I am new to the bike hobby and I have a nice 69 Raleigh Superbe61 and a nice 5 spd Corvette ...Oh yes-a very good chance that I will be purchasing a Raleigh Twenty soon ...why...I can keep it in the car when traveling.

I know that rare doesn't always mean valuble but may mean desirable. What Vintage Raleigh bikes are the top picks has far as owning? I know this is subjective but in most hobbies there are certain models that are the cats-meow. Is the age of the bike as important as the model? And...what about children's bikes? Do the number of bikes manufactured make it worth more verses the model? How about colors and size of the bike?

I bought my Superbe a while back because I liked it and it was in nice condition. It is a bike that is fun to ride and one that I could not afford as a lad. Ok...I await your input. Thanks in advance.

Your questions are too broad to be answered in a single thread, but I will offer a few of my personal observations. Of course, you may get as many opinions as there are Raleigh fans, and YMMV too, as you get more experience and education :

I'd imagine the 1930's 3-speed Raleigh Record Ace is among the most collectible but there are in fact many other highly desirable Raleigh models from each decade into the 80's.

Scarcity alone does not increase the value of a bike. Eg,, the 70's Grand Sports has a somewhat depressed market value, because it is not so well known as the models above and below it.

The 3-speed models and derailleur bikes seem to have their own respective followings. The 70's Raleigh Professional is one of the most desirable in the latter category.
Size wise, the 23" men's 3-speed models are the more sought after.
Conversely, above-average frame sizes for 10-speeds (eg, 25" or more) are less sought after.

Older bikes tend to be more desirable whereas children's bikes do not elicit much interest.

Thanks...
This is the type of info that I am looking for.

Personally out of the 3 speeds, I'd love to get my hands on a late 50's Superbe.. and yeah the question is way too subjective.. on my list of bikes I'm hunting for.. out of the top ten.. there's the super course, the pro, the international, grand prix, gran sport... I'd say that's my top 5 but I'd kill for a Sekai 5000 any day.

Because I just managed to snag a Sekai 4000 in my size from
some guy locally who bought it in a storage locker auction,
and I've been foolish enough to post pictures of several of my
own Raleighs that you mention.

I may be more cautious about publicizing my discoveries in
the future, given the serious nature of the acquisitive methods
referenced.

To the OP. The most desirable Raleigh by far is the one I'm
riding at the time you ask me........i add so much to the equation.

Raleigh Twenties have quite a cult following and always seem to be desirable. Not that they're scarce or valuable but because they're well made, practical, and lots of fun.

Good info and good points. Thanks

Your Sekai is safe I already own a 2500 and when mine was made there was no such thing as the 4000 so the only step up for me is the 5000 FYI I think I know where you are, it looked a bit large to me, what size is it?

and OP I tend to agree with his answer.. in the sense that the Raleigh you want the most is the most desirable.

Wasn't their a fairly rare model that only was produced for a year or so Record Ace? Or RRA or something? I want to say french parts... White with gold trim. One sold on EBAY recent ish for over 1000.

EDIT* Found it!

Sheldon Brown Info

BTW If anyone in northern california has a vintage raleigh non 3 speed they'd part with in the 51-55cm range.. do send me a PM.

^ One of these went for ~$3.5K on ebay within the last 6 months or so...

My over $1000 estimate was a more than a little conservative , I remember there was a thread about the ebay auction just couldn't locate it.

24" spindle to top of the seat lug. Please tell me that is too
big for you so I don't have to get a dog.

Top of the list would probably be a 753 Team Professional that was made in Ilkeston that has a Team-issue serial number and has provenance of race wins in Europe by a well-known TdF team rider.....

Oh wait..... ;-)

For me the most desireable one I have, Raleigh USA Super Course all chrome. I think only made two or three years. And yes I to wanted one when I has a teen and couldn't afford one.

Good info all... Being new I am seeing a lot of new models...looks like I am going to have to do some more reading. Again very good stuff!!

I consider this Raleigh as the MOST DESIRABLE!! And I would ride it too..





A Raleigh Team Professional 753!!!!!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Raleigh-Team...item19c973f6e5

nope mine's a perfect fit at 53cm you can keep your gigantor, it is quite pretty though I was tempted to take the drive just for the components. oh and just to make sure, brown suede seat right?

It's not a choice. To fulfill your desires, you have to collect them all.

It's a sickness, but it is a 'good' sickness, right?

I can't afford a nice used Lamborghini, but I can afford a nice used 'Lamborghini of bicycles.'

Sir, your taste is impeccable!

...and imo (fwiw) the Raleigh Competition is a real 'sweet spot' in the Raleigh lineup. I just acquired my first one (a 1972) recently. 90% of the performance of a Pro, perhaps 33% of the cost!

I don't know if the Competition is 90% of the Pro. Their geometries are pretty different, I believe. But the Super Course, Gran Sport, Competition (and Super Tourer), and International all had the same geometry. Other than the Super Course, they all had the same tubing, too. So the Competition is 100% the performance of an International.

It depends on the vintage. If you look at Mr. Howard's sign-off, he has some 1979s, and a 1985. Those '79s are quite impressive, for their cost, in my opinion.

My black w/gold 1972 Comp. is quite stretched out (which is why I bought an older one - it is set up with 32 mm tires, and still has room for fenders, and no TCO). You have to compare apples to apples, vintage-wise. And the International got quite a bit tighter, geometry-wise, during the early 1970s, btw. Most International freaks prefer the earlier geometry....

Thanks you kindly sir.

And I must return the compliment, as you do indeed have impecable taste as your nickname describes!.


As you can see, I got three Competitions, two 79s, and one 85..

Life can be indeed sweet if one has a keen eye and taste!

Thankfully, we occupy different niches in the predatory environment.

This one must be a different bike, the seat is black, smooth, and says "prestige" on it.
Crummy seat.......nice bike though.