lakeboy

Newbie here. I am waxing nostalgic for the bikes of my youth. My favorite ride was a Raleigh Pro, 1976 vintage. First question, is if I could find one, any idea what a decent condition bike like this would cost? Second question is, where to look? I see one on Ebay right now, but am not familiar with the whole vintage bike market, and where the trades are happening. Any advice appreciated. Wish I held on to that one.

jan nikolajsen 

The early seventies ones with mostly original parts go for $800-1000 and up on eBay. I want one too, and sooner or later when the right color/size/condition bike comes up I'll be ready to spend the money.

wrk101

Finding any particular single model, in a specific size, is normally quite difficult. And usually means you will have to have the bike shipped at additional expense. Use the various Craigs List searching tools, Google and ebay.

But since you have one identified on ebay right now, you might be well served to put in your maximum as a snipe bid, realizing if someone beats your snipe bid, its because they value the bike more than you. Do a little soul searching on what it is worth to you, market value really doesn't matter much. Bid too low, and you may regret it later. Raleigh Professionals go for quite a bit (+1 on Jan's price estimate). A really nice one sold on ebay a couple of days ago for almost $1400.

If it is the bike you have to own, and it fits in your budget, get ready to pounce. The price on this model is just going to go higher in the years to come.

Esteban32696

Search all of " Craigslist." Prices for the same bike can vary a lot according to the location. Good luck.

https://www.allofcraigs.com/

dudeona3V

The Raleigh Pro, in particular, can be tricky to buy remotely. The workmanship, especially in the later marks, can be inconsistent and often downright sloppy. I got my '74 when I was in my teens and it wasn't until many years later—when I became more atune to what makes good craftsmanship—hat I noticed how poor the welds and filing were. That doesn't mean it didn't ride well. It did and up until it suffered irreparable damage in crash last year, it was one of my go-to rides. I've also seen other examples where the quality rivals a handbuilt or fine Italian marque so I suppose it all depends who was working Quality Control that day. In any case, it's a good idea not to go by the crappy CL photos and ask for large detailed photos of all the lugwork, brazing, etc. ...or just buy a Ron Cooper or Bob Jackson instead.

lakeboy

The one I was watching on Ebay sold last night for $1,000.

ScottRyder 

I paid $1,100 for mine last year and I haven't regretted it for one second. All original and mint condition, it a lovely ride and stunning to just look at during the winter months.



Scott

lakeboy

Very nice looking. I'll have to keep looking for another one. Should have moved on that one last week. Oh well.

jfmckenna

Some one is selling one on the Serotta forums right now in size 63. It's a '74. Just the frame and fork.