Quick Cal

Well hopefully this is a little better than the Raleigh Record I bought last night.

I just got this off of CL for $80. It is in very nice shape, and very clean. It was an old man that had it. He is a flipper. So most of the work has all ready been done.

I would say all it needs is new brakes because they squeal, and a modern seat for comfort. It has a few minor scratch's here and there. More so around the rear drops. But over all it is very nice I think. It did need new grip tape, but we stopped at the LBS on the way home and had that done.

All I really know about it is it's from a local chain in St. Louis. The touring Cyclist. There were some higher end ones made in Japan. I read in the same plant as Fuji, and also Bridgestone made some for them. This one is a Japanese model.

I can't find any info on what year it was made. Can you guys point me somewhere.

And I guess I have to ask what's it worth. Did I do ok for $80. I see them on line for a lot more. But they were older ad's. Is that any better than the 74 Raleigh Record I bought last night. Thanks, Cal

SkyDog75

Personally, I'd hesitate to give an appraisal just because it's a little-known house brand frame. Part of a bike's sale value is related to potential buyers' name recognition. And we don't know what kind of tubing the frame is made from, which would affect the bike's value. But from a strictly functional standpoint, it's definitely worth the $80 you paid and then some. It won't be the lightest, fastest thing on the road, but it looks like a decently built frame with reliable components.

Speaking of components... When dealing with an unknown frame, they can help you identify the bike's quality (or at least price) level. The rear derailleur's a SunTour ARX, which was in the middle of the SunTour product line. (In other words, a solid performer but not expensive ultra-light race gear.) The nutted axles say lower end, but aren't a problem if you bring along a wrench to deal with flats. Looks to me like a budget bike, but a reasonably nice one.

One suggestion: When buying a bike, especially one that's a few decades old, don't take the previous owner's word when it comes to maintenance. Tear it apart to lube and inspect everything.

Also, brake squeal doesn't necessarily mean you need new brakes. You can probably take care of the squealing by addressing your brake pads. If they're in good shape, an adjustment might do the trick -- maybe try adding a little toe-in. If the pads are old or you can't adjust the squeal out of them, just replace 'em. Dia-Compe "grey matter" pads are cheap and should do the job nicely.