Ridire123

Recently saw a bike on Craigslist and it really caught my attention. Hopefully someone here can provide me with some more info on it -- it looks to be in immaculate condition and I'm planning on going to see it in person Monday (hope it fits!!).

Can anyone give me some more info on the bike? Value and year, perhaps? The owner is asking $175 for it.

Thanks in advance!

nlerner

Those style of brake levers date it to around 1974, but the rear hub should be marked with a year/month date code. Looks in very nice condition from that pic. In the Boston market, $175 would be a very fair price, particularly for the 23" frames, which are a bit harder to come by.

Neal

Ridire123

Does this look like a 23"? I'm not very good at eyeballing frames, particularly non-road bikes... If it is, what are the odds of it fitting me at 5'10"? The lady that currently owns it said she road it and she is 5'9", so I was hoping it would fit me as well.

Also, at this vintage, is there any concern about the rear hub? I know on some of the Raleigh 3-speeds they had issues.

Thanks again!

unterhausen

it's not ideal for you, and you can see she's got the seat post most of the way down. Should work for you though

cudak888 

Unquestionably.

If your inseam is 29" or more (30"+ preferable), 23" is the best size Sports available to fit you - the only other option is a 21".

Looks like a standard AW to me, not an S3C or TCW coaster. SW was 1956/7 only. You're fine.

-Kurt

Ridire123

My inseam is between 31" and 32", roughly. I guess I'll know for sure when I ride the bike. I'm also looking at a Schwinn World Tourist, but this Raleigh seems a lot nicer and in better condition.

Appreciate all the help!

cudak888 

My inseam is 32", and I wouldn't dream of riding on anything but a 23" Sports. I've had a few 21s", and hated them. It'll be a perfect fit.

-Kurt

greengage

Not to gush, but this is just an adorable bike--my daughter would kill for his one! The color is great, nice seat, nice saddle bag, tires look good and it just looks so clean. $175 seems very reasonable.

cudak888 

Agreed. I generally wouldn't pay over $100 for a Sports, but I would definitely put $175 down for this Lemon Yellow example. Its a slightly less-common color, and it's virtually perfect, from the looks of things. Well worth the price - though I'd baby it. This is definitely not a grocery-getter, unless your town has zero crime.

-Kurt