Classic & Vintage - 1986 Raleigh Marathon

I'm gonna post in the commuting forum as well...but I thought I would share this with you all first, since you'll probably appreciate it more. I FINALLY found a good deal (so I think) on a road bike (my first) that fits me. (I'm 6'5" but a long torso) $160 from craigslist (http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/bik/281098366.html) purchased yesterday. One thing that surpirised me is that the ad said excellent condition...AND it actually was! It was kept extremely clean and not ridden much at all. It SEEMS to be all original equipment. All it needed was air in the tires. I believe its a 60cm frame...which, to my surprise...fits me perfect. Compared to my Target-bought Schwinn Ranger...this thing is a feather, fits ALOT better and is alot more quick and nimble (based on only 10 miles of riding...I had to try it out last night...) The saddle is surprisingly comfortable.

Boy, have I been missing out.

Friction shifters, dia-comp brakes, shimano ??? front and rear DRs, original Raleigh tires and seat, 27" wheels...which are just about perfectly true, AND the original manual.

Now I have the excuse to spring for a cyclo computer, rear rack, lights, and a handlebar bag. :D

Comment away...good or bad. You can tell me that I ripped off if you believe I did. I'd rather know the truth. ;)

My logic was this...I wanted something suitable to use on group rides and not feel embarrased (I know...thats a "me" problem), with kids and a pregnant wife I wasn't going to win out the "OK" to drop $600 to $900 on a new roadie, and once the weather gets above 40 and I commute or half/commute to work (thats the "deal" I made with the wife...long story) I wanted something a little faster to shave off some time.

More pics to come...these are kind of crappy...after all..I never seen the thing in real daylight yet!

http://home.comcast.net/%7Emnkwrobes/RaleighPic001.jpg

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Nice bike! A couple of steps up from my Capri of the same era, probably at the Technium level or so.

Ya done good. Welcome to Skinny Tire Land. :)

Is that a Regina ORO chain? :eek:

looks like a 25" frame or 62cm c-c frame to me, which would suit you fine. I would think you should have the seat a little higher though, unless your torso is really that disproportionately long.

looks like a 25" frame or 62cm c-c frame to me, which would suit you fine. I would think you should have the seat a little higher though, unless your torso is really that disproportionately long.

Yeah, I'm a tad long in the torso department.
If I was to measure the frame...I'd measure from the middle of the BB to the top of the seat tube right?

I just won an auction for an 84 or 85 Marathon (ebay 220086007124)

I'm a clydesdale and was thinking this ought to make a good bike for hauling me and a day's worth of gear around on summer centuries and camping trips.

Going to have to add some barcons.

Update...

Lost the reflectors and the dork disk. Took the suicide levers off. Put in new tubes and got Forte GT2 Kevlar Road Tires. WallyWorld Cyclo computer...and a Nashbar handlebar bag. Got Thinline KoolStop pads for in front. Got a rear rack and chrome bottle cage from an LBS by my work.

http://home.comcast.net/%7Emnkwrobes/Raleighupd001web.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/%7Emnkwrobes/Raleighupd002web.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/%7Emnkwrobes/Raleighupd003web.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/%7Emnkwrobes/Raleighupd004web.jpg

I think you made a great deal. I bought the same bike @ my LBS for $165 in early January and I can't wait for the roads to pop out from under the salt and ice so I can start riding.
Enjoy.

P.S. Look for my thread "What did I just buy?" posted in this forum in Jan of this year (the last post to it was 01/30/07). A lot of folks offer some excellent info on the bike.

Great job! A sweet looking mount! :beer: