Details about  Raleigh Grifter Mk1 70's Bike Working Retro BMX Style Perfect Xmas Present

Raleigh Grifter from August 1978!

This is the perfect Christmas present.

See him, with the few wrinkles, I mean laughter lines, starting to show? He remembers exactly how it felt when he got given his first Grifter as a boy.

Summers went on for ever in those days, hot wonderful summers where you'd jump on the Grifter  and ride through the forest. Catching up with the gang and arguing whether Kenny Dalglish was better than Trevor Brooking. Rushing home to see whether Tucker, Alan and Benny would be able to dodge Bullet Baxter again. Finding it weird that Dad would only watch Top of the Pops when Legs and Co were dancing. Rentaghost,The Goodies and Tiswas. Trying to stay up late to watch The Sweeney.Watching Blondie on Top of the Pops and wanting to do something with Debbie Harry, but not knowing quite what. Eating a Texan bar,Bubblicious gum, Haunted House ice lollies. The Sex Pistols, The Stranglers and X-Ray Spex. Playing on your mate's Atari. Believing a man can fly - Is it a Bird? Is it a Plane? Making Airfix models. Uncle Peter going on about the war, Aunties with moustaches. Halfpence pieces and pound notes. Having to sit in the Cortina with a lemonade whilst Dad popped into the pub. John Noakes, Peter Purves, Lesley Judd. Watching Kickstart and then copying the stunts on the Grifter.

Thing is, we got a bit older, got a job, moved out and the Grifter was left in the parent's garage and they gave it to the rag and bone man, or took it down the tip. We didn't realise what had disappeared when the Grifter went, but we know we'd love it back.

Sure, you could buy him a jumper this Christmas, or some socks, or another bloody Top Gear boxset. But, I promise you this, his face will be pure joy if he were to unwrap this Raleigh Grifter.

Interested? Read on.

This auction is for a 1978 Mk1 Raleigh Grifter. It was manufactured in1978 and the hub stamp matches the frame stamp. I believe the colour was called Metallic Red by the manufacturer but Candy Red by everyone who owned one.

It is in working condition and over the last couple of months I've used it regularly. The twist gears work fine.

There is some slight rust to the frame, there is some pitting on the wheels, there are some scratches on the bike, a few nibbles to the seat. I've done my best to show these on the 'photos. This is a 35 year old bike, it's been used, it's not brand new. At some point an enthusiastic young owner went to scout camp and loved it so much that they stuck a sticker on the frame, that's still there.

The tyres look to be the original Raleigh Supagrip tyres, they are pretty bald. I would strongly advise replacing them if the bike is to be used regularly. It's entirely possible that the brake blocks are original too, they still work but, again, if I were giving this bike as a present or if I were going to be keeping the bike, I'd look to replace them.

It comes with period lights too, an Everready front lamp and an Exide rearlight. (Both work but need batteries).

Why am I selling? We don't have a garage and the missus won't let me keep the bike indoors (despite much begging). I don't want to see this lovely, original, great little bike deteriorate. I keep it covered so it's not getting soaked everytime it rains but it deserves better.

You are welcome to come and view the bike in East London, in fact I would highly recommend it. I will try and answer any questions that you may have about the bike so ask away.

I've set a low starting price and no reserve. I've put Collection Only but delivery is possible at 60p per mile (£20 minimum) or you would be welcome to arrange your own collection. Someone is going to buyt his. I won't be ending the auction early so please don't ask. If you win the auction you have bought the bike.

This bit is just to help everyone find the listing: BMX, Raleigh, Raliegh,Raleihg, Raliehg, Grifter, Rifter, Grifte, Bike, Bycycle, Bicycle, Xmas, Crismas, Christmas, Chrismas, Cristmas, Present, Pressie,Prezzie, Retro, 70's, Shoreditch, Steampunk, Seventies, Cool, Chopper, Burner.

So, there we go. Get bidding and good luck!

PS. Guys, there is no point in being subtle about this, you will need to tell the missus that this is the bike to bid on, otherwise you might end up with Jeremy Bloomin' Clarkson again. ;-) Best of luck!