Sorry! Can't Decide! Advice? WIW? (Raleigh content)
 

Oh futz. I just cannot make up my mind. So I will come back and ask for advice again! Thanks for your patience. (Grovel, grovel.)

This frame, in it's current condition - what can I pay for it and be reasonably confident of not losing money should I have to sell because it turns out to be too small? It is right on the borderline, that is why I am dithering.

No dents or corrosion. Paint sanded away on the top tube (where there was surface corrosion) and gone on the BB shell.

http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/y...50FCC836A7.jpg

http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/y...514D2C2115.jpg

http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/y...512B4DD0D0.jpg

http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/y...5114DE12E1.jpg

http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/y...512252405A.jpg

http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/y...517182543E.jpg

Seattube is 28mm o.d. and takes a 26.8mm seatpost.

Looks like an interesting build I do like old Ralieghs. Considering the paint cosemetics and missing headset and BB I wouldn't pay more than $75 on the high side for this frame. One thing to check is if this frame is English made prior to 1990 or so which it does appear to be it may take a non standard Raleigh type headset and BB which are pretty hard to find in good condition. Based on the serial number this frame appears to made in Iilkeston in the late 70's early 80's which seem to be a little less desiriable than the Carlton workshop or Nottingham frames.

Really? You do know that is a 753 Raleigh Team Pro, don't you? Less desirable than Carlton and Nottingham? Ilkeston is THE top of the line. The SB serial confirms its pedigree. IMO even in "a bit rough" condition and assuming it is straight, it is worth $300-$500. It may not pull as much since it is not team livery, but the gold was an option. Shoot....it's my size, too.

OP...I saw your post on the Team Pro list....good advice from Greg and Peter.

I just thought of something - these bikes were all custom geometry, right? So does that mean I have no idea what the geometry of this frame is, e.g. what seat tube angle and head tube angle? And by extension I don't know how it will ride? Or did all Team Pro 753 road frames have the same angles at least?

I measured the seat tube 20.5" ctc and the top tube 21.5" ctc but didn't think to measure anything else. I was busy weighing and measuring tubing o.d. because I wanted to verify what it was.

No, not all custom geometry. They could be built to owner spec. My 753 Team Pro is a special order (but not for me). In addition to the serial and size on the BB would be an order number. Yours is a standard build. Ask on the Team Pro list for geometry info.

Anything south of $350 is a deal, fortunately as the paint is not complicated, single color, with only the graphics to locate it should be a good steed. 55 I think is the measure center to top. I would buy it, build it up and evaluate it for how it rides for you. If you like it, spend the cash on a respray.

I would grab any RTP frame with Reynolds 753 in my size for under $500. More if in good shape. A RTP is at the top of my bucket list.

BTW, I picked up a 54cm RTP with Reynolds 753 and Sante components for quite a bit less than $200 for my daughter. It is all white with no decals. I knew what it was the minute I saw the SBxxxx serial number.