1952 Rudge Pathfinder. worth $275?
 

I don't have any photos to share, but it is supposed to be a reynolds framed 1952 Rudge pathfinder-- I am thinking this would be perfect for my husband, and so somehow I need to convince my husband that he needs this bike! Anyone have experience, too, with how they ride?

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/bik/1751381928.html

Hard to say without photos. I'm sure it's a very cool bike (I'm partial to Rudge), but it sounds small. How big is your husband? What kind of riding would he do? It would be great for a leisurely pedal in flat areas for a few miles, but less than ideal for fast, long, or hilly riding. If it were my size and in Chicago, I'd probably buy it, return it to 3 spds, and use it for stylish riding in the neighborhood.

Best of luck to you.

A $275 three speed where the gearing doesn't work? I think not.

The ad says the gearing works but is not hooked up. That would be certainly something I would check before buying. I have a cable, so that is no big deal.

Well, it's not your run of the mill 70s 3 spd. It might be something more like this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dMbk7gd0lI

or this:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/obgbikes/3480989615/

I'd leap at either of those for $275. People pay $175 for Suburbans and Varsities in these parts. The biggest questions are size, use, and ability to wrench. Can the OP's husband do the work himself or would he have to pay the LBS a few hundred to overhaul and source parts? A lot more info. is needed before deciding one way or the other.

The internals of a Sturmey hub are often the least thing to worry about. Probably disconnected by virtue of a snapped cable, no more.

$275 sounds steep, but not if it's near mint. If it's a polychromatic paint scheme that's flaking to show silver undercoat, $200 and below range - less and less depending on the amount of silver. If paint and decals are intact though, and everything is there, $250 wouldn't be a bad price. All depends on condition, and it's very hard to judge without a photo. Can't the seller email you some?

That "restoration" is laughable. Most of the "restorations" on the bikes in that photostream are laughable, for that matter.

-Kurt

I wholly agree, but I also think this might be a bit of a special bike, and if the frame size is small, that might be all the better for my 5'8"-5"9" ish husband. I have been getting friendly with my 3 speed Raleigh DL-1, so I am not completely helpless in wrenching-- husband has no interest in helping in this project, so it is all me. But then again, I own all the tools too, so that works out. I also have access to a coop with more tools too, so that is good as well. I did email for pictures, but so far no response. I probably need to call.

By all means, call them. If the fire doesn't want to start, add a bit of charcoal. ;)

-Kurt

The Pathfinder would be a major score to me also and you are right. that it is a special bike. If you have room and the resources consider getting him a 70's Raleigh Sports and keep that gem for yourself.