I spent the last year or so rebuilding this Rudge Rapide. I've also burnt a fair amount of time trolling the net for another one just for comparison. I haven't found one yet, but I have found a number of very similar Raleigh bikes from the same era. So I guess my question is does this bike have extra value for being a rare model, or is it just a curiosity and probably the same value as a Raleigh in the same condition? Any thoughts?

I judge the bike to be from around 1963. There are very similar Raleigh Lintons, Grand Prix, and Rapides. The frame appears identical to those Raleighs, while the parts are a step down in some cases. The paint was originally a rather nice yellow (preserved on the fork steer tube, not visible).

A secondary question is whether I should return it to its original form (handlebars mainly), how this might affect the value?

The condition of the bike when I found it was low mileage, but it had been poorly stored. There was moderate surface rust overall, and the original paint was unevenly faded and damaged. I reduced the rust overall, but retained the "patina" of the old paint and painted logos. Everything is cleaned and lubed, very ride-able. I see this as an authentic rider, not a museum piece.

The bike was originally set up as a geared upright touring model. I'll have to find my photos from when I first acquired it. Raleigh crank, bars, brake levers, and wheels. Huret derailleurs and shifters. Messinger (sp?) seat. Maybe this bike was made by Raleigh for the french market.



Here's the current form. I decided I wanted it to be more like a Raleigh road bike of the day, so I switched out the saddle, bars, brake levers, and stem. All the replacement parts are wrong for the specific era, but sorta close in appearance at least.