Classic & Vintage - How to ID Dales and Raleighs?

I have been looking for an older bike to buy because I just can't affor to drop $1500 (or much more considering my tastes) on a new road bike:(. I figure with an older bike I should be able to get good performance at a much smaller price. In my search I've come across a lot of information for identifying some bikes, like Treks (thanks to vintage-trek.com):), but very little for identifying others like 80s and 90s Raleighs and Cannondales. I find a lot of these bikes on the market and was wondering if anyone can provide some resources to ID these things. Thanks a lot.

I'm sure someone else knows more, and there's probably a resource, but here's what I recall.

The first road frames were all pretty much the same and came in some fairly garish colors. The bottom frame was a pinkish purple, also there was a Miami Vice pink euphamized as "coral" some really vibrant greens... etc.

These frames all had a nominal wheelbase of around 39" for a 23" frame, and had eyelets on the rear dropout (none on the fork). The R300 or 400 had Diacompe aero levers and Suntour Cyclone derailleurs with a 14-24 6 speed freewheel.

The eyelet disappeared for either one or two years in 1987-1988 or just 1988. In mid-late 88 they introduced the "criterium geometry" with a cantilevered rear dropout. After that I lost interest and didn't pay attention anymore, although I think the 2.0 frame might have appeared around 1990.

It was impossible to find a non-biopace bicycle in 1988-1990.
Similarly, indexing became non-optional around 1986. (I know, I know: "wah").

The first "Black Lightning" I saw was in the either the fall of '86 or spring of '87. It was gorgeous, but I recall thinking it a little pricey for the component level. Suntour Superbe, but not Superbe pro? I dunno for sure. I'm thinking they ran around $650 that year, while an R-400 (or whatever the bottom level was) came in around $400-450.

I especially liked the first gen road bike because you could put a rack on it for long, fast rides in indeterminate weather. Losing the eyelets... makes for a pretty toy, but much less of a bike, IMO.

I sold my 88 frame with a mix of Campy components and two sets of wheels in '02 for around 290. It was a great bike, but I don't really miss it. Well, except to look at, and that's just goofy.

Thanks Moo. I think you're talking about Dales b/c I know more about Raleighs and I am not at all familiar with the models you're talking about... :D I'm learning!

When I got my Cannonball in '86, I was told that the serial number reflected the following;

1st 2 numbers: Frame size, inches for Mtn bikes & CM for road bikes
Next 6 numbers: date frame was made
Last 3 numbers: Frame number that day

Hence the serial # 2003268105 translated to
20" frame made March 26th of 1986, 105th frame that day

I don't know how long they used that system, but that was what I was told when I bought it.
Still have it, too! (SM 700 26" front, 24" rear) and in 6 months it'll be DRINKING AGE!:rolleyes:

Thanks Moo. I think you're talking about Dales b/c I know more about Raleighs and I am not at all familiar with the models you're talking about... :D I'm learning!

Yeah, sorry. My post was about C'dale road bikes.
I *think* they started offering MTB's in 85 or maybe 86. I had an interesting hardtail/hybrid looking one that I used as a commuter off and on until this summer that I bought new in 88. Very different geometry than most of what they offered. Suntour indexed 15 speed with thumb shifters. Bike was built in Nov of 87, I think.

Don't know that much about '80s Raleighs, other than most of them Stateside weren't made in the UK.

The first road frames were all pretty much the same and came in some fairly garish colors. The bottom frame was a pinkish purple, also there was a Miami Vice pink euphamized as "coral" some really vibrant greens... etc.

The R300 or 400 had Diacompe aero levers and Suntour Cyclone derailleurs...

It was impossible to find a non-biopace bicycle in...

For a moment there, I thought you were talking about the '83-86 Raleigh USA line - the color choice and Biopace comments were spot on for Raleigh in '86. The '86 Grand Prix featured metallic light green/purple, Super Course featured purple/black, and lord only knows what the Competition featured.

Take care,

-Kurt

cudak, i've seen from your posts elsewhere around here that you own a couple of early 80s competitions. i have come across one and am seriously considering the purchase. can you tell me whay you think it would be worth. i think it's a 1984. appears to be in pretty nice condition.

Is a Brit Raleigh better than a Raleigh USA. The Competition I found was a Raleigh USA. I was a little confused when I found out there are two catalogs to look at...

cudak, i've seen from your posts elsewhere around here that you own a couple of early 80s competitions. i have come across one and am seriously considering the purchase. can you tell me whay you think it would be worth. i think it's a 1984. appears to be in pretty nice condition.

Is a Brit Raleigh better than a Raleigh USA. The Competition I found was a Raleigh USA. I was a little confused when I found out there are two catalogs to look at...

Only own one, an '84. An '84 will be white/chrome. I paid $40 for mine, but I'd say $100 would be quite a reasonable price for one. $150 on the high "ebay" price side.

Nottingham Raleighs have more snob appeal, particularly the Carlton-made models from the Competition up. Both the English machines and the Tawanese-made Raleigh USA machines are fine machines, although the English machines tend to be quite sloppy around the lugwork, while the Raleigh USA machines are particularly well done, for a mass-produced machine. English machines are painted, the R-USAs, powdercoated.

All depends on whether you want the traditional, refined '70s look (Nottingham), or the sharp, cutting-edge '80s appearance (Raleigh USA).

P.S.: If you like stiff frames, the Raleigh USA machine would be ideal. The Nottingham machines are a bit more flexible.

Take care,

-Kurt

thanks. i guess i'll be waiting for a better price... :D

i need to find a better place to look for used bikes than ebay... and learn some patience. anyway, thanks for clueing me in. i'm still new to old bikes.