Looking for info on Raleigh Team USA
 

Hey guys. I googled the 1985 Raleigh Team USA and found there were 3 different tubing options (555, 531 and 753) but couldn't really find much more info. Based off the color scheme, I'm guessing that they are somewhat rare, but does anyone know anything about how many produced and where (most) were assembled (Tiawan) perhaps? Was there anything "special" about the bike besides the paint scheme? Also (this might get this moved to appraisals, sorry mods) what is typically a fair price to expect to pay for one? I think they are a very cool bike and want to keep my eyes open for one in the future:love: I have to clean out "little China" (my wifes name for our basement) before anything else comes in, so it might be awhile....

Team USA model with 555sl was an entry lever bike for Raleigh USA. They also had the custom frames only that were made in the UK with 555rsl and Reynolds 753. The 555rsl was 531 with Raleigh label. I have no clue how many were made.

Any idea what a fair price is for a frame and fork combo?

Entry Level 531 frame**********?? Huh???
Ok, If I had that bike, especially if I upgraded the components, I'd be looking at $200 minimum. Probably more than that. I'm only hesitating because we're referring to a 531 frame as "entry level".
Mid-level I'm comfortable with, but entry level is freakin me out. Either that or 555 is not equivalent to 531.
EDIT: I re-read this series, is 555 the same as generic double butted chromoly steel? If so, then this whole thing makes sense. I'd stay with my $200 estimate because of the cool paint job and nicer components. But that would not be a firm estimate and I wouldn't go higher. BTW if I owned it, I wouldn't sell it if it was my size.

I am no Raleigh expert, but I believe 555 was a whole range of steels that Raleigh used. I have a Alyeska that is 555T. I believe it is double butted chromo. The sticker looks very much like a Reynolds sticker if you don't look closely. I think abarth was trying to say that 555sl is standard Raleigh tubing for entry level. Not Reynolds. The 555rsl was rebadged Reynolds 531. Then 753 was badges as Reynolds. I imagine they renamed the 531 to Raleigh tubing to make the 753 seem even "better". I hope that helps and I interpreted it correctly.

edit: I think the letters stand for something. I want to say 555T if for touring, 555C is for competition (like Tenax or something maybe?) 555SL is superlight? And 555RSL might be Reynolds-Superlight? I'm just hypothesizing here though. I can't remember if I actually read that somewhere or just invented it.

Contact GMS here on this forum. If he doesn't know it, it's probably not out there. He's probably got one.