fixiejunkie

A friend of a friend is selling his old school 1973 Raleigh. I heard they have nice value but I cannot try out the bicycle as the seller is very far away. Do you think it is a good deal spend 600 $ on a 1973 Raleigh within trying it out?

KonAaron Snake 

Raleigh made many types and models of bicycles. Some are worth nothing, some are worth over $1000. It depends on the model, the condition and his marketing.

Dave Cutter

There have been a lot of Raleigh bicycles manufactured. 1973 was not a practically magical of unusual year. Some Raleigh's from that year/ear are valuable and could be worth the asking price or more. The vast majority however... are not. Much more information (and pictures) are needed.

zukahn1

Not knowing the actual model and condition very doubtfull. Most boom era Raliegh's are worth $200 or less.

b dub 

It would have to be a Professional, International or perhaps a Competition in great condition with mostly original components. Anything else would definitely not come close.

rjhammett

If the $600 bike looks like this bike it is worth $300-$400. At least where I live. A '73 Grand Sports.

juvela

lettuce not rule out the RRA.

b dub 

Oops, yes of course. Sorry I forgot.

daf1009

Even those models would have to be in pretty good shape at that price...

greg3rd48 

I picked up an almost perfect coppertone '73 Super Course for $90 and a "73 Super Course TT for $150 within the past few months if that is any help. $600 sounds awfully high unless it is top of the line model in really good condition IMO.

greg3rd48 

What tires are you running? They look like they would provide you with good traction which I suppose you need in St. Paul. Really nice example.

fixiejunkie

Okay so maybe I will pass as I heard the condition was okay but not the greatest. What can I get from old school bikes for a budget of 600$? I want something before 1975 at least .

KonAaron Snake 

If you don't know what you're looking for, or why you want it, I'd suggest starting lower/cheaper, finding out what you like and then buying.

What you can get for $600 depends on where you're buying, how you're buying, your patience, your ability to work on the vike and your knowledge. Are you looking for a road boke? Touring bikes? What do you want to do with it?

Generally 600 means higher end japanese, mid-level italian, what passes as high end production french or a nice touring bike. There are s many variables to this.

rjhammett

The tires are 27 x 1-3/8 Tioga Bloodhounds. They were on a wheelset that someone gave me. This is my pseudo gravel grinder bike. I ride it when I hit the rough trails.

juvela

i was wondering just how those sanshin matsumoto wheels found their way betwixt the frame ends.

iirc the original gear ensemble on these this year was juy criterium; is that how yours came?

great job finding that bottle cage which matches perfectly.

looking very fine she be.

rjhammett

The bike was in pretty rough shape when I bought it. I swapped out the rear derailleur for a Suntour V-GT Luxe, the front for a first generation Suntour Cyclone, Suntour DT shifters for the cheap plastic ones. I also swapped the original wheelset for a nicer one. Replaced the 5 cog freewheel with a Suntour 6 cog. Also did a repaint. I have about $75 total into it. I had all the replacement parts on hand. I think it turned out really well.

greg3rd48 

Where do you live? The market also influences the price. This time of year you COULD find a real deal if you know what you are looking for... That being said decide what you are looking for.

Stucky

Here's a reasonably-priced one for ya, OP: 1972 Raleigh Record - Total Restoration

Dunno where you are, or if the seller would ship- but if nothing else, it'll give you an idea of more realistic values- and this one has been on CL for a while.

fixiejunkie

Well, I like anything that is hard to find let say. Of course I know the rarest the bike the more expensive and 600$ is nothing compare to high end vintage bikes. I am open to anything rare and not French as I already have nice collection of French bikes in my family.
I just don't want make a mistake and spend 600 into something that is valued twice less.

fixiejunkie

I am originally from France.

howsteepisit

In that case, there is no way to say without pictures, component lists, and model.

Bianchigirll 

Where do you live? There are a lot of great people here who fix up and resell all sorts of bikes as a hobby and to feed their own bike addiction. If they knew where you lived one might contact you and help you out. They will get you a decent quality bike for good price, maybe much less than $400 even. Then you can start learning and deciding just what kind riding and what better quality bike will serve your need.

Ed.

Find out the model. An OK, but all original Professional would probably be somewhere in that vicinity price wise. There might be someone in this group who lives in the vicinity of this bike, and who would look at it for you. Get some photos!

rootboy 

What more could you want?

oddjob2

^ I'm not at all politically correct, but the above comment is offensive.