Raleigh Pro pondering
 

In the 60's and 70's I virtually lived on my bike. I got hooked on Raleigh when I purchased a Grand Prix, then later a Competition, and finally a Professional in 1975. In 1980 I began to suffer from the onset of RA which effectively ended my bicycle riding. Today, with advanced RA, riding a bicycle is unthinkable.

Hanging in the den is my old Pro still in almost like new condition. The wife wants to embark on a major redecorating project and is pressing me to sell or donate the bike. Having been out of the bicycle world for so many years I am clueless where to begin short of putting it on eBay which I really don't want to do.

Is there a market for my old Pro? Do people still ride them? Do people collect them? Is there such a thing as a Raleigh museum that could put it to good use? I would like to see the bike go to someone that would cherish and take care of it like I did so many years ago. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I am sorry to hear of your Arthritis issues.

There is definitely interest on this forum in old Raleighs, especially the nicer ones.

Post up some pics!

I had a Raleigh Pro back in 1977. I'd love to see some photos of yours!

Sorry to hear you cannot ride anymore - try to keep the memories alive, even after you sell it. I've got OA and can still manage to commute, thankfully, even if my touring days are over. People in the over-50 forum talk about biking after knee and hip replacement... but unfortunately, you can't replace everything that degenerates and hurts. Anyway, that sub forum is also a really good place to find all sorts of information, and the older folks give more respectful consideration to posts most of the time.

Can't get much nicer than a Pro in a production bike. Please, post pictures if you have a digital camera - even cell phone pictures are OK if you take the pictures carefully. You can search "how to post pictures" in this forum.
I know it'll be sad to say goodbye to it, but it's probably time. What size, components, etc., are important to know. Also, if you are thinking about selling, use the search function - and look around in the "what is it worth" thread. You may find that your memories of riding tend to inflate your monetary hopes - that said, you are in the envious position of having a highly sought after bike in presumably great condition, so don't sell it short either. If you're away from a city, it might be harder to sell with a minimum of trouble, but it will certainly be worth your time to research your options, especially with yours in "like new" condition. Your location will also make some difference in what you can expect to get in a sale. But I can't think of a better forum to do this than where you are! All the best!

OK, now you did it. You got everybody salivating....bring on the pics.

What city are you in? That will help us assess the market value for you. +1 on posting photos and the size of frame is important also. I'd love to see it!

I am just amazed when someones wife lets them use their bike as a design element. If I tried that I would be hung on the wall next to it. At least you got away with it for a few years.

There is an appraisal section off of the main page. Go there and post the details and pictures if possible. You will get a good idea of what it is worth and the best way to sell it.

If it's 59-62cm I would be very interested in funding your redecorating project.

Mike

I'm always looking for a reason to post a photo of mine:

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/f...o/DSC02127.jpg

All that it's cracked up to be and more.

Scott

Very nice, and my size too!! I've been looking for one just like that for a while.

Mike

I read the title as Raleight Pro Pandering at first.

List on ebay for maximum interest. They are desirable and collected.

It is refreshing to know there is interest. Perhaps my bike will find a good home. I'll post some pictures soon.

Please, take a look at the forum guidelines, if you have not already. (this goes to everyone - not just the OP) I completely understand wanting to ensure a beloved bicycle finds a good home, but bear in mind that, once posted, people are likely going to want to offer to buy it from you. The waters there are are murky, and the potential for a bidding war (a bad thing here and not allowed), or hurt feelings (an even worse outcome, imo) are both likely outcomes if care is not taken.

If I see discussion that indicates offers to purchase the bicycle are made following the posting of the pictures, those postings will get deleted. If it happens repeatedly, the thread could get locked. I don't want to seem like a kill-joy, but I have seen this happen several times before.

Cheers,

Z

A good strategy would be to post photos of the bike in the forum for C and V valuations...you'll get an honest assessment of it's potential sale price. There is a collector market for Raleigh Professionals, Internationals, Competitions, Super Courses...pretty much any bike with 531 tubing.

As far as donating it, you might have community groups near you that could make good use of it (either selling it to raise funds, giving it to a child for an internal race team...you never know).

hee hee hee.....;)