3 bikes, same price, same condition, which one?
03-05-15, 02:18 PM
#27
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I'll go with the Panasonic. Custom paint, plus I'm finally learning my way around Japanese bikes, wrench-wise. Throwing some Italian stuff in there will just get me all screwed up again. haha
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A race bike in any era is a highly personal choice that at its "best" balances the requirements of fit, weight, handling, durability and cost tempered by the willingness to toss it and oneself down the pavement at considerable speed. ~Bandera
A race bike in any era is a highly personal choice that at its "best" balances the requirements of fit, weight, handling, durability and cost tempered by the willingness to toss it and oneself down the pavement at considerable speed. ~Bandera
03-05-15, 02:29 PM
#28
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Is this really a question? The Torpado without any doubt. BTW, that is Nuovo Record not Super Record.
03-05-15, 06:48 PM
#32
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I own a mid 80's grand prix which that looks to be. Nice bike the "raleigh 555 SL" tubing fully chromed frame under the paint. eyelet on the drop outs F&R, but short chainstays, brakes are marginal, but aero levers, mid level suntour (mines arx), funky aero headset nut, actual rubber seals on the BB and hubs. Not a bad "everyday driver", but not the bling of campy or cachet of Torpado. Panasonic is quality and value of a UJM also a nice "everyday driver". I don't think you'd go wrong with any of them.
03-05-15, 06:55 PM
#33
Still learning
At the same price, which I checked out, the first two are overpriced, by $150 and $100 respectively. Go for the Torpado.
03-05-15, 07:17 PM
#35
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The yellow one.
03-05-15, 07:31 PM
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I'd go with the Panasonic out of that group. The Torpado a close (can't go wrong with either) second.
03-05-15, 07:38 PM
#38
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Thread Starter
I'm friends with owner of the Raleigh, and I think I can get the torpado for a little less. I want to get something to leave up at my parents lake house.
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03-05-15, 09:06 PM
#40
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I would go for the Panasonic. I haven't yet owned an Italian though...
03-05-15, 10:07 PM
#41
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I would get in this order:
1. Torpado
2. Panasonic
.
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3. Raleigh
1. Torpado
2. Panasonic
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3. Raleigh
03-05-15, 10:09 PM
#42
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This is C&V, do the logical thing and get all three!
03-05-15, 10:29 PM
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The Schwinn.......
I don't know beans about the others, but every Panasonic I've had/have has been of the highest quality and craftsmanship. And its the most unique.
I don't know beans about the others, but every Panasonic I've had/have has been of the highest quality and craftsmanship. And its the most unique.
Last edited by Thumpic; 03-05-15 at 10:33 PM.
03-05-15, 10:34 PM
#44
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From a bike at the lake point of view ?
Japanese engineering is not something to scoff at, a nice riding bike at the lake needing minimum upkeep work? Well I am going to say it if no one else will . . . . . nicely lubed/adjusted 105 group is up there with Campag in gear change ability and personally sometimes in feel as well, parts in adundance?
Panasonic were/are a very nice riding bike, that would be my pick, would not want something nicer sitting in a place I could only access sometimes, not accessible to ride when the need took me
Japanese engineering is not something to scoff at, a nice riding bike at the lake needing minimum upkeep work? Well I am going to say it if no one else will . . . . . nicely lubed/adjusted 105 group is up there with Campag in gear change ability and personally sometimes in feel as well, parts in adundance?
Panasonic were/are a very nice riding bike, that would be my pick, would not want something nicer sitting in a place I could only access sometimes, not accessible to ride when the need took me
03-05-15, 10:44 PM
#46
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Can I buy the Campy NR group off the Torpado when the part out begins?
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03-05-15, 10:50 PM
#47
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Lots of good arguments here.
I have a friend with a Raleigh Racing USA - very similar to the one pictured. Full chrome underneath the paint. When the paint chips it's like platinum is being revealed... Plus it's red.
I don't have Italian yet, and the Torpado just seems like a better deal for a daily rider. Did I mention I like chrome?
But I think Bicycle Addict's argument of "leave at the lake" makes the most sense for the Panasonic. I'd just want to take the Torpado home and ride her. I'd probably spend too much time ogling the Raleigh on the rare occasion I got to the lake. Japanese quality and reliability would make the Panasonic a no-nonsense, easy to ride, easy to put away bike at the lake. That and I'm a child of the 80's and love the rad paint job.
I have a friend with a Raleigh Racing USA - very similar to the one pictured. Full chrome underneath the paint. When the paint chips it's like platinum is being revealed... Plus it's red.
I don't have Italian yet, and the Torpado just seems like a better deal for a daily rider. Did I mention I like chrome?
But I think Bicycle Addict's argument of "leave at the lake" makes the most sense for the Panasonic. I'd just want to take the Torpado home and ride her. I'd probably spend too much time ogling the Raleigh on the rare occasion I got to the lake. Japanese quality and reliability would make the Panasonic a no-nonsense, easy to ride, easy to put away bike at the lake. That and I'm a child of the 80's and love the rad paint job.
03-05-15, 10:55 PM
#48
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Torpado. No question!
03-05-15, 11:29 PM
#49
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I can't believe I'm saying this...without a doubt, the one with the dork disc.
