mauler09

Could you guys fill me in on the background of this bike? Frame composition, where the bike is made, all that stuff. It's looking like a great buy for $125, as long as I don't have to replace too much on it.

https://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w...b/SANY0883.jpg


Thanks!

that_guy_zach

Depending on where your at you can do better for 125.00. I would look for a mid level Japanese bike for that price.

mauler09

I'm in the bay area of Cali. Pretty high demand up here; most decent bikes go for closer to 200.

LesterOfPuppets

I would guess the vintage to be mid-70s. Probably straight gauge 20-30 steel.

Source that shows a 1976.

What are your intended purposes for buying a bike?

JustinThyme

That looks more like a mid '70s Grand Prix. I love the way my '74 Grand Prix rides.

mauler09

I'm looking for a sturdy, low-profile road bike (due to high theft rates in the area) for exercise and possibly commuting. I want it to be able to get me by well enough if I do a triathlon this summer.

LesterOfPuppets

If you want to do a tri, I'd get something a little more sporty than the Raleigh and spend closer to $200. Do whatever you can to minimize outdoor parking.

Mongoose bikes are generally hated because of their prevalence in Walmart, so something like this might work for ya.

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/bik/2184843066.html

“IBOC” Aluminum Road Bike - $185 (santa clara)

Date: 2011-01-28, 9:02AM PST
Reply to: see below

“IBOC” Aluminum Road Bike
Selling this 56cm Iboc road bike , Pro 260 Italia Bars, MEDICI Italia Stem, Shimano Deore XT Sealed Bearing Head Set, The Frame is made
of Aluminum pretty light, R500 Alex Rims , VELO-Saddle, new wraps..
Asking$ 185 Call408-835-9060

mazdaspeed

That raleigh is a poor choice to use for a triathalon for many reasons, also it is going to cost a decent amount of money to get it into good enough shape for something like that, so you're better off spending more on a nicer bike to begin with.

SteveSGP

I think it's a good buy at $125.00, it looks to be in pretty good shape but it's no racer.

It'd make a nice basic rider though.

auchencrow

If that bike is thoroughly serviced and road ready, it is worth $125.
If you want a classic looking English machine with a terrific ride, buy it, but get alloy rims for it. (You may also have to replace the derailleurs , but there are plenty of excellent cheap substitutes) Be advised though that it could be stolen in a New York minute.

If you really want a lower profile bike, look for a Valite-framed Fuji, or a lesser known but excellent mid-80's Cromoly Japanese bike, like a Maruishi, Kuwahara, Lotus or Shogun.

PS - The Grand Prix you referenced here appears to be a clone of my '73 model. (2nd photo below)

3alarmer 

Is this the one you're looking at?

https://sacramento.craigslist.org/bik/2184912042.html

Could be a very nice bicycle for the price
here in Sacramento. (There's truly a great
deal of junque going for this much or more
around here.) I would not consider it a
"great buy" locally, but it appears to be a very
serviceable bike from the 70's Raleigh lineup.

There are some proprietary threading issues,
so if you need to work on it, bring it by the
coop off I street just past the RR tracks at
20th some Saturday and I'll give you the
short course emergency package. Or maybe
you already know this stuff?

If anything is really hosed in terms of BB
cups or the headset, you're gonna have some
issues with replacement parts. They are solvable.

For the price, it ought to be in pretty fair shape
but maybe need a few things like tires, tubes,
brake shoes -- the usual stuff that ages in place.

Respectfully,
Mike Larmer