Originally Posted by GCRyder
I'll be the first to admit having tremendous ignorance when it comes to Raleighs of all types. I get the feeling from the OP that what this seller is asking is seen as exorbitant, but no one comes right out and says it.
Perhaps because my musing over the actual bike got in the way of the obligatory price argument
To answer your question though, they are not worth $450, neither are they worth $350, and IMHO, not $250 (although some may disagree on that point). Why? A nice used one shouldn't run you over $150 - even on eBay, and a slightly lesser example $50-75 if you wait enough. That is, provided you are looking at an example with original components, which, while I admit, perform very well (as most of the Japanese components do), are not particularly aesthetically pleasing (particularly the dead-flat silver SR/Raleigh crankarms).
If someone has Nuovo Record'ed one out, however, expect to see much more expensive prices, for only THEN do you have a nice frame with components that elicit considerable snob appeal, not to mention expense.
Originally Posted by USAZorro
The frames are too large for 90%+ of the bike riding public. The componentry, while NOS, is worth nowhere near $450.00. For someone who fits the bike, $450.00 is not a terrible deal - but I just don't see a large market for these things.
John, note that his ad says both 58 and 63cm models. I'm not backing him up by any means, but the un-built model shown in the photo is unquestionably in the 58cm range, not the 63cm range. The built one in his original post on the Chicago CL showed one of the 63's, but if I recall correctly, failed to mention the taller size as being available, only the 58s.
Pity that this @$$ has them - I wouldn't mind one of these myself if I had those red Bluemels fenders on hand.
Take care,
-Kurt