Hi Harvey, Bill, all. My suspicion is that the Gran Prix isn't super heavy, although the chrome may add a bit of weight. I'm rather enamored of the geometry of British bikes of that era and think it may make a very nice rider. {It seems more refined than the Puch made Sears bikes which i also have a soft spot for. I'm looking forward to refurbishing my Altenburger equipped version.} Especially w/ a set of sprint [sewup] wheels. I wouldn't necessarily put a lot of money into it and would avoid fenders and racks to keep the weight down. But as i've noted before i'm eager to build up a Gran Prix for myself and see how she fares. The chrome even w/ patina and flaking is pretty cool. Cheers. Billy Ketchum; Chicago, IL; USA.
Bill- If what you have is the Gran Prix that slotted between the Record and the SuperCourse way back when (60s and 70s), then you have an interesting novelty and curiosity, in my opinion. As I recall that Gran Prix, it was pretty heavy (seamed steel tubing) with pretty low-end parts. So, if it were mine I might hang it on a wall as a conversation-starter.
In some respects it reminds me of the novelty bikes in my fleet, particularly the '59 JC Higgins and almost identical 60s Sears Ted Williams Sport Racing. decent but not exceptional seamed tubing, but some nice components for the day: Campy Gran Sport and Record derailleurs, respectively, with excellent Weinmann components. If one of them hadn't been my first 10-speed, I'm sure I wouldn't keep either of them. For me, it's about the nostalgia value.
In this sense, you're totally free to entertain yourself with this 'un. As with all the others, really. Have fun with it, and ignore this message if you have a different Gran Prix, about which I am ignoramabus.
harvey sachs mcLean va ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Bill Koonce wrote: My nickel or chrome plated frame was identified as a Raleigh Grand Prix thanks to Don Gilles. The Bocama lugs are spot on as is the fork rake, frame geometry and wrap around seat lug.
Still, the lack of any serial number that means anything to anyone is puzzling. I'm still curious about the bike being all plated because the Grand Prix was never offered to the public in that finish.
And now the big question? What to do with it? Should I re-plate it back to the original finish? Keep the lugs chrome and paint the tubes? Leave it "as is" and not bother because the Grand Prix's aren't that special? Dip it first to get rid of any rust and then frame save it?
Those with experience with Seattle restoration sources...please chime in!