eboard17

I just bought this bike and I plan on restoring it for my girlfriend. I paid $60 for it on Craigslist. I think it was a pretty good deal. I dated the bike to be from 1959 from the hub (correct me if I am wrong). There are some questions though that i have about the restoration considering this is my first go at it.

Should I try to keep the bike all original? I believe it is right now. Not too sure if it is. I would like to get chrome fenders for it and also maybe new rims if needed. Does anyone know if there is any possibility for the Brooks saddle (b66?) to be workable again? I also was thinking about getting it re-painted but I kinda like how it is now.

Also, if anyone knows what the best route to restoring it is I would love to have you opinion. Here are some pictures!

Esteban32696

I always try to keep an old bike as original as possible. You will be surprised what a good cleaning & waxing will do.

EjustE

This looks like an early 60s Raleigh Sports with a dynohub.



The frame looks like in very good condition. If I were you, I would take everything apart, clean it, lube it, put it back together and add new cables and chain. I would keep it all original, because any part your throw away will automatically reduce its value by a lot (like fenders) and if you repaint it, the value will be cut in half. At least. Plus it is cool to ride an all original bike with appropriate patina.

Hard to tell about that Brooks. Just a thought: As is it, with little TLC, it will probably bring about $30-40 on the big auction site. A new B72 costs about twice as much (that's the way I would go if I were you).

Great find!

Esteban32696

I don't think it is a dyno-hub. Look at the front hub. The light is probably just a generator powered one. Take a spray cleaner & clean an area of the fender, chainguard, or other. Then apply auto wax, rubbing hard, let dry to a haze & buff . Wax & buff again. This will let you see how the bike will possibly look, after some work.
Search " Proofide " for saddle care.

wrk101

The only thing I would add to this good advice is use some polishing compound to buff up the paint.

Kobe 

I have found that the paint on those older Raleighs to be very tough. After a good cleaning with Simple Green and dish soap I would just touch it up where needed and put a good wax on it.

The rims will clean up with a fine steel wool with a light touch. Changing out the rims will hurt it's value.

Good luck, I hope your girl likes it.

eboard17

So i talked it over with my girl and we both think it would be beneficial for her to have a lighter bike, so I am now trying to sell it. Another thing I found out is that the saddle is not original. It is a 1975 b17 so someone replaced it along the way. I am asking $275 with b17 saddle or $350 with a b66 i picked up for $40. Is this to much or should i be asking more?

Mos6502

I would give you $25 for the bike without the saddle. So how much is the saddle worth?

rhm

Well, you can try, but I think that's too much. In my area I think you could get $150, but fifty miles from here you couldn't get half that.

Ivandarken

Wow... this turned from a good thread to a bad one instantly.

mkeller234

I think RHM is about right, I would say 150 would be fair if it has been cleaned and serviced. I think it's well worth the 60 you paid for it and you should have no problem getting that back out. Ebay might be an option but Raleigh Sports are all over the map there. Some go for way way too much and some sell for pennies.

I will say that your Sports has better decals than some, the later models aren't as interesting to me.

wrk101

This pricing is insane. And you are not in a hot market either. And your upcharge for the seat is out of line as well. $75 more for a seat that has about the same value as the B17 ($40 to $50).

I could get around $150 for that bike here, after it had been fully refurbished. And I live in a better market (but not red hot).

But hey, if you can get it, go for it!