A Short Story About A Raleigh
I live here in Tucson and
work as a writer with a hobby for collecting. It gives me a chance to
do what I love most research. Recently I came across a 10-Speed. A
Raleigh “Grand Prix”. It was light as a feather yet durable and
the closer I looked the more I realized it to be an engineering
marvel, at least to me. I realized it was probably vintage from its
slender look and styling. I have to admit I come across several items
of all types so I have sense for value. I knew immediately this
Bicycle was special. My first instinct as a collector was to find
out.
I used most of my normal
avenues of research initially. Being an English product I receive a
lot of feed back in the form of British Pounds and Centimeters
neither of which I understand. So I switched over to a more local
pattern of research, the phone-book. I went through a few local bike
shops at first. Most of which asked more questions than they
answered. Then I caught a break. I called over to “AZ Bicycle
Experts” and spoke with a really cool guy named Sean. I briefly
explained I had the Raleigh was researching to find history and
possibly value.
This turned out to be
best idea I had all day. Sean gave me a few pieces information on the
Bicycle them proceeded to explain how I could use both E Bay and
Craigslist as research tools in gathering information on the Raleigh.
He also went on to explain there was in fact an upcoming “Bicycle
Swapmeet” this month right here in town. He then to proceeded to supply me with the
date, time, the the location (with reference points). All in a nice courteous professional manner. As a writer I don't have much
cash to throw around so to speak (no best sellers yet) and Sean answered my questions gave me more related info and didn't try and sell me
anything, I appreciated that.
With this newly obtained
information I found out everything I needed to know about the Raleigh
and a little more. Using the suggestions I received from Sean I was
able to quickly confirm I did indeed have a rare gem of a find.
It turned out to be a 77' Raleigh Model “Grand Prix” model as a
well as rare imported version. It still had all the original parts which all function perfect. Far as I can tell it was only a set of
Brake shoes (front) and a Tail light away from being complete. Overall
in very good for being almost 40 years old. A Road/Touring Bicycle
it has features so advanced they're still being used today.
- Caliper Center Pull Brakes
- Composite Metal Frame
- Retrofitted with Shimano Pd-M747 Pedals
Me personally I would
recommend to anyone that has any type of Bicycle needs contact AZ
Bicycle Experts they truly are experts. Or just drop by I plan to I
mean I was treated so well over the phone I would like to see a what
an actual visit in person be like! At any rate this is yet another
one of Tucson hidden gems so make sure you take advantage when it
comes to your Bicycle issue's. Mention this Blog Post it could get
you a discount...you just have to go in and find out!
AZ
Bicycle Experts
2801
E Speedway Boulevard (at Treat)
Tucson,
Arizona 85716
520.881.2279
info@abecycling.com
**And remember to
support your local merchants and they will support you!
