1983 Raleigh Super Course
 

Hi all,

I'm new to cycling and know very little about bikes in general. I have a comfort hybrid that I use for commuting and riding around. I love it but it is quite heavy and I haven't even added any racks or anything to it yet, so I'm looking for a slightly lighter, sportier bike. I am on a very tight budget so was looking for a decent older bike that is very ride-able and that I can work on over time. Unfortunately, I just missed out on a 1983 Fuji America :(

There is a 1983 Raleigh Super Course for sale nearby, all original, in very good shape. Is this a decent bike? They are looking for $150 (I think) or best offer. Any thoughts? Any help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Rob

Very tight budget? Limited knowledge of bikes? Well unfortunately, the best deals usually/almost always require work. And unless you have the knowledge/tools/time/space/aptitude/interest to do this work yourself, project bikes are not such a great deal. I can't recall ever finding a bike 25 + years old that did not need some TLC. A nice bike where someone else has already done this work is going to sell for more than $150.

Point is well-taken, however....you didn't answer my question at all. I get what you're saying, but just go with me here (please)...let's assume that the bike in question (again a 1983 Super Course) is in pretty decent shape and CAN be ridden as-is, even if it's not perfect (which I think it is; ride-able, that is, not perfect), is it a pretty decent bike for the price range? I want something I can sorta hang on to, ride occasionally, work on and upgrade as finances and time permit. I am learning more about bikes constantly and have some friends who are rather interested in the hobby, so I'm not totally lost. Plus there are a few great bike shops around here, run by nice guys who charge fair prices and love working on vintage bikes. Does that clarify where I am? I think I may have been a bit misleading in the first post. Thanks again in advance for any and all advice.

Rob

A 1983 Super Course is a nice bike. It has a chromoly frame and alloy components. It would be worthy bike to buy, keep, and upgrade as needed/desired.

Get the bike amigo! It is a good started bike, but offer 100; once cash is seen, no mind is ever made up! I bed that you can get it. If you don't want to take it to an expensive shop, find some one that can do it reasonably. Also, it would be a good idea to learn. I myself just know the basics like changing tires /tubes, seats/posts, pedals. The important thing is to be able to spot a quality bike, and that is through experience, and by being here. Hurry up and get your nice superC, and start riding it. Good luck!

Flash

Yes, the SC was a decent bike, and if the bike is very clean and recently thoroughly serviced, then the price is very reasonable too.

If it was not - then it is not so hot of a deal - especially if you have a Bike store do the work. ( I guess I just echoed Thrifty Bill's post! )

It depends on three things: condition, condition, and condition.... Maybe condition, too.... :-)

By about 1981 or so, the 'Super Course 12' frames had double-butted 531 main triangles and chrome-plated, forged Suntour GS dropouts (unless they stopped doing that by '83 - you never know with Raleigh, and the catalogs often don't mean ****e*). I have a Copper-colored one of those, and I paid more than $150 just for the frameset, iirc. If it has those features, is complete, is in excellent condition, and doesn't need any major work, then I would buy it at $150 (if it fit me!!). Fit is everything (no wait, condition is too...).

* That's Irish for, well, ****e. I learned that from the movie "The Commitments."