chico81 

Hi all!

I’m thinking of picking up this bike tomorrow, and am wondering if it is worth the 50 mile drive to get it. From the not-to-clear photos it looks to be in great , all original, condition! I can spot a “golden arrow” on the shifters, making this a z105 1986 model, I think... I looked at the 1986 Raleigh catalog and it seems to match well. I was a bit disappointed to find out that the Reynolds 531 is only for the main triangle though.

If I got the bike I would break it down, polish the frame and service all bearings. I would also install new consumables like tires, tubes, and inner cables.

does anyone have an estimate for value, before and after servicing? Is it worth it?

Thanks!

WGB 

Looks like a beautiful bike. If it fit me I'd grab it - if it fit me, or I knew I could sell quick and profit off it.

This is where you come in. Start with local prices Craigslist in USA or kijiji in Canada. Compare those prices to sold prices on eBay. Are local prices higher or lower? It may be a good price if you are in Seattle but a lot high in a small town.

Seller taking "offers". What does seller want? Make an estimate of your max. Cut it by a safe margin and make an offer. If its a no, ask how much more you need to offer. If reply is close to your max think very carefully because sometimes nice bikes have hidden flaws.

If it's a flip, can you sell locally or will you have to ship to get a sale. Packing takes time and costs money and so does shipping. Will you have to pay to advertise?

Lastly, if it doesn't sell can you afford to keep it because no guarantees it will sell.

I can't offer a value beyond that I would ask $250--275 where I live but I live in Canada, near Niagara Falls. Remember that's Canadian dollars so 250 =180 USD. Hope seller is way below your areas prices.

zukahn1 

I would liked to tell you it's worth a a lot and a great bike but it's RBCA Ralaiegh Bicycle Company of America AKA Huffy mid 80's only lower mid level at best which hurts value. As presented in the current market only $125-150 great ready to ride condition most places in my local it would be $50.

ramzilla

I wouldn't make any offers on it until I saw it in person. It's a pretty bike. But, do the wheels spin true? The tires look shot. Why is the seatpost slammed so far down into the frame? Is it stuck? Those 531 frames are known for stuck seatposts. It could be worth anywhere from $50 to $150 as is to me.

chico81 

Thanks for the feedback! The guy is asking $100. I’ve seen these in so-so condition sit on the market at ~$200 for months, and always wondered why, now I know! They sure are pretty, but I think I’m going to pass on this. I see myself getting upside down on value really quick.

thanks again!

zukahn1 

The really nice two tone paint and engraved details on the frame make these bikes look a lot nicer than they actually are they used cheaper 531 strait gauge main tubes so they could put the sticker on the bike. But they are one step above department store bikes. I have owned one of these and a classic real Nottingham built Grand Prix and can say the British one was a way nicer bike and sold for a couple of hundred had a hard time getting $100 for the RBCA bike.

brian3069

The main tubes are double butted 531, fork and stays are chromoly. Huffy owned the naming rights, but the manufacturing was outsourced to Asia. The quality of the Raleigh of America bikes are as good as any massed produced during the 1980's. The vintage market is dying if this isn't worth a $100.

c13

For $100 bucks I'd do the 50 mile drive. You can offer less but looks like its worth it. If its not in the condition you were hoping for, barter down the price a bit.

ribikeguy

Is buy it for $100 in a second! I restored a similar Raleigh and sold it for $500, they’re great bikes!