teech

I've been looking around for aroad bike to take out on weekends For long rides and for some group rides. My cmmuter just won't cut it. I've found an 85 Raleigh Olympian and an 80's fuji grand tourer. Both are very reasonably priced (under 100) and both in good condition (in need of minor tuneups). Any thoughts on which would be the better investment for the longhaul?

ricohman

It all depends.
My Olympian has sealed bearings which make it a fine commuter for foul weather.
Buy both for $130.

teech

I'm fine the commuter department (Jamis Commuter 1.0). My commuter is also great for tooling around town. I was looking for something lighter and faster for weekend bike paths and to keep up with groups. I think both of my options are solid, what I don't know is which would be better to dust off and ride for exercise/fun. The Raleigh is a 12spd and the Fuji a 10spd, but I think that I will be converting to a single/fixed flip flop and over the winter, so it doesn't matter so much.

JunkYardBike

What type of group riding? Will you plan to ride it fixed on the group rides (I know some people do). Personally, I'd want something a bit more upscale for fast group rides, but even then I can't keep up!

teech

Once its been converted, the groups rides would be out. I've been invited on a couple of rides with some friends on some of the bike paths, so nothing too serious. My main plans for the bike are for solo rides on the paths and some of the parks for exercise.

JunkYardBike

Ah, I thought you meant club rides. Still, I'm not sure either bike would be significantly faster than your Jamis. Lighter? Maybe, by a little, but those models are heavy by road bike standards. Additionally, they would probably need some work to get them up to snuff. If I were you, I'd look for a later 80s model Japanese built bike with a chromoly frame and lighter, all-aluminum components.

Look for the likes of:

Schwinn Premis, Prestige, Tempo
Miyata 5xx/7xx/9xx
Centurion Ironman/Comp TA/Elite RS

Lots of others, and not just Japanese. Search the forum for some ideas. Often it's less expensive to invest a little more up front in a higher quality bike. Also a good idea to bring a knowledge friend along with you when shopping!