Jude

I got this bike off craigslist last November. It's served me well since then, I've put probably close to 1000 miles on it (I use it for commuting and for riding around the countryside). No big problems, haven't had to replace any parts. There is a weird clicking or grating noise coming from my drivetrain which I haven't figured out yet, which only seems to show up about 15 miles into a longer ride.

Anyway, I don't have pictures of it right now, although I could if need be. The text on the top tube is "USA 440;" on the down tube "Raleigh Technium" and on the seat tube "Aluminum" and in smaller text "Advanced composite technology." Brakes and levers are Dia-Compe, derailleurs are Shimano, stem shifters, 12 speeds. I don't know enough about bike parts to tell you anything more. I'm pretty sure everything is original except the saddle which is some padded Avenir thing I am not a huge fan of, but don't have the money to replace.

I ask because someone working at the LBS behind my apartment saw it and told me never to sell it for less than a couple hundred dollars, or words to that effect. I told her I got it for $125 and she said the frame alone is worth that.

I'm not planning to sell it and it serves me well, I'm just curious if that was an accurate assessment and whether I got gypped for $125 or not. Or if anybody knows anything about these bikes and what the potential for upgrading it would be if I ever wanted to, although I'd be more likely to save up for a new bike and keep this one as a commuter.

The guy I bought it from sounded like he hadn't ridden it all that much since getting it new for $800 in the late 80s some time. Because of how little maintenance it's needed, i'm inclined to believe him. Anyway, what's your opinion? Need anymore info or pics? I'm just curious. Thanks!

I'm also getting ready to ride it about 80 miles from Northern Virginia back home to Harrisonburg, which is probably gonna involve some nasty uphills. The longest single day ride I've done is about 60 miles in Philadelphia/Jersey area, which is a heck of a lot flatter than Virginia.

TheDL

The mixed metal bikes have their place in the C&V realm. If you were to ever sell it, assuming it's in nice condition, descent level of components, and depending on your local market, I'd say $200 would be a minimum. Here in Portland, Oregon a nice Technium could fetch between $250 and $300.

I think it's worth getting that weird noise looked in to; for sure.

Pictures always help

Jude

I'll put some up as soon as I get a hold of a friend with a camera.

RobbieTunes

Hey Jude,

(I had to do that)

$125 is a great price for a light Technium 440, which is exactly what I had. $200 would be fair, $250 and you're about to leave non-Technium fans and narrow the market. They do a lot of things above average, nothing extremely well and nothing poorly, in my opinion. They are a good deal for the vintage money, decent components, and are one of the bikes I look for at yard sales.

There was a Pro model, too.

Jude

I'd say my main problem with it is the ride's kind of rough. it is an aluminum frame, which isn't supposed to absorb shock as well, so I definitely do feel the crappy roads I ride on sometimes. Oh well, can't have everything...