G1nko

Seller is asking $250. The paint/rust situation looks good. It's obviously missing the pump. Looking around on the 'tubes the going price for a bike of this vintage and condition seems to be about $200. Since I'm new to the collecting I'd like to know if it's worth it, or pass? This is a bike I'd like to hang on to, ultimately, not something I'm looking to flip.

auchencrow

It's a beautiful and desirable bike - the more so because of its size, and the 40's vintage.
A lot of people feel that roadsters with rod brakes and full chain cases are at the apex of Brit 3-speed design. Very classic.

I suspect this bike could be in fine condition under that layer of grime, and English chrome usually cleans up very well. Of course, this would be best verified by personal inspection. If it passes muster, then I think this is a very fair price for it.

Be advised though that any old project like this takes a little bit of study, a few specialized tools and a little patience. (Even removing the rear wheel can be a daunting exercise for some.)

randyjawa 

Though hard to tell from the pictures, the bike will likely clean up quite nicely. The asking price is not unreasonable since bikes like the one presented, cleaned up and working well, usually sell for close to $500.00 (my experience with two similar bikes).

You will need to find some British Whitworth tools, or do your best with an adjustable wrench. If I want the bike to keep, I would get a few BW hand tools.

I agree with Auchen. Learn, try a little, learn some more and have fun throughout the whole process. Good luck and hope that the bike is still available.

G1nko

Thanks. You guys are saying what I was thinking. This is my second Raleigh, so I'm very familiar with the need for the Whitworth wrenches. I noticed a few at the local tool consignment shop last time I was there, I think I'll go pick them up. Our nickname for adjustable wrenches is "custom nut stripper." They never seem to do the job.

I'm going to take a look this afternoon. If I buy it, I can put up some better pics.

G1nko

I guess it's worth $200 in it's current state as that's what I ended up paying for it. The picker who found it said it spent the last 50 years in an old warehouse in Worcester.

• The paint looks fantastic under the grime; I don't see any chipping or rust on the frame at all. The pinstriping is almost 100%. The decals mostly look great; the "Made in England" on the top tube is worn, but the rest are great.
• Sturmey hub is stamped 48; serial number on the seat tube corresponds to 1947-48 era.
• Lucas bicycle light, but missing the pump. Wise Lock on the fork, but no key.
• The Brooks saddle had the original Brooks saddle bag hanging by a thread; it fell off bringing it home. I don't know if it's salvageable. There was an original Raleigh service tool inside the bag.
• Handlebar grips are goners.

I guess any "how-to" questions go in the other forum?

auchencrow

Oh man G1nko ! That is sweet.

You ought to post those pics in the main C&V forum along with the gory details (except I would suggest not citing what you paid). A lot of guys there love Brit 3-speeds and this one looks pretty special. Can't wait to see it all serviced and cleaned.

Esteban32696

I, also think that bike will clean up with some scrubbing & wax,,, wax,, wax !!

gmt13

You should have a lot of fun cleaning this one up. I wish I could find deals like this.

-G

Velognome 

Nice! CT seems to have a sizable herd of these just waiting to be liberated. Someday, Ill motivate myself to make the drive north for a little poaching