[KC-Steve]

Hi all,

I'm new here and have jumped into bikes again after many years since riding during my youth. I'm not really fanatical about bicycles, I just enjoy riding now and then.

I have a mechanical side to me that wants to refurbish-improve an old classic like a 1985 Schwinn World 10-speed. The Schwinn's frame fits me perfectly. I also bought a 1978 Raleigh Record Ace, mainly for parts, because the frame is too large for me. I plan to use the Brooks seat, the brake extension handles, maybe even the center-pull brakes from the Raleigh.

My question is are there a lot of people buying old frame sets such as the Raleigh for $50 or so?

Thanks for replies,
Steve

[Xela]

Welcome, Steve! Great to have you on the forum.

[Industry_Hack]

Just throw that frame on Craigslist, and mention that it's a perfect candidate for a fixed gear conversion. It will sell.

[KC-Steve]

Thanks Xela and Hack, I will keep you posted on the project's progress.


Steve

[lotek]

Steve,

There is a rather large market for old steel frames, especially ones that we of
a certain age rode 'back in the day'.
One word of caution, vintage bikes are an addiction, once you start you'll start
noticing old bikes, and lusting after different marques, bikes from different countries of origin etc.

Marty

[hophead]

Hmmmmm, so how big is "too big?"

[Doohickie]

Looks to be about a 23-24" frame.

[KC-Steve]

Originally Posted by hophead

Hmmmmm, so how big is "too big?"

Originally Posted by Doohickie

Looks to be about a 23-24" frame.

Sorry for the late reply. Doohickie is probably right. I haven't measured the Raleigh but the Schwinn is 20" (I think) crank to seatpost with 28-29" top-tube height and fits perfectly. The Raleigh might be around 35" to 36" top-tube height. Very uncomfortable to me. I didn't even ride it since I was planning to part it out. And the rear tire is ORIGINAL. he-he. . . Cracked like the 'Canyon of Grandeur.'

On the plus side, the Raleigh's original paint is excellent after being garaged all those years.

Steve

[KC-Steve]

Originally Posted by lotek

Steve,

There is a rather large market for old steel frames, especially ones that we of
a certain age rode 'back in the day'.
One word of caution, vintage bikes are an addiction, once you start you'll start
noticing old bikes, and lusting after different marques, bikes from different countries of origin etc.

Marty

Hi Marty,

I can feel it already! I would love to refurbish the Raleigh just because of the excellent shape of the paint job. But after pricing tires and tubes alone I don't see how I could sell it and make a profit. Most old classic road bikes around Kansas City are selling for less than $80 or $90. Tires and tubes would cost at least $40 or more. . . I spent $50 on the purchase, equals $90. And no telling what else needs to be done. Very likely needs bearings packed, brake pads, replacement cables, etc. And the Record Ace was the low-priced Raleigh back in 1978 weighing in at around 30 lbs.

Unless I am planning to ride it myself I don't think I'll waste the money. It is a shame though. It looks like it was a GREAT BIKE in its day!

Steve

[greenhorn]

Been dabbling in fixing bikes up and selling them for a couple years. In Pittsburgh, PA area older bikes are always in demand with so many colleges around. I sold an old Schwinn world for $200. It was in excellent shape. I also sell some on ebay, it is cheaper than you think to ship these bikes.
I buy bulk 27 inch tires and tubes online, tires for $8.00 and tubes for $3.00.
Makes a big improvement when selling a bike.