Fair value for 78 Raleigh Comp GS and 77 Gitane?
Hi all: Thanks for the excellent wealth of knowledge you provide here. After lurking for a while, I have learned quite a bit about how to search for quality vintage bikes and I am trying to choose between a few I came across on CL here in D.C. I'm hoping you can give me opinions on quality and fair value for these two:
1) The first I really like is a 1978 Raleigh Competition GS for $650. The general consensus here seems to be that this is a sweet bike and it is advertised as "Campagnolo original parts. Reynolds 531 lugged frame. 22.5" seat tube." There is only one picture of it posted.
2) The second one that I really love is advertised as a 1977 Gitane TDF, also for $650. After reading several posts here and at a website one of you linked to, GitaneUSA, I am not sure this is actually a TDF rather than something like a 1974 Interclub, which looks pretty much identical to me. This is advertised as a three tube 531, but the GitaneUSA users said Gitane moved to the full frame 531 in 1976. It also has a couple of parts that don't seem common for the TDF at this time, but I've read Gitane was weird with swapping things in and out. Can you give me your opinion on this and what you think would be a fair price for it? Here are the specs s/he listed in the ad:
"Frame and fork: 1977 Gitane TDF in blue. Frame is Reynolds 531 steel (3 tubes) with Huret honeycomb dropouts. (Bike was not distributed in the United States so this frame is rare!)
Wheels and tires: Low-flange Exceltoo hubs with Mavic MA (700c) rims. Tires are brand new 700x23 Michelin Classic gum wall tires with new presta valve tubes. Hubs were just overhauled with new grease.
Brakes: Mafac brake levers with new Rustines gum half hoods and Mafac Competition brakes. Recently replaced brake cables.
Drivetrain: Drillium style, Stronglight crankset (54-42t) and 13-24t freewheel. New KMC 3/32" chain.
Derailleurs: Huret Challenger derailleurs and downtube shifters. Recently replaced derailleur cables.
Handlebars: Nitto Classic Silver Road handlebars on Pivo professional quill stem.
Saddle and grips: Challenge Pro professional saddle in black on fluted seatpost. Bars are wrapped with new (NOS) Ambrosio handlebar tape in yellow.
Bottom Bracket: Brand new, Velo Orange Grand Cru Cartridge Bottom Bracket (French threaded)"
Unfortunately I can't post pictures or links here, but both look like they are gorgeous and in pristine condition and I'd love either one assuming no obvious flaws when I go look at them, so I just want to see if the asking price for them is in the ballpark or if I should negotiate for something less. Thanks in advance!