1jas

I have come across an early 1970's 24 in. Raleigh Grand Prix with an extra set of 24 inch tubular rims.
The paint and components are in very good condtion, it still has the original brake levers, brakes, and front derailleur. The rimes and tires on it are not original. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

4Rings6Stars

The 27" wheel version of the Grand Prix is on OK bikeboom 10 speed that, like a Peugeot U-08, will work to get you from point A to point B. However, if you are riding for fun, I suggest something like an 80's Japanese sport tourer with a chromoly frame and aluminum wheels/components. The Grand Prix is a bit of a turd, to be honest with you.

I assume the 24" version is similar, but less common (notice I didn't say rare). That makes it a little more interesting / desirable but I still wouldn't call it collectible. If you have a specific need for an old clunky 24" wheel road bike, by all means buy the thing. However, buying it on impulse because you think it's a gem no es aconsejable.

It's late and I should be studying for a midterm but I'm procrastinating so take my ramblings with a grain of salt...

wrk101

without a price and a budget, no idea. Personally, i would aim higher. But with the right price (super cheap), and a restrictive budget, it works. I have found so many deals on midlevel Japanese bikes from the 1980s that I avoid the entry level bike boom stuff.

OK, I just noticed it has 24 inch wheels? Are you sure? If so, that's a juvenile bike, I would pass.

oldlugs

Raleigh Grand Prix models were entry level bikes. They were a decent bike for the money but they aren't rare and I don't foresee them becoming much of a collectible.
They were decent bikes for the money and were well built. I'd say a step up from say a Schwinn Varsity but very much a bike that did what it was intended to do well. They were lighter than their American counterparts and they were reasonably priced.
The Grand Prix competed with various other steel frame, steel wheel bikes of that era with maybe a slight edge over most in fit and finish and general build quality which was common from Raleigh back in the day.
The paint and decals on that don't look right, I don't recall a light blue and white combination.
Since many of the parts used on those bikes were Raleigh scripted, original parts can be hard to find in nice shape. Especially original rims.

FastJake

Regarding the 24" tubular rims, from what I understand that size of tubulars is pretty much extinct these days so I wouldn't expect the rims to have much collectable value either.

The bike? Ehh... I would not expect to make money on it. But if you are very short or buying it for your son/daughter it might not be bad if you can get it very cheap.

1jas

Hey everyone, thank you for the input.... I did end up buying this (along with an early 81'-82' KHS tri-athlete 56cm bike frame) from an older gentleman whom had it for his youngest son, who now has outgrown it. My true intentions are to restore the Raleigh it to its former glory and have it back on the road again.
I did do research and there is very little info out there on https://sheldonbrown.com/retroraleighs/index.html . I was able to make out the year from the decals described at https://www.theheadbadge.com/ .

I am not expecting to have a huge budget in mind, (+/- $100) just to do an extensive tune up, regrease the bearings, replace the tubes, tires, brakes and cables. The front and rear derailleurs are in good working order. I am considering placing the 24 inch tubular tires on there, however I hear those are $$$ and not easy to find, but with a determined mine, I will find them out.

Here are some more pics of the bike.... and what kinda raises more questions about the Raleigh frame, is where and how its made. Can anyone help me determine this? Thank you once again, your input is greatly appreciated!