1970 Raleigh Gran Sport -- history and rarity?
04-13-14, 07:27 PM
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1970 Raleigh Gran Sport -- history and rarity?
This bike was purchased new in 1970, and I cannot find much information on it or its rarity. I'm working to get it in riding condition, and just was curious as to what I have.
The closest match I found was on Sheldon Brown's Retro Raleighs Gran Sport page here:
Retro Raleighs: The Gran Sport
Mine looks almost exactly like that one, but I can't be sure. Also, it matches the model in the 1970 Raleigh catalog as a Gran Sport.
Any comments on the history and/or rarity of this bike?
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4r...mVyQzA/preview
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4r...mp2TmM/preview
The closest match I found was on Sheldon Brown's Retro Raleighs Gran Sport page here:
Retro Raleighs: The Gran Sport
Mine looks almost exactly like that one, but I can't be sure. Also, it matches the model in the 1970 Raleigh catalog as a Gran Sport.
Any comments on the history and/or rarity of this bike?
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4r...mVyQzA/preview
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4r...mp2TmM/preview
Last edited by mtk; 04-13-14 at 08:08 PM.
04-13-14, 07:56 PM
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Your drive.google links don't work.
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04-13-14, 08:00 PM
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Sorry about that. They should be working now.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4r...it?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4r...it?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4r...it?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4r...it?usp=sharing
04-13-14, 08:14 PM
#4
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1970 Raleigh Gran Sport -- history and rarity?
Fairly rare bike. They show up now and then on ebay. I remember seeing one at a bike shop when I was a kid. It really stood out with all the chrome and hefty price tag, $160 maybe. In 1970 probably even less.
The Gran/Grand Sport was the middle of the line bike. Obviously the Grand Prix was the most common and big seller. And at the high end the International and Pro. The Grand Sport was not a big demand bike. In 1970 not too many people were dropping big money on bikes. If they were it would be for the top end bikes. No idea how many were made. But probably few when compared to the Grand Prix or Super Course. So I think it would be considered rare.
The purple Raleigh Competition is another one that pops up now and then. Fairly rare as well and from around that time, early 70's. There was just one on ebay. I'd like to get a hold if one.
The Gran/Grand Sport was the middle of the line bike. Obviously the Grand Prix was the most common and big seller. And at the high end the International and Pro. The Grand Sport was not a big demand bike. In 1970 not too many people were dropping big money on bikes. If they were it would be for the top end bikes. No idea how many were made. But probably few when compared to the Grand Prix or Super Course. So I think it would be considered rare.
The purple Raleigh Competition is another one that pops up now and then. Fairly rare as well and from around that time, early 70's. There was just one on ebay. I'd like to get a hold if one.
04-13-14, 08:28 PM
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Thanks for the history lesson! That is the most I have learned about this bike. My father recalled paying about $300 for it in 1970. Maybe he was confused. It came with an original Brooks Saddle bag, too. I just found that in my garage today and was very excited. It even had a promotional pack of matches from the original Alien film, plus spare brakes and other miscellaneous things. I'm excited to get this thing on the road and see how it does.
04-13-14, 09:33 PM
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They seem to be pretty scarce from that year - with full chrome. Nice. I have one from '74 and it is a very nice riding bike. It would be great if you could take some detailed pics of yours.
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04-13-14, 10:02 PM
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I will be posting more next weekend. It's in shambles right now because I'm rebuilding the wheels this week. Stay tuned.
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