Mountain Biking - Raleigh M80 Disc $350, good deal?

Hey peoples, just found this sight and its pretty wicked. Anywhoo here goes my first post.

I recently bought a Raleigh M80 Disc off a friend for, guess.. yes 350 (lol). Its in awsome condition, he gave me clip-in pedals for when I get the shoes, and I took it for a ride today (weeler canyon in utah) and it was awsome.

Did I get a good deal or did I get shafted?

Btw: Theirs a little nob thingy on the front shock that says preload and you can turn it, whats that do?

Thanks!

Originally posted by Pochtecatl
Did I get a good deal or did I get shafted?

Well, you already bought the bike. Are you not happy with the price you paid? Are you having buyer's remorse? It sounds like you're happy with the bike performance though. Since the purchase is done, I'd say ride it and be happy.

Unless you tell us more about the condition of the bike, how hard it's been ridden in the past, when it was purchased, what componentry is on it, etc... we really can't tell you how much of a bargain or not you got on it.


Originally posted by Pochtecatl
Btw: Theirs a little nob thingy on the front shock that says preload and you can turn it, whats that do?

The preload sets up the fork to perform optimally for your weight. Each fork has a certain way it needs to be preloaded based on the rider's weight. What fork do you have on there?

Hey thanks for the quick reply. I'm not "guilty" about buying the bike, I'm just wondering if it was worth the money (I think so but what do I know about bikes? :D ).

The bike is in really good condition, he had it for about a month and took really good care of it (We always ride together, I just had a horrible bike). Only reason he sold it is because he wanted a soft-tail and wala, I got what I think is a good deal on the bike.

Uh, about the front fork, I have no idea what kind it is, I'll get back to you on that tomorrow as I'm about to konk out for bed.

Does the dial basically just make it softer/harder?

Thanks

Originally posted by Pochtecatl
The bike is in really good condition, he had it for about a month and took really good care of it (We always ride together, I just had a horrible bike). Only reason he sold it is because he wanted a soft-tail and wala, I got what I think is a good deal on the bike.

So it sounds like it's a 2003 model. Is it pretty much stock? If so, the retail prices on those bikes was around $500. I looked up the component specs and they seem to match up with the rest of the $500 price range crop of hardtails. If he threw in clipless pedals for you in the deal, depending on what model they are and in what condition they're in, that can be on average an added $50 bonus. So yes, I'd say you got a pretty good deal on the bike assuming it hasn't seen any abuse or crashes and especially if you know the buyer personally and can verify the type of riding the bike's already been through and/or how well it's been maintained.


Originally posted by Pochtecatl
Uh, about the front fork, I have no idea what kind it is, I'll get back to you on that tomorrow as I'm about to konk out for bed.

Does the dial basically just make it softer/harder?

Assuming it still has the stock fork and most likely it does, it's a RockShox Judy TT with 80mm of travel. This fork uses coils and elastomers to provide suspension action. The preload adjustment will preload the coil so that the shock is not too springy or too hard. This is done by measuring and setting the sag when the rider is sitting still on the bike. You should be able to find the owner's manual on RockShox's website (http://www.rockshox.com/03RSTechSupport/Downloads/RockShoxOwnersManuals/03RSOwnersManuals/03RSJudyC&TT/03RSJudyC&TT_English.pdf). According to the manual (page 4), you should set the sag for between 13mm and 20mm. If you feel that the fork is too unresponsive (stiff) when hitting bumps and such, set the sag closer to 20mm but if you think it's too responsive (loose) then back off the preload so you're closer to 13mm of sag.