Sheldon Brown Bike on ebay

If you are into bicycles and are on the internet, chances are you have heard of Sheldon Brown. A life long bicycling advocate, guru, and expert velo wrench, Sheldon died last year, and the bicycling world mourned his passing. Now one of his prize bikes, the Raleigh Competition "Superbe" is up for grabs on ebay.

This Raleigh Competition "Superbe" is intended to be an interpretation of the classic Raleigh Sports/Superbe 3-speed, only with higher-quality materials and with improved modern technology. The frame is a classic Raleigh Competition, originally a 10-speed racing machine. It appears to be a 1976 model, all Reynolds 531 butted tubing, with Huret dropouts. It is equipped with a Shimano Nexus 7-speed internal-gear hub, and a Shimano Nexus generator front hub. Assorted gold anodized parts accent the gold trim on the black frame.

Winning bid: US $882.19

Rod Brake Raleigh on ebay

I'll be watching this one. I expect it to close for $250 or so, but I'll watch it just the same.......

Vintage Raleigh DL1 Rod Bicycle. This is the largest size frame (24") with 28" Semiperit (Austria) tiers. The standover height is approximately 33 1/2".

This most coveted of all Raleigh bicycles comes with a Brooks B-72 leather seat, Elite headlight (Battery operated and untested) as well as the original tire pump. Everything on the bicycle is original to the bike when it was purchased new.

The overall condition is very good with no dents or dings to the fenders or chainguard. The paint has minimal scratches considering the age of the bike. There is some roughness under the paint on the fenders which may be able to be smoothed out with a good polishing. There is minimal rust which appears to be surface and should be relatively easy to remove. The handgrips have dried and will probably need to be replaced soon. All components seem to work as they should. The tires are 28 x 1 1/2" Semperits (Raleigh Tourist is written on the sidewalls) which were made in Austria and are in excellent condition.

Winning bid: US $342.50. Not bad for one that started at $24.95.

Raleigh Roadster on Ebay

Well, Hell. It's out of my price range now, so I'll blog on it instead of sniping it.

Up for bid is a Vintage Raleigh 3 Speed Bike. This is a classic Raleigh made in England. This bike has all original parts (including tires and brake pads) and I purchased it from the original owner. Not sure of the date, but believe it is a 1940's model. It has the specs of a roadster model, including 28 1/2 inch tires and Roller Lever brakes. The serial number is 255851 and is posted on the frame under the seat. Overall, the bike is in great shape given it's age and there are no apparent major defects (dents, rust, or cracks in the frame). It was in storage for many years. The original paint is in good condition, but has a few places of wear. The bike could use tune up since it has been in storage for many years (it didn't shift when I gave it a quick test ride). The tires hold air and have some tread left, but they are old and have some surface cracks.

I have wanted a Raleigh rod brake Roadster for several years now. They are exceedingly tough to find in the South, indeed, in the U.S. They have long wheelbases and very obtuse frame angles, making them excellent cruisers with uncanny stability and a stately ride. They are built to be durable, and are designed for basic transportation. Learn more about them here.

Although this one did not have a full chain case, it is complete, and it appears to be in perfect riding condition. Sadly, I'm not the only one wanting it.

Winning bid: US $271.51

Raleigh Folder Bike on Ebay

I noted a Raleigh folding bike on ebay this morning. It does not appear to be a Raleigh Twenty, but is rather one of the Twenty's descendents. The frame is a bit different, it seems.

The auction description reads:

Very cool Raleigh folding bike. Very good condition and ready to ride with just a tiny bit of loving care. The only thing necessary to make it ridable is that it needs one break cable. It has the housing but just needs the cable. It does need a couple nuts and screws to attach the chain guard to the lower bracket. Other issues would be minor surface corrosion with the worst being on the front hub and the shifting is a bit sporatic. Works great as a single speed. Folds quite small for travel.

Raleigh Folders are a type of bike I am unfamiliar with, but the folks who own them love them.

Starting bid: US $69.99

Raleigh Tourist on ebay

A Raleigh Tourist is up for bids. The Tourist was styled after the British Bobby's bike. It has a laid back head tube and seat tube, effectively making it a "feet forward" type of velocipede. It has roller lever brakes, 20/30 steel lugged frame, a three speed Sturmey Archer rear hub, full fenders, and 28 inch tires.

The seller says:

"This is the style of bike everyone is riding these days they have made a come back as they are very fun to ride. They are making brand new bikes with this style. Why ride imitations when you can ride the real thing.

If you are reading this you must be in the know about these terrific “Bobby Bikes”. The standard for cobblestone riding, copied all over the third world, almost indestructible- but more important because of the unique frame geometry, these bicycles give a stately perfect ride. There is nothing like the Roadster ride. Just google and look at the fine site at OLDROADS.com (Roadsters) or "retro raleighs" for more information. They are heavy but ride beautifully- the opposite of a twitchy road bike. And much much cooler than a mountain bike, but still able to go through potholes or up curbs with aplomb.

These are simply put the coolest city bikes to be had. A great ride and incredible looks- And also because of the 28” wheels- not on bicycle thieves wavelengths."

He's right.

Starting bid: US $49.99

Winning Bid: US $585.77

Raleigh Grand Prix Single Speed on ebay

It is not without interest that I am watching this auction, which is so much like my own Raleigh Grand Prix Single Speed. It's an English built Raleigh Grand Prix with dropped North Road style bars with shellacked cork tape, a leather saddle, modified into a 'swallow' style cut, a coaster brake laced into the original rear wheel, and a Raleigh chain wheel with a straight chain line.

Winning Bid: US $336.66

Then, there is this original Raleigh Grand Prix up for bids.

Concealed Bike

One of the oldest tricks of urban biking is to wrap a nice bicycle in tape to obscure the highly desirable machine from potential thieves as it stands chained to a parking meter. Here is one such example years later, of a Raleigh Competition, that was painstakingly wrapped with handlebar tape by the owner.

This technique may have worked time and again to prevent a bike from being stolen, but I don't think the reason was because the thieves could not recognize the prize within. I think it was because they did not want to invest their time making the bike resaleable again.

Nice bike. Winning bid: US $256.51

Vintage Raleigh Bicycle on ebay

Time warp barn find!

Up for sale is offered a very interesting bicycle in terms of condition and style. I bought it brand new back in 1986 and has been in storage for more than 15 years. It has been locked up in a dry storage hence the condition is very good. I had it sprayed with WD40 periodically so as to prevent any potential humid effect so even slightly greased it is rust-free.

Apart from expected wear there is no signs of abuse and damage, comes together with the original leatherette saddle back bag, everything is complete except from the red round hazard sign on the rear wing.

Rod brakes, a Brooks springer saddle, a chain case, original dynamo driven lights, full fenders, a hand pump....... Just what I've been looking for! US $99.00


To bad you have to go to Pafos, Cyprus for local pick-up......

Rudge on ebay

Probably the neatest bicycle head badge ever designed adorns a British bicycle, the Rudge. I've often wondered whether the outstretched hand is that of a palm reader's customer, that of a policeman, or maybe that of a wheelman. There is an old Rudge three speed up for bids on ebay right now. If I saw it at a garage sale or flea market, I'd venture an offer.


Winning bid: US $164.50


Shipping: US $85.00

Raleigh DL-1 Roadster on Ebay

This is an interesting auction......

1981 Raleigh Roadster model DL-1 24" Black
Showroom clean 1981one-owner with AW gearbox, all original including Raleigh tires. As perfect an example of this classic bike as we have ever seen, well maintained by original owner.

Winning bid: US $578.00

Raleigh Single Speed On Ebay

I was amused to see that Fly Bike Shop in Denver Colorado just put a Raleigh Grand Prix single speed (in bronze green no less!) up for bids on ebay. I recently purchased a fixie from Fly, as well as converted a Raleigh Grand Prix to single speed status myself. I think my Grand Prix is a heck of a lot cooler.

Fly's auction reads:

Here is a really cool Raleigh road bike that we converted into a single speed road bike. This bike is probably from the 70's and has a really cool vintage look to it and is a cool green color. The lugs on this bike are beautiful and the lower half of the forks are chromed. The cranks are the original Raleigh cranks and it has an old school stem also. All it needs now is a Brooks leather saddle (which we have in our ebay store).

Single speed road bikes like this are the perfect bike for commuting, city riding, running around college campuses, or just riding for fun. What makes single speed bikes so cool is that they are simple and bullet proof tough. Without front and rear derailleurs, shifters, and all the cables there is very little that can go wrong or out of adjustment. The worst thing that can really happen is the chain coming off and if it does happen you can pop it back on quick, easy, and without tools. Single speed bikes are also a lot lighter without all the other components so they are strong and quick to ride. I built a single speed road bike like this for myself recently and now I would rather ride it than any of my other bikes.

Starting bid: US $99.95
This one's going to be interesting.........

Winning bid: US $249.50

BSA Track Bike on ebay

There was a very cool vintage BSA track bike up for bids on ebay. Winning bid: US $512.00. I'm not willing to cough up that much, but if I could find one at a garage sale.......

In other news, the Fixie from Colorado was waiting for me yesterday when I got home from work. I took care of my obligations, got some sleep, and got up about an hour ago to assemble it. More this weekend. Got to get ready for work.

1905 Columbia Shaft Drive

Notice something different about this bike? There is no chain. Shaft driven bicycles are not new. The unusual drivetrain offers several advantages; greater ground clearance, a drive system protected from the elements and trousers protected from the drive system. Over the years, shaft propelled bicycles re-emerge on the market, but they are a more complex system, more expensivee, and they offer the advantages at an approximate 3-5% loss of power.

Still, when I saw this restored Columbia Two Speed on ebay, with a horsehair Christy's seat, and an integral shock absorber, I was impressed. What was old becomes new again every once in a while.

Current bid: US $860.00 Reserve not met

The CCM Bicycle

I have a thing for old bicycles. I especially like bikes of the old heavy black utilitarian sort. Thus, when I saw this old clunker from Canada Cycle & Motor Co. Ltd on ebay, I salivated. The seller listed it as:

A solid black, antique ladies bicycle made by CCM. Reminiscent of the bicycle in The Wizard of Oz, all you need to add is a basket for Toto (and possibly a witch). A solid frame sits on top of 28 x 1 ½ inch tires, which appear to be original. They hold air, no problem, and it rides well. Also please note the distinctive CCM sprocket.

This one owner bike is from an estate in upstate New York where the bike was stored in a dry basement. There is minor surface rust on the handle bars and stem, but should come off easily. This bike is ready to ride, become a conversation piece, or both.

I looked over the photos. It certainly seemed to be original. It was a bit rusty and dinged up, but it was all there. It was a woman's bike, but that just might be ideal if I ever get knee replacements. The old girl had the long head tube and rake of European ubiquitous bikes, with a steel lugged frame, a double kickstand, and even the original bell and grips on the handlebars. I wouldn't do a thing to it except swap the seat for a sprung Brooks leather saddle.

Wow.....The current bid when I first spotted it was US $20.50 with $51.97 shipping. I could handle that......Plus a little more.

I decided to watch it and lie in wait.....

Yeah, I was going to snipe it........Winning bid: US $265.00. That wasn't me.........

CCM Bike Overhaul

The Raleigh Superbe

One bicycle I lust after is a Raleigh Superbe. This product of Nottingham is the quinessential British roadster bicycle. Tough as nails, it was billed as the "all steel" bicycle when steel was a desirable characteristic in a bike. It had 28 inch gum walled tires, roller rod actuated brakes, and a totally enclosed chain case. The Raleigh Superbe came with full fenders, a generator driven headlight, a locking front fork, and a sprung Brooks leather saddle.

There is one up for auction on ebay right now. The current bid is GBP 128.50(approximately US $256.22). Unfortunately, it is located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom, and shipping to the States is GBP $180.00.

It's tempting.......

Update: It closed at GBP 250.00 (approximately US $503.20), US $865.50 with shipping.

1936 Aluminum Bike on ebay

1936 Wards Hawthorne Duralium Boy's Bicycle in original, un-restored condition
This is a boy's 24" bicycle with features such as deluxe battery operated horn and light. The aluminum finish as you can see from the photographs is in beautiful condition. The chrome finish on the bars and the fender horn is lightly pitted but apart from that this bicycle is in wonderful shape. The horn button is attached to the bar but no wires are connected underneath that I can see. The saddle is in fair condition. The leather is a bit hard but easily restored to soft condition.
The tires and tubes are not original. The original tires and tubes were just to dried out to save but I retained the valve stem caps from the originals.

The rubber front fender flap is detached and will require repair to reinstall but the rubber is not hardened too badly so the original can be restored. The front fender deluxe horn-light is missing the glass lens cover. The rear reflector is perfect.
The rear fender has a few small dents but no deep scratches or damage. Front same, very few slight dents.

I removed the original battery cells as they were leaking badly and didn't want the acid to ruin the bike. It appears as though the wires at the battery top near the switch have been cut off but the braided cover for the wires is intact. D Cells can be used instead of lead acid cells in the battery holder. The Elgin speedo works beautifully and shows 576.9 miles. Hubs are New Departure Model D. The bike rides wonderfully although I have used it only very little.

Winning bid: US $1200.00

Laclede Bicycle

Here's an auction I'll be watching..........

Heres an old original paint bicycle probably from near the turn of the century. Cool truss frame and unique 3 piece handlebar stem. The Troxel seat has lots of cracking and coming loose at the front. Front wood wheel (28") has damage and is pretty crooked. Aside from that its a nice straight bike. Fenders are dent free and have the original braces. You can still make out where it says "Laclede" on the down tube. Killer headbadge says "E C Simmons - Laclede - Simmons Hardware Co. - Manufacturers & Distributers USA". Under the "E C Simmons" it has the number "660". Rear wheel and grips are incorrect. If you installed a rear wood wheel this would be a great bike to display as is! Check out the pics and email with any questions. Thanks!

Winning bid: US $385.00

Jet Bike on Ebay

2007 custom electric / jet turbine bicycle. The electric bicycle will go 18 MPH for 20 miles on a single charge. The jet turbine will go 1.2 miles on one gallon of JET-A and will reach a speed of 50 MPH! The jet turbine is a AMT 450 with electric start. This turbine cost $5,500.00 with electric control unit. The bike also has a custom smoke system built for this application, it uses aviation smoke oil. The jet can be ran on jet-a or kerosene. This bike is not a toy and buyer assumes all responsiblity. The turbine is very loud....the perfect toy if you don't like your neigbors very much. Do not bid on this bike if you do not like attention! First run down my street and thier wasn't a neighbor one not in his front yard to see what the ^$^% was that. Buyer reponsible for pickup and or shipping arrangements.

Current bid: US $5,000.00

1936 Schwinn on ebay

1936 Schwinn straightbar autocycle with a jeweled tank. Original paint.

Winning bid: US $3,690.00

I'm looking for an old straight bar frame, but this 'un's a bit much!

Rusty Bike Auction

After seeing another vintage bike go for $500+ on ebay, I spotted this rusty relic, supposedly a 1920's Schwinn. I'm just curious how high it will go........The seller states:

1920's Boys 28x 1 1/2" Schwinn? Bicycle, Even Though It Doesn't Have A Badge Or Any Paint Left, I'am Almost Certain This Is A Seldom Seen 1920's Schwinn Motorbike, It Needs To Be Restored But Will Be Worth The Effort, Having It's Original Tank and Carrier, This Was An Old Delivery Bike Used In Penns. For Many Years, Don't Miss This Rare Offering, The Buyer Pays $65 Fed Ex Ground Shipping In The US, This Is A No Reserve Auction So Bid To Own As always the bike should be greased and adjusted before riding. The tires are shot and the seat is worn.

Winning bid: US $255.01