Unboxed from storage - new 1975 Raleigh Grand Prix
02-12-18, 11:36 AM
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Unboxed from storage - new 1975 Raleigh Grand Prix
Took my #3 mountain bike into my LBS on Saturday to get some repairs.
While I was there I couldn't help but notice the pristine older bikes in the repair area. Turns out that they were in the process of unboxing and assembling about 10 older bikes that had been in their storage area since new.
There was an old Panasonic on the stand, but already finished and on the floor sat a 1975 Raleigh Grand Prix 27" 12 speed. It was freshly assemble, all original, brand new zero miles - and he was asking $275 (which is the price he sold them for in '75 he said).
So now I own the first skinny tire bike I've had since 1983. It's quite a handsome bike, and will be reserved for rail trails.
https://flic.kr/p/24hGUxn
Not sure what the other bikes are that are being assembled - but he mentioned a made in France Motobecane. If you're in the area and interested, the shop is Thumm's in Warren, Ohio.
Steve Z
While I was there I couldn't help but notice the pristine older bikes in the repair area. Turns out that they were in the process of unboxing and assembling about 10 older bikes that had been in their storage area since new.
There was an old Panasonic on the stand, but already finished and on the floor sat a 1975 Raleigh Grand Prix 27" 12 speed. It was freshly assemble, all original, brand new zero miles - and he was asking $275 (which is the price he sold them for in '75 he said).
So now I own the first skinny tire bike I've had since 1983. It's quite a handsome bike, and will be reserved for rail trails.
https://flic.kr/p/24hGUxn
Not sure what the other bikes are that are being assembled - but he mentioned a made in France Motobecane. If you're in the area and interested, the shop is Thumm's in Warren, Ohio.
Steve Z
02-12-18, 01:17 PM
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Nice. Great Price. I would have bought that in that condition in a heartbeat. It would be a fun thing to have.
02-12-18, 02:25 PM
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Cool bike!
But honestly, he wasn't selling them for $275 in 1975. About half that, I think, is more accurate. Of course, if he was asking $275, that would explain why he still has them 40 years later.
But honestly, he wasn't selling them for $275 in 1975. About half that, I think, is more accurate. Of course, if he was asking $275, that would explain why he still has them 40 years later.
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02-12-18, 02:33 PM
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Nice bike.
And cool workstand too
And cool workstand too
02-12-18, 04:28 PM
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According to the ‘73 Raleigh price list, the Grand Prix suggested retail was $125.
02-13-18, 07:45 AM
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~>~
https://bulgier.net/pics/bike/Catalog...ces%201975.pdf
Caveat Emptor
-Bandera
02-13-18, 07:58 AM
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Took my #3 mountain bike into my LBS on Saturday to get some repairs.
While I was there I couldn't help but notice the pristine older bikes in the repair area. Turns out that they were in the process of unboxing and assembling about 10 older bikes that had been in their storage area since new.
There was an old Panasonic on the stand, but already finished and on the floor sat a 1975 Raleigh Grand Prix 27" 12 speed. It was freshly assemble, all original, brand new zero miles - and he was asking $275 (which is the price he sold them for in '75 he said).
So now I own the first skinny tire bike I've had since 1983. It's quite a handsome bike, and will be reserved for rail trails.
https://flic.kr/p/24hGUxn
Not sure what the other bikes are that are being assembled - but he mentioned a made in France Motobecane. If you're in the area and interested, the shop is Thumm's in Warren, Ohio.
Steve Z
While I was there I couldn't help but notice the pristine older bikes in the repair area. Turns out that they were in the process of unboxing and assembling about 10 older bikes that had been in their storage area since new.
There was an old Panasonic on the stand, but already finished and on the floor sat a 1975 Raleigh Grand Prix 27" 12 speed. It was freshly assemble, all original, brand new zero miles - and he was asking $275 (which is the price he sold them for in '75 he said).
So now I own the first skinny tire bike I've had since 1983. It's quite a handsome bike, and will be reserved for rail trails.
https://flic.kr/p/24hGUxn
Not sure what the other bikes are that are being assembled - but he mentioned a made in France Motobecane. If you're in the area and interested, the shop is Thumm's in Warren, Ohio.
Steve Z
02-13-18, 07:59 AM
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02-13-18, 08:13 AM
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I would buy that bike in a heart beat! That's the coolest thing I've heard. I wonder why he kept them like that? You gotta go back for more pictures.
[Good natured Sarcasm] Here you have it wacky picker/hoarders. You too can make $100 if you buy something for $75 then resell it in mint condition 43 years later! What a great investment. You really dodged a bullet by not investing that money in those scam companies ran by a couple of Steve's out of their garage! Or that poorly dressed nerd with glasses - Bill something or other. Digital windows!? I like windows I can open to smell fresh air! [/Sarcasm]
02-13-18, 04:06 PM
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Nothing like a time capsule to get a fella excited!
Probably close to 20 years ago, one of the LBS was finally cleaning out their basement and pulling up a handful of old Raleighs. One was a Gran Sport (painted Lagoon Blue w/white panels). If it wasn't about 5 inches too small for me, I would have bought it!
As mentioned, I'd definitely go through all of the bearings and lube with fresh grease before taking it on the road. Not entirely sure that I'd trust the tires either.
And then there's the matter of that plastic French derailleur that wasn't particularly trustworthy when it was made, much less after decades of storage.
Maybe keep the first rides relatively short and not too far from home??
Have fun and let us know how the bike works out!
Steve in Peoria
Probably close to 20 years ago, one of the LBS was finally cleaning out their basement and pulling up a handful of old Raleighs. One was a Gran Sport (painted Lagoon Blue w/white panels). If it wasn't about 5 inches too small for me, I would have bought it!
As mentioned, I'd definitely go through all of the bearings and lube with fresh grease before taking it on the road. Not entirely sure that I'd trust the tires either.
And then there's the matter of that plastic French derailleur that wasn't particularly trustworthy when it was made, much less after decades of storage.
Maybe keep the first rides relatively short and not too far from home??
Have fun and let us know how the bike works out!
Steve in Peoria
02-21-18, 12:05 PM
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That was a project that my son and I made for Cub Scouts. It's not great, but it does give me a usable bike stand.
I drafted up a quick view and put a copy:
https://flic.kr/p/24utKvQ
Got the bike out for the first ride the other day. First time on skinny tires or with drop bars in 35 years. Shifters on the down tube are going to take some getting used to as well.
Hard going to change a fat tire guy to a skinny tire guy. Not sure if this will get ridden or will end up as wall art.
Steve Z
Last edited by swampboy62; 02-21-18 at 12:46 PM.
02-21-18, 12:22 PM
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Congrats! Nice find. Love the color.
02-21-18, 12:48 PM
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Steve Z
02-21-18, 07:53 PM
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That was a project that my son and I made for Cub Scouts. It's not great, but it does give me a usable bike stand.
I drafted up a quick view and put a copy:
https://flic.kr/p/24utKvQ
Got the bike out for the first ride the other day. First time on skinny tires or with drop bars in 35 years. Shifters on the down tube are going to take some getting used to as well.
Hard going to change a fat tire guy to a skinny tire guy. Not sure if this will get ridden or will end up as wall art.
Steve Z
I drafted up a quick view and put a copy:
https://flic.kr/p/24utKvQ
Got the bike out for the first ride the other day. First time on skinny tires or with drop bars in 35 years. Shifters on the down tube are going to take some getting used to as well.
Hard going to change a fat tire guy to a skinny tire guy. Not sure if this will get ridden or will end up as wall art.
Steve Z
One suggestion, add dimensions which can be determined based on 2x4 supports.
Give that road bike some tries and it will be great cross training.
I went back to riding one of my DT shifters and now when riding my grifter, I start reaching down to shift.
Last edited by joesch; 02-22-18 at 07:51 AM.
02-21-18, 08:37 PM
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06-17-18, 06:20 PM
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A few years ago I was in an old Schwinn dealer up in Milwaukee Wisconsin. Bought a few used bikes they had listed on craigslist. The owner gave me a tour of the basement. Chrome Paramount unbuilt in the box. Orange Krate in the box. And some others. They're out there.
Nice Grand Prix. That blue was a pretty color.
Nice Grand Prix. That blue was a pretty color.
06-17-18, 07:06 PM
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It's about a 60 mile trip for me to get to Warren, but I may have to give them a call and see if there is anything that may entice me to make the drive.
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