Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - 1973 Raleigh Grand Sports

http://memphis.craigslist.org/bik/2591978805.html
Any thoughts on value of this bike linked above?
I'm looking for a bike to ride, not a restoration project.
I'm also considering a new Surly Cross Check, or Raleigh Clubman.
Looking for a light tourer/commuter. I'll be using it to commute to work 7 miles, and for weekend trips to nearby parks, camping out, so I will need at least a rear rack.

I could swing the cost of the new bikes, but am always looking for a deal too.

Thanks.

That bike is too good for duty as a commuter. Get a Cross check or Clubman instead!

These early GS's are scarce and getting scarcer - and the dbl butted 531/Zeus frames are especially desirable.
- This particular bike had the lovely randonneur bars replaced with mustache bars - not such a good swap IMO but the latter will afford a more upright riding position if that is your preference. It appears that it has Blumel fenders - worth half the asking price by themselves (if you can find them).

These bikes have wonderful ride characteristics, and are essentially International clones less the chrome lugs -(but with a Carlton white/lagoon blue color combo that seems quite a decent tradeoff). Have you seen the asking prices on eBay for Int'ls lately?

I like your response Auchencrow, very humorous! If you go to the link to his photos within the link above, he has more pics, and has the original drop bars that came with the bike, for an extra $100.

I looked around at the International Raleigh's, nice stuff. I'll test ride it this weekend and report back.

I would copy over the pics, but probably copyrighted.

I like your response Auchencrow, very humorous! If you go to the link to his photos within the link above, he has more pics, and has the original drop bars that came with the bike, for an extra $100.

I looked around at the International Raleigh's, nice stuff. I'll test ride it this weekend and report back.

I would copy over the pics, but probably copyrighted.

Mello - My response was not intended to be humorous - The GS really is a very special bike, and you really should not beat it to death as a commuter.

I can speak with authority in saying it is a fab ride, because I own the very same model (sans fenders). If I were you, and were interested in owning a C&V gem, I would not wait for the weekend to check it out.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh117/auchencrow/Raleigh%20Grand%20Sports/GrandSports007a.jpg

Nice specimen Auchen. How much of an overhaul should I expect to have in a 30 something year old bike like this? I guess this depends on the bike of course. The owner says he has NOS (new old stock) rear cassette. I'm not a collector yet.... emphasis on yet, just looking for a fun bike to ride to work, and maybe do light touring. The Raleigh Grand Sports has been ridden, so it should run fine.

On another note, I also found a few old Raleigh Sprite's on ebay, two bidding tomorrow, but have no way to test them, they would be exact size needed based on what I know from measurements for me and my wife in matching colors...... all very romantic, but not so romantic if the derailleur locks up in traffic. Here's one currently on ebay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Late-70s-Raleigh-Sprite-mens-bicycle-very-very-nice-shape-/330613127772?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4cfa13fa5c#ht_945wt_1398
Looks like they've set up for a long time, so I imagine they will need major tune up.

Mello -
The Sprite is a good bike, but low end. The GS is a far far better machine.

Regardless of what old bike you buy. plan on servicing all of the bearings and tires immediately. If you do not address the former, you risk damaging the bike. If you do not address the latter, you risk damaging your face. It costs very little to do these things yourself and there are lots of information sources in the web on "how to". Generally cable housings need to be replaced also, along with the cables. I'd recommend stainless. You adjust the derailleurs at the same time. If your derailleur is badly bent of grossly maladjusted, they can send the chain into the spokes of onto the axle, but apart from this derailleurs do not normally "lock up" of their own accord.

Check out sheldonbrown.com (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/) and the Park tool website. My ten speeds (http://www.mytenspeeds.com/My_TenSpeeds_1/) is another good resource.

Auchen-
Thanks very much for the leads and run down on basic service needed. Trying to get a chance to see the GS, but having trouble scheduling, looks like Sunday.... I had looked at an old Trek 620, it remains in the running besides the new bikes- Raleigh Clubman & Sojourn, Bianchi Volpe, Kona Sutra, etc.

Matthew

Auchen,
Nice looking GS. That RD does not look very Simplex like, what is it? I just scored a Sachs Huret New Success Touring FD/RD combo on Ebay U.K. for $10. IF my plastic fantastic ever fails, I'll be prepared. Brett

Auchen,
Nice looking GS. That RD does not look very Simplex like, what is it? I just scored a Sachs Huret New Success Touring FD/RD combo on Ebay U.K. for $10. IF my plastic fantastic ever fails, I'll be prepared. Brett

It's a Suntour Vx, Brett.
I like Simplex DRs (if they're intact) but the Vx and its variants are one of my favorites.
So too are the grossly underrated parallelogram Hurets. You did incredibly well on your New Success DRs!

I'd hit that GS on craigslist if it were local. That is one of my favorite paint jobs on any bike. Absolutely beautiful, and that one is in good shape.

Seller had sold the original seat, and would not sell the original pump, rear derailleur was slipping a lot, bike a little small for me, so I passed.... feel free to contact him and see if he will ship if anyone's interested.