I found this earlier this afternoon, posted by "Chuckk", a member here...

http://chuck.kichline.com/bikes/rgp/rgp.htm

The one I'm looking at looks JUST like this one... and I agree with Chuckk, it sure is a pretty bike! Here's the description from the owner of the one I'm looking at:

"Beautiful Raleigh Gran Prix. 60cm American made (Kent, Washington) lugged cromoly steel frame, with excellent red paint, and shiny brilliant chrome. Fully sloping fork crown. 12-Speed with Shimano drivetrain and Dia-Compe brakes. Bike comes refurbished which includes cleaning the frame, adjusting all bearing surfaces, true wheels, complete lube and tune. New cables and housing. New tires and tubes. New bar tape. Nice specialized saddle. This bike is tight , light and looks right."

I can probably get it for a few bucks under $300. Comparatively he's also offering a '73 Super Course with the same refurbishing that he's done to this Grand Prix... and is asking $320 for it.

I'm in a location where there ARE no vintage bikes around... so I'm going to have to drive 3 hours to look at these bikes and make a decision. The SC has a Suntour Cyclone drivetrain and Weinmann centerpull brakes and levers.

Thoughts? Preferences?

Thanks for the replies.

Gary

p.s. Oh, and then there is a '85 Trek 400 that is "cherry" that has been refurbished with new cables, lube, tuning, etc. that I can get for $250. It won't be ready until next week sometime (I can get either of the Raleighs tomorrow if I want)... should I wait on that one instead? Arrggghhhhh, I hate being a newbie!! :-)