OutnBack

I know the Portage is supposed to be a rare bike, and this one has been altered with non-original bars & stem. Seller claims condition is good, (whatever that means), & these are the only pics I have so far. Any opinions on value as is, & if I went with a more traditional set up? Frame size is 23".

noobinsf 

I think that with this bike, the component choice hurts the value less than it would for a different bike. This bike's appeal and rarity is in its calibration to the 650b wheel size, which has surged in popularity in the past few years. When the Protage was released, few (none?) other bikes used this wheel/tire size in the US market. Now, folks interested in a lugged 650b frame have to do a conversion from a 700c/27" frame or look at more expensive frames.

nesteel 

People are asking crack head prices on the 'Bay. One sold (nicely done non-orignal) for $600.
Mine is among my favorite bikes to ride. 650b is nice, but be aware that the fork clearance maxes out at an actual 41mm tire width.

coolkat

$350+. Even $500 wouldn't be too far out of line (I would never pay it but someone out there might). They're desirable bikes, and you could get an original cockpit for less than $20 around here.

Iowhat

Hi nesteel
I've got a 1984 Raleigh Portage that has original tires on it and I'm looking to buy some new ones. I was wondering what tires you have on your Portage (brand/model/size). The original Raleigh MountainTour tires on mine (made in Taiwan) are labeled as 26 x 1 5/8 x 1 1/2 and 44-584. I measured them with caliper as 38mm. Most of the new production tires are aiming at wider and (fortunately) the "less then 40mm" market seems easier to wade through. I suspect I'll be riding 75% on pavement and 25% dirt/path/trail.
Thanks for any info.

nesteel 

I'm running Panaracer Gravelkings, 1-3/4" (actually measured out at 41mm) You will not be able to run a fender in the front with these. Love these tires on any surface, but they really like crushed limestone/light gravel.

Iowhat

Thanks for the info - I've checked on the Gravel Kings and they may be a slight bit too much, but compared to the original MountainTour tire the tread isn't too far off. I wasn't necessarily planning on running fenders on this bike, but it'd be nice to have the option (I have a 1985 Schwinn Voyageur with 27 x 1.25" Paselas and PlanetBike fenders and there is slim clearance between fender and fork crown).

Iowhat

nesteel
I went ahead and bought the Panaracer GravelKing (not sk) 27.5x1.5. They're really nice. I've been riding at 50psi, so far about 40mi on pavement and 25mi on gravel. I opted for the 1.5" over the 1.75" because I may want to run fenders and these are really close to the original size. I would have picked the GravelKing sk if there was an equivalent 'narrow' size.

The bike is a blast to ride and the gearing is really nice. Next up: switch the 80mmm stem for a 100mm (I've got one from my '85 Schwinn Voyageur), buy a new saddle and bar tape (still has original foam grip in good condition), and figure out my pedal situation (flats, CrankBros to match my mtb, or SPD).

Phil_gretz

No, it isn't. More like 24.5 to 25" to my eye. Would that fit you?