kraemouse

Hello, I'm new to bikes and new to the forum. I am going to go look at a bike (and probably buy, since it's an hour away and I'm not going to go twice) tonight. It's an old Raleigh, and I asked the owner for the model and she doesn't know. I was hoping someone could tell me a little bit about it and whether it's an okay bike or not. I just want something to cruise around on, maybe pick up groceries here and there, I wanted something 'vintage' just because I like the style and idea of a vintage bike, and my budget is miniscule (college student). I set out to find something for $150 and couldn't in my area, so I am settling at $220. Anyway, heres the bike:
https://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/va...098442164.html

What do you think? I have a feeling some of you will tell me it's not worth $220, but unfortunately I can't find any cheapies in my size on craigslist. (I'm only 5'4) I'd just like an opinion since I have no idea what I'm doing, my knowledge goes as far as "pretty" and "not pretty" haha. (also if anyone knows the model/age of it, so I can do some research myself? Thanks! )

rhm

It might be a Sprite, but I can't see enough details to be sure.

I realize you don't want to hear this, but I think you can do better for $220. A lot better.

KonAaron Snake 

+1...IMO, that's a $100 bike, maybe with a small premium for being in nice shape.

At the same time...if you want a bike and don't have one you may be better off just getting something. There is a cost for the continued search and inconvenience of not having one.

David Newton

It is a "Sprite" (or similar), 5 speed derailer, 26 x 1-3/8" wheels. It looks like a late 80's bike.
Too bad you have to spend $220 for a $150 bike, but location is everything.
It will be a good utility bike, but have it all lubricated before putting too many miles on.

due ruote 

https://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/rd...085526310.html

kraemouse

Yeah, bikes are pretty expensive here. We're a very bike orientated city, which I would think would mean they'd be cheaper, but I guess with so many bicycle-commuters.. the price gets driven up? I don't know.. everything in Vancouver seems to cost ten fold compared to everywhere else.
(ex:https://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/va...098027921.html ...I don't know much but this thing looks like crap!)

Anyway, this is my 3rd summer that I've searched for a cheap bike that I find attractive, and I'm sick of it. I just want something I'll enjoy riding. We don't get snow in the winter here so I can use it all year.

Thanks for the info and the quotes. I'm actually glad its worth at least $100... I was worried I'd get someone saying they wouldn't pay $30 for it.... seeing the deals some people can get on here!

KonAaron Snake 

Kraemouse...your decision is logical. You almost always pay more for your first bike because it's hard to be patient when you need one. If you want a bike, get one. In the long run, $100 comes and goes...by the time you find a better deal, you can be riding this bike and enjoying it for xxx period of time.

clubman 

It's a mid 80's Lenton...my Dad had the same bike. Not a great qualiity example of a Raleigh.

It's a shame the cost of shipping in this country is so ridiculously expensive. If you somehow find yourself in Halifax, I can give you a nice Raleigh made womens Sports to take back on the plane.

kraemouse

Haha thanks, I've never been out east before though can't see it happening.
Another option I've got is this one: https://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/va...092227333.html ... Hard to tell from photos but the condition looks lesser to me. Is it a better deal? (maybe its the same model, I dunno! )

rhm

kraemouse, are you looking at three speed bikes? They're better. Definitely better for your purposes. I don't know if they're cheaper where you live, but maybe. And they're cooler. I've seen perfectly good ones on ebay going for $50 plus $60 shipping (okay, I just made up those numbers, but you know what I mean) and would be a much better ride than the two you've shown us.

kraemouse

Well the reason I've only looked at five speeds is that I live in a fairly hilly area. Also, I see 3 speeds have "internal" shifters? Which I've been told means you switch gears using the petals, pushing back on them to change gears.. If thats the case, that doesn't appeal to me.

Would a 3 speed not pose some issues on hills?

clubman 

I can see Vancouver being a riding challenge. Since bikes are so expensive there, you could consider test driving the blue one and offering $150 cash in hand. That's double the market value in most parts of the world. It's a slightly earlier (better?) model than the lenton, and it will give you a wider range of gears than a 3 speed but will also require more frequent maintenance.

3 speeds have a trigger on the bars and shift like buttah...

rhm

A five speed CAN have a wider range than a three speed, but in most cases won't. Three speeds often come with the gears set a bit too high, and most of us who ride them recommend you lower the gears a bit, which is an easy modification that we can explain when the time comes. That said, I must also admit that it is usually the menfolk among us who want the gears lowered; for some reason women often prefer to leave well enough alone. Whatever, let's not get into that right now.

The beauty of the three speed hub, in my opinion, is that you can shift any time you want, including when you're stopped. They also have the advantage that in those years when they were popular (1950-1975) untold thousands of them were made. And they are virtually indestructible. So they remain fairly cheap even today. And they are often very elegant bikes. The ones you've shown us, on Craigslist, are trying to look like the bikes I'm talking about.

kraemouse

https://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/va...098028781.html
So are you talking about something more like this? (sorry for all the cl ad posts... But I learn by example!) .. Now this bike appeals to me, but 22" is going to be a tiny bit large for me at 5'4 right? I need to find something 18-20... I believe?

Velognome 

I like the first one, the Sprite, looks in good shape. Just cuz they are asking $220, doesn't mean they will get it. Go at it with $120 and haggle your way to the $150 that you wanted to spend

clubman 

The Superbe is uber cool and I'm pretty sure you'll fit that bike fine. Go see it and test it out, soon. Take cash. That bike is worth more than the other 2 put together IMO.

Rhm's comment on the gearing is spot on. It's not too difficult to find a 22 tooth rear cog for the 3 speed and have it installed by a seasoned mechanic.

kraemouse

Okay thanks! I just saw the red one and it totally sucked! She wouldn't go lower than 180 so I walked. The superbe is in my favourite colour too just a bonus, haha

kraemouse

Going to see the 74 superbe right now! (that's right, I mean business, haha) thanks for all the advice on here, you guys have been so helpful! now the cogs and chain look pretty rusty in the photos.. That will be easy to replace at an ok cost right?

clubman 

The chrome and chain and paint will all clean up nicely. Little to no cost.

kraemouse

So the superbe's shifter cable thingy is loose, so when you change gears or stop pedaling, it tends to go out of gear. Easy fix, yes? The guy says I can just get a shop to tighten the cables... And then it should be okay.. Hppe he didn't lie to me .. Because... I did decide to pick it up at $180. thanks for your guidance guys. I'm super excited to get this fixed up. There isn't a speck of rust on this (was just dirt in the photo) and no chipped paint, no dents, very few scratches, it's in fantastic condition overall.
The bike feels a little awkward as my toes just touch the ground.. But even the small one I tried felt odd, I think it's cause I havnt jumped on a bike in 10 years.
Again thanks for all your fast replies and input I'm glad I came to this forum.

rhm

Yes, that's the stuff. That Superbe is worth that price where I live, probably more. Congratulations!

There's a thread here "for the love of the English Three Speed." And lots of threads on the intricacies of the Sturmey Archer hubs. You will want to start reading... but mostly riding! Have fun!

You definitely want to look at this website:

https://sheldonbrown.com/english-3.html

and then this one:

https://sheldonbrown.com/raleigh.html

and then... oh, it goes on an on!

ElliotSF

Kraemouse: Congratulations! You got a solid, classic bike at a good price. Happy riding!

browngw 

Hi everyone.
A little information about Raleigh "Sprites". I now own and ride 3 of these Raleigh models. They were available as a 3speed, 5speed or 10speed in the seventies. I have a 1986 that has a 6speed. One important thing common to them all were the 27inch wheels with 1 1/4 in tires and a "record" style frame.

Velognome 

Congrats on the purchase of the Superbe! Remember to post some pictures of your new ride!

I have a soft spot fo the Sprite's too. There is a pretty yellow on in town and the lady always seems to be smiling when she passes by....how could you not like that?

bdbiker1

It looks in great working order and ready to ride, enjoy it! Don't worry about the price.