AuroraG

Hi!

I have an old Raleigh Rapide for women, I believe it was built in 1980.
The crest on the front says "The Raleigh Nottingham England".

The bike is in good condition, rides well and the gears and brakes all work well.
I had to replace the crank as it had become worn out and it was loose, the bike also has new tires, saddle, tape and brake pads.

My usual repair guy told me it's worth quite a bit and that he would give it a new coat of paint and sell it for around $500-600, which to me sounds like a lot!
I've used it for the past 6 months and love it but I'm considering selling as I'm moving back to Europe in a few months.

Anyone know how much the bike is actually worth?
Thank you!!

WGB 

@Aurora G we don't know where you are and we don't know your bike. Can you post location (different cities different prices) and details about your bike (10 speed/12 speed, mixte frame or actual woman's frame, is the new crank period correct or an upgrade, a Brooks saddle or what other kind, etc, etc)?

Raleigh Rapide Ladies

Regretfully, there seems to be a bias against "ladies" frames but even then, I see one "men's" frame brand new in box for $450 on eBay but no sane person would pay that. I believe that these were very basic boom bikes with lower end components and cheaper tubing. Don't be insulted by that, I can only base my opinion on the Raleigh Rapides I have seen. If yours is better quality show us photos or a link to photos. If it has better quality components please list them.

Check eBay - asking $125 USD - no bids
https://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-RAL...sAAOSwUA9di9yH

Someone in Toronto asking $450 Canadian (about $340USD) - sheer lunacy
https://www.kijiji.ca/v-road-bike/ci...ationFlag=true

Cleveland CL $100USD
https://cleveland.craigslist.org/bik...965394471.html

Madison WI $100USD
https://madison.craigslist.org/bik/d...974005842.html

My usual repair guy told me it's worth quite a bit and that he would give it a new coat of paint and sell it for around $500-600, which to me sounds like a lot!
Offer it to him for $200 and run!!

CliffordK

@AuroraG's Albums

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CliffordK

Your bike is in pretty nice shape. I certainly wouldn't invest in a restoration, unless it is repairs for your own needs to ride it.

I agree with @WGB, if you can get a solid offer as-is for $200, you're doing quite well. $300?

Nonethless, $100 to $200 is probably what I'd look for around here.

There are some bike shops that specialize in fixing up and reselling nice used bikes. And, they do mark up the bikes (they have to make a profit too). So, they may take a $200 bike, and flip it for $400. But, that should include a pretty thorough tune-up, and perhaps a warranty. So, don't be too frustrated if you spent more, or get less.

kross57

Agree 100%.