'73 Raleigh Grand Prix find
09-22-19, 03:43 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
'73 Raleigh Grand Prix find
Found this listed on Facebook marketplace and for a very reasonable asking price, I went for it. You dont find them any more original than this. Wrights saddle, bar tape, and original Raleigh Racing tires.
Last edited by big chainring; 09-22-19 at 04:29 PM.
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09-22-19, 04:28 PM
#2
Senior Member
wow, looks clean. someone kept it inside all these years.
09-22-19, 05:36 PM
#3
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That is remarkably clean. Amazing that the brake hoods and cable housing haven't yellowed over the years as is usually the case. It must have been kept hermetically sealed.
09-22-19, 06:56 PM
#5
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Thread Starter
Its really amazing. Even the brake pads look fresh. Not sure if the large chainring was ever used. The paint finish is really remarkable. Even the wheels are true. Bike probably was used for a brief time, maybe just a summer or two then sat in a basement for years...45 years? Crazy.
This bike reminds me of a 1960's Raleigh Lenton Sports that I had years ago. I found it at a Salvation Army store in the mid 80's. Paid $40 for it. Just about unridden condition. Sold it in the early 2000's for $350. Popped up on ebay a few years ago and sold in the $600 range.
A lot of bikes seem to end up this way. Ridden briefly then set aside.
This bike reminds me of a 1960's Raleigh Lenton Sports that I had years ago. I found it at a Salvation Army store in the mid 80's. Paid $40 for it. Just about unridden condition. Sold it in the early 2000's for $350. Popped up on ebay a few years ago and sold in the $600 range.
A lot of bikes seem to end up this way. Ridden briefly then set aside.
09-22-19, 07:32 PM
#6
aka Tom Reingold
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I think that bike has been ridden once or twice.
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
09-23-19, 05:07 PM
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Congratulations on this wonderful find.
Tip -
many Gran Prix from this time came through with TDC gear blocks which were fault prone.
They take a unique three-dogg remover.
if you have one and it gives any difficulty do not hesitate to replace it.
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Congratulations on this wonderful find.
Tip -
many Gran Prix from this time came through with TDC gear blocks which were fault prone.
They take a unique three-dogg remover.
if you have one and it gives any difficulty do not hesitate to replace it.
-----
Last edited by juvela; 09-26-19 at 12:46 PM. Reason: addition
09-26-19, 02:36 PM
#12
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Very nice find OP I had one in green pass through my hands nearly 10 years ago- do NOT lose that brake adjuster on the rear brake bridge! 
have fun with it.
The 74 I refurbed
have fun with it.The 74 I refurbed
