Joel B.

Hi,

I'm in the market for a new bike. I want something that rides well, is functional, will require little work, and looks good. I live in Toronto. Biking is very popular here, something that is reflected in the bike marketplace. IE: It's difficult to get a good deal.

I have come into what I think may be a good option. It's a Raleigh Competition GS (1979). It has all its original parts, except for tires. Specs on the bike are available here: https://www.sheldonbrown.com/retroral...mpetition.html. As evident in the photo, the bike looks to be in very good shape.

The seller says he'll take $450 for the bike. What are your thoughts? Is this a good deal? And will the fight fit the bill in terms of what I'm looking to get out of it?

P4120021.jpg

bibliobob

$450 would be fair if it were fully overhauled, new tape, etc. As is, $375-400 would be be more reasonable.

Joel B.

The owner didn't mention anything about that in the add. He did, however, say that it had new tires. DO you happen to know what these bikes sell on Ebay generally speaking?

balindamood

Looks likeit needs a chain. I agree with Bibliobob, under $400 as is unless the paint/decals are mint.

Bianchigirll 

that looks like a nice bike but I, I am not a raleigh expert, agree, if you can't hop on that and do 100miles after paying $450 it is too much.

likely he found in Dad's garage or a yard sale put tires on and said "OK it is a Raligh and an old one it must be worth XXXX" and that is how he decided the price. where do you live? does this bike fit you?



that crankset is different.

Picchio Special

Different than what? It looks like the 3-pin Campagnolo alloy cotterless crankset from the catalog, except minus the chainguard?

Joel B.

I live in Toronto. It's really quite difficult to come by bikes here. It's a sellers market. The guy who owns this one also had others posted to Graigslist. He says he's a collector and that this bike doesn't quite fit into his collection. I'm actually not quite sure what size it is or whether or not it would fit me. I should send him an e-mail asking him the size, and seeing if he'd be willing to further drop the price. He was originally asking $500. I offered $410. And he said $450 - and no lower.

Who knows - with all these great tips, maybe I can convince him to drop it. But to be honest I'm quite surprised that people aren't telling me to go out and buy it. It's in great shape - apparently it's from Arizona and has no rust - and the components are top of the line. Plus it's fly.

septacycles

A similar bike sold on ebay recently for $300 plus $100 shipping... https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...=&category=420

Anotherhttps://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...ategory=156524

I think at $400 you maybe paying a bit of a premium for the vintage status... I'm sure it would be a great bike. It will need an overhaul... new cables, tires, tubes, re lube and grease everything. Go take a look at it and see if it is your size... that the most important thing. Bring cash... people are more inclined to accept a lower offer with cash in hand.

Picchio Special

No - the components are not "top of the line" - they're distinctly second-tier (arguably third-tier), which factors into the price.

Michael Angelo 

That's a very nice bike, looks all original. The price is a bit high, for not being overhauled. Spin both front and rear wheels check for rough sounding bearings. Spin the crank by hand feel for roughness and or looseness. If everything feels good then all that needs to be done is a good servicing, new tires cables and a chain. The comp GS rides great and are solid well built bikes, oh and 531 reynolds too.

Joel B.

To everyone that added to this thread: Thanks for the input!

I received an e-mail back from the seller today. He said that it comes with a chain and that it needs 'absolutely NO work.'

The size, though, may be an issue. It's a 58 cm. I'm about 5 9 510 ish. And I'm a lightweight - 140 pounds. Would this size be good for me?

Just to reiterate, the price is $450, not $400.

Knowing all this, that it's in good shape, that it has a chain, do you think it's a decent deal in a sellers market?


sincerely,

rhm

To some degree size is a matter of personal preference. I'd think 58 cm is at the upper end of 'your' size; but it really depends how you feel on it.

Just for laughs, why don't you go into a bike shop and ask them to fit you to a bike. I'm pretty sure they'll fit you to a smaller one (not to mention more expensive). While you're there, make sure they let you ride a 58 cm one. Their 58 cm frame probably won't have the same geometry as the Competition; you'll have a sloping top tube, for example. Then to ride this Competition, and see how that feels in comparison.

septacycles

I'm 5'9... I ride between a 54 to 56... I can ride a 58 but it tall for me and not ideal... I would say the bike in question in not worth $450 to you since it is not the right size.

You can get a good bike for $250 to $400 even in a competative market... you just have to know where to look. Also consider ebay. There are always deals you just need to know how to find them... also if you can learn to do your own repair you could get something that needs some work.

+1 Go to a bike shop and get fitted.

septacycles

was just browsing the toronto... cragislist bikes section...

I see what you mean... I live in a good bike town but your prices seem to be about $50 to $100 dollars more than my market...

I found a good prospect for you https://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/bik/2322307484.html

Peugeot with a leather saddle... looks nice... 56 cm which should fit you better than the 58cm

if its close by I would check out that one

I also found this site... https://www.torontovintagebikes.com/bikes-for-sale.html maybe a good source for a good selection of bikes you can try... looks like they are fully refurbished... which you will pay extra $ for but I think you can do better that the bike inquestion

Picchio Special

Generally, you can get your pick of clean OS-tubed Series Paramounts for $400, and they'll have a better-built frame and better-functioning components. Same with a lot of 80's Trek models.
People talk about 531 frames like they're interchangeable. They're only as good as their builder, and most of the Competition GS's I've seen have been pretty darn sloppy - though not all, and the overall package isn't bad. I just think the pricing on them reflects updraft from folks who want a Raleigh and can't or won't spring for a Pro. As a result, I think they tend to price high for the quality of workmanship and componentry they represent.

Joel B.

To everyone that gave me feed back, Thank you so much! it's invaluable.

I've done a bit more research and came up with some other options. The thread is under this same topic: Four Sexy Bikes - what's a newbie to do?

Please feel free to give me any input. I'd really appreciate it!

Joel B.

Thanks so much for the links. I've done a bit more research and come up with a few more options. I've posted them under the title: Four Sexy bikes - What's a newbie to do? Please let me know what you think - I greatly appreciate the input

wrk101

1. Learn more, with the web, you can become an expert in short order. Good deals do not last long enough in a good market like yours to post: "Is this a good deal?". If it is still available, probably not.

2. Look harder. Look beyond Craigs List: ebay, other local sources, word of mouth. $400 should buy you a really nice bike.

3. Figure out your size. Test ride some bikes, know exactly what you want. Sellers will pretty much always tell you the bike will fit. Only you will know.

4. Once you know all of the above, POUNCE when you see a deal. It will be obvious.