Wanted Wanted: 1990s Raleigh Randonneur Reynolds 708 58cm

[Edward York]

Hello everyone,

I don't suppose anyone is looking to sell a Raleigh Randonneur from the 1990s? The one I'm looking for is the blue model, with Reynolds 708 tubing and a 58cm frame size, like this:




I'm looking for either a frame or complete bike and ideally would prefer a bit of a project (scuffs/paint chips all fine, but no dents or significant corrosion) to a show queen. At the time of writing this there aren't any in my size on ebay, so I'm trying my luck on here.

I'm happy to travel a few hours to collect (I'm based in York), but ideally not the Outer Hebrides or deepest Cornwall...

I'd say I have a reasonable budget. Maybe not at the level of some of the higher priced ebay offerings at the moment, but up to £300/£400 depending on condition/spec etc.

I appreciate that I'm being quite fussy with my requirements, but if you have one gathering dust and you're looking for it to go to a good home, please give me a shout!

Thank you.

 

[alanf1968]

Can't believe prices being asked, for bikes not even close to mine, there are at least a couple in regular use around here, so if I hear of anything

 

[Edward York]

That looks in lovely condition! As for prices, it's still cheap in the grand scheme of things, and on balance, I think I prefer it that way. I'd hate for our hobby to get mega expensive.

 

[pigman]

That looks in lovely condition! As for prices, it's still cheap in the grand scheme of things, and on balance, I think I prefer it that way. I'd hate for our hobby to get mega expensive.

Lovely for a buyer, less so for a seller.
At the moment prices are rock bottom. But that follows a point 10 years ago when prices were at a high on the back of Eroica UK. Most sellers, unless it's a bereavement sale or a "clear the garage at any cost" sale are hanging onto what is surplus to their requirements on the basis that they know what they paid back then or based on the hours they put into a project and feel a base-level price isn't a fair reflection of their input

 

[Edward York]

Lovely for a buyer, less so for a seller.
At the moment prices are rock bottom. But that follows a point 10 years ago when prices were at a high on the back of Eroica UK. Most sellers, unless it's a bereavement sale or a "clear the garage at any cost" sale are hanging onto what is surplus to their requirements on the basis that they know what they paid back then or based on the hours they put into a project and feel a base-level price isn't a fair reflection of their input

Don't get me wrong, I've been on the selling/loss making end as well. Several times and sometimes more painfully than I'd like to admit. And yes you're right that prices aren't necessarily a fair reflection of input. But that's the same with many restoration/hobby pursuits. Take the car world - you can restore a car as much as you'd like, but you'll likely never see a return on it (unless you're in rare Ferrari or Aston type territory).

But the flip side of that lack of financial return is that the hobby attracts (mostly) people who are passionate about bikes, rather than looking to make money. And I like that. I'm just glad that this part of the bike world remains accessible. All IMHO, of course.

Anyway, do you happen to have a Randonneur for sale?

 

[gilmo789]

there have been 2 on ebay in the last month for normal money <300 but collection only and they disappeared fast. eg: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/136582020052
The ones sitting at north of £700 can languish for years.

I presume you know that the Royal is the same but in green. There was also the later (last) 708 randonneur in red