80sKidd

My mom bought these new back in the early 50’s. The ladies is nearly complete and original and the generator still works. The men’s has significantly more use and has had the tires, seat, rear brake pads and various other wearables replaced over time. Both my parents are gone now and I want these to go on to someone who will appreciate them. I collect mostly 70’s up through 1986 BMX and Freestyle with a focus on Redline and GT. I’m trying to get an idea of fair market value and hope to sell or trade for the median value. That aside, I am interested to know what model these are and any historical data as these seem very deluxe oriented with all the features and accessories they came with.

juvela

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both cycles appear to be Superbe model

you may find a Superbe transfer there on the frame if you clear away some of the oxidation

note the steering lock, this is one of the features of the Superbe model

buyers will ask for key

if you do not have it you might want to check through your parents belongings
perhaps they stored it with things such as luggage keys

the bicycles' rear hubs will be marked with a specific date of month and year as "8 53"


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AdventureManCO 

Paging cudak888

nlerner

On the positive side they both look to be equipped with Sturmey Archer AG 3-speed generator rear hubs and are overall quite original, chrome should shine up well, and those Brooks leather saddles are probably worth more than the complete bikes. On the negative side, both will need a great deal of time and labor to shine up and be fully functional. In the Boston market, I’d start the pair at $300 total and see what kind of offers I received (and that’s after cleaning them up, new tires, new cables, complete bearing overhaul).

bikemig 

I don't think I could get $300 for them in Des Moines, IA so a lot depends on where you live.

80sKidd

Thanks everyone for the insight into the value. I don't want to scrap them but unfortunately I have no interest in cleaning them up and tuning them for a $300 sale (it would be a wash at best and I have too many projects going on to spend the time). Would love to find someone that wants them for a token amount that would enjoy having them and fixing them up.

bboy314

Where are you located? If there is a co op nearby, you can donate them. Otherwise maybe list the pair for $50-100 on Craigslist and see if you get any takers. Someone will pay that for the saddles alone I imagine.

cycleheimer

The large 23" frame on the men's is a nice selling point. It would be nice to find a couple who would fix them up to ride. The maintenance and repairs are usually very simple. The older ones have several oiling ports so you can lube the bearings and internal gears easily with motor oil. Try avoiding the use of steel wool on the chrome as much as possible. These two will probably clean up nicely with the right cleaners. The older ones with those full Chain guards are rarer and of a better build quality than later models from the later '60s and '70s. Tires, tubes and brake pads are usually in need of replacement on older used bikes for sale. The C.A.B.E. (CLASSIC AND ANTIQUE BICYCLE EXCHANGE) is another good website to field questions on. The date stamped on the rear hub, as mentioned above, is good to mention. $150 +/- for the pair is reasonable for somebody who knows what they are and wants to add them to their collection. When you are looking for them from that era they are not very easy to find, especially with a complete chain guard case. Don't let anybody tell you otherwise. Somebody out there will be overjoyed to have them!

abdon 

Depending on your neck of the woods they could be worthless but for the brooks saddles. Where I am they are. You could take some time to scan your local listings on FB Marketplace and Craigslist, see how much people are asking for similar bikes and how long the ads last.

At the very least salvage the brooks saddles. The rear rack is quite something else, it should be worth something. Also the 1953 license plates on the rear fenders; I have no idea how much they could be worth but I feel it is the sort of item that has cross-brand appeal.

rjhammett

Raleigh 3spd bikes in the Twin Cities go anywhere from $25 to $125. Most are around $75.

cycleheimer

Don't part them out or scrap them. Find somebody who will clean them up and take care of them. There are not that many complete bikes like these from that era. Post them for sale on the C.A.B.E. It is a site more for older, collectable bikes. Somebody will drive over to pick them up. Local CL and FB postings are hit or miss, but sometimes collectors do regional and national searches for stuff like this. It is summertime, and people go on vacation by car ... and bike collectors go shopping while on vacation! I do.

RB1-luvr

man, I hope these find a good home. Sweet bikes. I paid $125 for my Greyhound which is a similarly equipped bike from 1955 and was in that condition. I would think $150-$200 for the pair is possible.

wrk101

$300 in a second tier city would be doing quite well. And tires are not cheap. And your time is worth something. In the end, donating them to a co-op can make sense, or put them out as is condition, as they sit. In my area, you might get $100 for the pair. Hopefully your market is better. Typically the women's style bikes have about zero interest, except as donors for mens bikes.