Bikedued

This could get crazy, $610 with 8 days left. I was going to not say anything and bid, but it's WAY past my range already. Oh well, maybe I'll get one some day. My size, except for the price.,,,,BD


https://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Raleigh-...QQcmdZViewItem

Ex Pres 

Beautiful bike (save for the DD)


You did note that the $610 still had not met reserve.

Bikedued

DD? And yeah, but I have a feeling it will soon.,,,,BD

divineAndbright

Dork Disk? Thats kinda surprising to see, not to mention the reflectors..!

Bikedued

Oh gotcha. Not original either, after seeing the ad. The owner probably added it.,,,,BD

stronglight

I'd guess $1,500 will be the final price... $2,000 if the frame were smaller. The components which appear to be excellent condition could easy part-out for $500-$750, so not a bad price when you consider this bike has been has been essentially "preserved" for 30 years. ... And, a current crappy aluminum Cannondale with little future value and basic 105 or Ultegra components may run $1,500 or $2,000 today.

To put things in further perspective, a comparably excellent original condition Jaguar XKE British sports car from the 70s, which had originally sold for perhaps $6,000, might now sell for $60,000.

This bike originally sold for $600 in 1976. So, what "should" it really be worth?

Personally, I'm just living in the past and I find it difficult to spend a lot on my bike purchases. But, what to me may seem like very high prices are probably quite reasonable. Just a restoration re-paint for that bike might cost $800, so whatever it sells for is probably still a bargain.

Rabid Koala

A few years back there was a guy who was selling Raleigh Professionals of that vintage new in box for about $2000. They DID have dork discs and I think also had a front chain guard.

CardiacKid

Just deleted from my watch list.

cputman

Dork Disc and reflectors were original stock (thanks CPSC...), if I were taller it would be SO mine, then again so would Courtney from high school....

luker

wow. this is my pro...save the dork disk. even the same weird chainring sizes. You mean to tell me it is worth $2k?



I don't care. It ain't for sale.

USAZorro

You're 6'8" and ride a bike without tires?

ridethecliche

I like my current 'crappy aluminum Cannondale with little future value and basic 105 or ultegra components' thank you very much. I bought the bike because I want to ride it and race on it, not because I want to sell it 30 years down the road.

Kommisar89

Holy Moly! The 69-ish one at the nearby LBS is still there. I'm not sure what the guy would take for it. It does have the one issue that somebody previously removed the Record downtube shifters and had cablestops brazed on in their place and added Suntour barcons. It appears to be very professionally done but not original (at least I don't know of any that came that way). Otherwise it seems to be all original and in excellent condition. I'm not positive about the year - the top tube decal says "Professional" and the downtube says "Raleigh" but the seat tube decal is a red decal that just says "Carlton" with no crest or emblems or anything which doesn't match the pictures I've seen. The LBS owner said the bikes original owner would like to buy it back from him but might not have the cash. I would not stand in the original owner's way if he wants it back but if not I'm going to shoot some pictures and post a thread to get an idea of value.

CardiacKid

When I was 19, I was really proud of my modern Schwinn Varsity with the cool stem shifters and suicide brakes. Relax, I don't think that comment was directed at you. However, if you really want to get into a debate on whether a CAAD 9 is better than a Raleigh Pro, I suggest you do it in the Road Forum, where the odds will be a little more in your favor.

Bikedued

If I could sell 15 bikes in the next eight days, I might be able to afford it, lol.,,,,BD

luker

nah. it is a conventional 56. I was generalizing.

USAZorro

Whew. I was afraid you had that disease where you never stop getting taller.

ridethecliche

Didn't say better. Just said I liked it. Better is subjective, like is not.

That being said, I just bought an '84 Trek 760 with suntour superbe because I can appreciate the classic stuff.

Point is, anyone can find a CAAD9 to buy, but only one person is going to have the chance to relive their childhood or buy that bike they always wanted. Bikes are beautiful machines in general, no matter what they are. Certain ones just have a certain appeal for certain people. A bike from the 70's in that condition is pretty fantastic.

I appreciate whatever gets you excited and riding.

stronglight

Your new bike is of course lighter, faster, smoother shifting, making it above all, well suited to your particular needs. And, I happen to think that is great! - I am definitely NOT in favor of buying any bikes for their potential investment value. ~ I am in your camp regarding why any bike should be purchased - i.e. "To Ride!"

Personally, for exactly that reason, I wouldn't spend even $800 on the Raleigh, since I would probably seldom ride that, or any other vintage RACING bike, whether a Masi or a Confente or whatever. But, I do think MOST vintage bikes, even on eBay, do sell for what should really be regarged as BARGAIN prices, considering they are limited in number and steadily disappearing either into "collections" as wall hangers or just turning to rust in damp basements.

My point was just that, like it or not, it is more difficult to find a near mint condition bike made 30 years ago, than running down to the LBS to buy a brand new. To me the rarity of any once top quality bike which has been stored or maintained so well and for so long until it is finally available to someone who appreciates such a bike, makes it understandably worth what some people may consider an excessive amount... at least, to those who are seeking such rarities, for whatever their reasons. I just hope it actually gets to see many miles on the road, rather than sitting beautiful but idle for the next 30 years.

Bikedued

Yes but it seems to me you want to sell off all the components from that Trek? You seem overly obsessed with the collector value of the components, rather than how well they function or how cool they are. If I had a bike that had a set of Suntour Superbe, you could bet it would be staying on the bike.,,,,BD


And an 84 Trek is pale by comparison to a Raleigh Professional, no matter the circumstances. 531 Treks are nice, but there's a reason this bike is so high in price so early in the auction.

ollo_ollo

Have to agree that the final price will likely be in the $1500-$2000 range but its not for me. During the previous 5 years, I have seen a few Raleigh Professionals in good to great condition sell in the $500-$800 range but none were close to "unridden" condition.

Rabid Koala

If I were really obsessed with getting one I'd likely go for it. Happily, I have one-a frameset I purchased for about $300 and built up with my own components.

I wouldn't have to pay the shipping on this one, as Ramona is about 30 miles east of where I live.

I'm watching but not bidding!

luker

The pro is one of the vintage bikes that I ride regularly. It is very comfortable for me, and I wouldn't hesitate to do a century on it as long as it didn't go too up. There is something about that bike; not just my imagination.

luker

so...did they all come with 51 tooth chainrings?

well biked

I've got an International, I know the angles are more relaxed on it than the Pro, but how does the build quality usually compare between the two? I really like my International, but the build quality is kind of sloppy. Did the Pros usually have good build quality? Does the time period make a big difference? I've tentatively got a Pro on my wish list-