1977 Raleigh Grand Prix
02-06-22, 04:02 PM
#1
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1977 Raleigh Grand Prix
Hello all! I couldn't pass up buying this Raleigh last December as it was in such good shape. Only have a few "before" pictures - I always forget. I can't stress what great shape this bike is in. Owner said it was a 1976 - no serial number tag but it seems to me to be a 1977.I'm about 1/2 through cleaning, re-greasing everything, etc. I'd like to sell the bike once done. My question to the group is am I better off using the orignal shifter/derailleur cable housings and handle bar tape or replacing with new? They "aged" in coloring but are in perfect shape and do not bind sables at all. I am replacing the cables for cosmetic reasons really. Have to buy new tires. Originals were completely dry rotted.
I've added pictures below.
I've added pictures below.
02-06-22, 04:09 PM
#2
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congratulations on this fun find!
it was assembled (not built) in the Enid Oklahoma facility which closed about two years later
the Maeda gear ensemble and alloy cotterless chainset from Sakae Ringyo are both big improvements over the Gran Prix models of earlier years
a bit of a clean and polish and you will have it looking positively showroom!
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congratulations on this fun find!
it was assembled (not built) in the Enid Oklahoma facility which closed about two years later
the Maeda gear ensemble and alloy cotterless chainset from Sakae Ringyo are both big improvements over the Gran Prix models of earlier years
a bit of a clean and polish and you will have it looking positively showroom!
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Last edited by juvela; 02-06-22 at 04:11 PM. Reason: spellin'
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02-06-22, 04:57 PM
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The serial number was probably stamped into the metal, possibly on the bottom of the bottom bracket shell.
02-06-22, 06:21 PM
#4
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Serial Number
I did find the serial number and it is a 1976 model after all. Frame built in September 1976 according to serial number.
02-06-22, 06:23 PM
#5
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So what do you think about leaving original cable housings and handlebar wrap?
02-06-22, 07:12 PM
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frame made 9/76
keep in mind it had to travel via lorry from Nottingham to a port such as Liverpool, thence via ship to Houston and again via road to Enid
that would have taken some time
would think seller correct in calling it a nominal 1977 model
there should be date codes on some of the machine's fittings
in case you are interested there is a guide to their decoding here -
Date of Manufacture of Bicycle Components can be used to date a bike: component dating
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02-06-22, 07:17 PM
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you could give them a clean with a product such as Soft Scrub
this will remove much of the yellowing visible in the "as found" images
then you can decide whether to leave them be or replace...
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02-06-22, 07:51 PM
#8
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I'll give that a try. Have tried some other mild non abrasive cleaners to no avail.
02-06-22, 08:24 PM
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have found the Soft Scrub product to be excellent for "ground in" dirt on plastic surfaces
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have found the Soft Scrub product to be excellent for "ground in" dirt on plastic surfaces
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02-07-22, 06:50 AM
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If you replace the cable outers with new white cables, then the white plastic ferrules on the brake levers will look terrible.
Since you are not keeping it, I'd just clean up what you have now.
Since you are not keeping it, I'd just clean up what you have now.
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02-09-22, 05:28 AM
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If the cables work, use simple green and see if that makes any headway. Are they lined?
Personally, I’m big fan of replacing cables for bikes someone else will be riding.
Personally, I’m big fan of replacing cables for bikes someone else will be riding.
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1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 Cannondale M500, 1984 Mercian, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi (model unknown), 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super
1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 Cannondale M500, 1984 Mercian, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi (model unknown), 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super
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02-09-22, 05:45 PM
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I would replace the cable and housing and furrels it would be great to keep them but I can see at least one cable and furell look brokren cracked which cleaner won't fix. All cleaned up looking nice I could see $200 or so for this bike really nice frame for lower end and the Raliegh Branded Vx group set is great almost worth the price of the whole bike on evil bay. The weak point on these is the so-so steel 27" chrome wheels and junk tires. Mostly OEM if it wasn't for the wheels I could see $300 or so. I rebuilt and sold one for $200 a while back with some not so grreat non original alloys and some random parts except for the Raliegh branded crank and shifter's.
Last edited by zukahn1; 02-09-22 at 05:50 PM.
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02-13-22, 07:17 PM
#13
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Good point. The ferrules are "aged" looking too.
02-14-22, 11:07 AM
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These were popular machines way back.
I am actually surprised that there are not more of them to be found on CL, garage sales, etc.
I am actually surprised that there are not more of them to be found on CL, garage sales, etc.
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02-23-22, 03:36 AM
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Nice find
I have one in white I found at Play It Again Sports store. I bought it because I like the way the rear stays curve around the seat tube ...
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05-06-22, 07:23 AM
#17
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FInished the project a couple of months ago. Here's a few finished pictures just for fun....
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05-06-22, 09:04 AM
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Really like the build great job still 90 percent original and looks better than new nice touch that you kept and polished the original rims with good original looking tires.
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05-08-22, 07:16 PM
#19
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