes might look pretty dang good with the coffee colored frame & fenders.