1957 Raleigh, Should I buy it?

[Large Filipino]

WOW. Get this bike.
It really is in amazing shape.

 

[cooltoy]

Thats funny, I was just on my way to put up the pics..thanks L/P, I figured I could count on you. I downloaded that program that for making the pics. smaller and I have to say, that was a very easy program to use. Even I figured it out, I just was not sure that I was going to find my new pics as I'm not sure of where it put them...lol

Yes, the bike is very nice and this summer I will do more barn hunting. The guy still has not told me if he will sell it for the $150 I offered. He just said that he will bring the bike by this weekend for me to look at. I will not let him leave with it and will go another $50 but that is it.
One poster said I should not motorize it, my only issue with that is that I don't go out without my motor. I have turned into a very lazy guy over the last few months. I think he may be right though and may just try to turn it into a mint original bike . I love the fact that it is as old as I am. Now i need to find a parts place where I can get those cool steel rod/no cables brake setup. That is so old school and I love the look.

 

[Jim H]

That's a nice big frame there! Love the bike ...I don't know but I might be sorely tempted to motorize it after all. Your find, your call...hope you can get it.

 

[fetor56]

If your having trouble uploading your pics cos their too large resize them in IrfanView,it's a free German image viewer.
http://www.irfanview.com/
I didn't expect the Raleigh to look THAT good....GO FOR IT.......it's also an investment.

 

[uncle_punk13]

For fifty you won't lose!!! I know these Ralieghs and they are good solid bikes. You can still get tubes and tires for them. What a find.It's funny, I went from old cars to old bikes then motoredbikes and motorcycles. Still love my old dart, but once bitten by the bike thing, I never looked back. There are a lot of similarities, or paralells between the two hobbies/motorsports, and I think you'll not be unhappy with the old bike thing as well... Good luck and Have Fun!!! P.s. I'd motorize it but that's me; it's your bike your call!

 

[cooltoy]

You brought some good memories back when you mentioned your old Dart.
I was 15 years old out delivering the early morning papers, there was this "bad arse" driving around in a blue 69 340/4 speed. He took me for a ride and we ended up in a police chase through the streets of Toronto!
That was my first time in a stick car and I tingle with pleasure even now re-living that morning. Later I found out that the reason he was out at 6am was because he was well know and did not have a licence.
I've been in love with that car since that day. That was one sexy car!

 

[Esteban]

I agree with NOT motorizing it. Find something different, & not collectible to motorize. That bike is a " Beaut " as it is .

 

[uncle_punk13]

You brought some good memories back when you mentioned your old Dart.
I was 15 years old out delivering the early morning papers, there was this "bad arse" driving around in a blue 69 340/4 speed. He took me for a ride and we ended up in a police chase through the streets of Toronto!
That was my first time in a stick car and I tingle with pleasure even now re-living that morning. Later I found out that the reason he was out at 6am was because he was well know and did not have a licence.
I've been in love with that car since that day. That was one sexy car!

Well I don't want to stray too far off topic, nor do I want to jack yer thread, but just like, real quick here... This is my daily driver, "Magoo".