Road Cycling - Used Raleigh - should I buy?

This morning at the LBS I found a Raleigh R-500 road bike with RSX 7 speed and a triple. Right now, I'm riding an old Cannondale with downtube shifters, and I've been searching for a nicer bike with STI shifters - preferrably one that won't cost too much. I think I've found it: I rode the bike almost ten miles and it felt really great. Being the first time I've ever ridden a bike with STI, however, I'm not sure how to evaluate the shifters. It did feel a little hesitant in upshifting (to smaller cogs), but it seemed like something that could pretty easily be corrected with some adjustment.

Anyway, it's in great condition - it looks almost new - and they want $300. It would need some cleaning and adjustment on the drivetrain, but no other parts except pedals. In short, should I buy it? How good IS RSX? Would I be better off with brand new, low-end parts like Sora? It's always seemed to me that buying used parts gets you better parts, so even though they're older, they work better. Is RSX gonna be comparable to higher-end shifters (105/Ultrega) or to lower-end (Sora)?

Thanks for the advice!

What year is the bike? Some quick research on my part shows that ’99 was the last year for RSX parts on this bike (2000s use Sora). The bike retailed for around $700 that year, so if the bike is in great condition, it sounds like a decent deal. If the bike fits you and you like it, I’d say go for it. It might also be worth making an offer to see if they will come down on the price a little.

They didn't know what year it was, but it seems like '99 or at least late '90s would be very close. The paint on the frame looked almost brand new. The shifters did look a little bit worn, and they felt sloppy - sometimes it missed shifting on upshifts and I had to shift twice. I figured maybe I was doing it wrong, or it needed some adjustment, but it sounds like the bike is really not as nice as I'd hoped.

I'm still hoping for a comparison between RSX and newer components - and what should I be looking for in an older bike with STI, component-wise? I'd like to spend close to $500 and get a very nice bike from the late '90s or so. Any other opinions?

what size bike do you ride???
There are some very nice BIANCHIS :D on ebay with shimano sora, 105 etc..
I have gotten some great deals on ebay, look around, you could pick up a $1500 bike for around the $500 you are willing to spend. BUT if you do like the bike you test rode today and have your heart set on it, make sure you have the LBS tune it and get all the problems worked out before you take ownership of it..

They didn't know what year it was, but it seems like '99 or at least late '90s would be very close. The paint on the frame looked almost brand new. The shifters did look a little bit worn, and they felt sloppy - sometimes it missed shifting on upshifts and I had to shift twice. I figured maybe I was doing it wrong, or it needed some adjustment, but it sounds like the bike is really not as nice as I'd hoped.

I'm still hoping for a comparison between RSX and newer components - and what should I be looking for in an older bike with STI, component-wise? I'd like to spend close to $500 and get a very nice bike from the late '90s or so. Any other opinions?

Sounds to me like maybe you should keep looking. eBay is an option, but I would be careful about spending $500 on a bike you can't see in person. There are definitly some deals to be found, however. I purchased a '99 Lemond Zurich (an Ultegra equiped bike) off of eBay for $450. The bike needed some work (which I did myself) and was being sold locally, so I was able to check it out in person. If you are in no hurry, I would keep looking until you find that can't pass up deal on a bike you really like.

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