Anyone know anything about this technium supercourse?
 

This bike has come on the list for the second time and looks interesting to me. I am currently riding a similiar vintage Raliegh Trilite Scott Tinley model. I like the bike alot, but I like the upgrades on this bike, but don't know much about the components. at 300 asking it is worth getting some feedback. The site has photos, but I'm not sure how to post them on here, or if it is necessary. They are pretty small Also I am 6'4" about 230 pnds

"Raleigh Supercourse - Excellent & Upgrades - $300


1989 Raleigh Technium Supercourse 21 inch aluminum frame and fork with cro-molly rear triangle for softer ride. 14 speed. Shimano Exage front and rear derailleurs. Quick release front and rear axles. New in spring 2006 -- 2 red 700x23 tyres and 2 presta tubes, handlebar tape. UPGRADES new in summer 2006 -- down tube shifters changed to Sora brake lever/shift combination and 39 tooth inner chainring from the original 42 (helps on hills). New brake and shifter cables. Outer chain ring is the original 52 tooth biopace design. Quill stem replaced with an adapter to use threadless style handlebar stem with "pop-top" design (allows fast, easy replacement of the threadless handlebar stem without removing anything from the handlebar). Comes with shimano SPD clipless pedals, 2 water bottle cages, and quick release seat tube rack. Two weeks ago cleaned and lubed front and rear axle bearings, cleaned and oiled 7 speed cassette, cleaned and lubed chain.
Never done any multiple day sagged rides - only day trips and few of those (rode mountain bike mostly). Did the upgrades more for fun than any practical reason. Still don't ride the bicycle. Bicycle is in excellent condition.
CASH ONLY PLEASE "

Go look at it, all I can say! It seems to be a decent price. Ride it of course.......

Any ideas about the shifting system as described and how well that works on a retrofit?

I owned Raleigh Techniums in the late 80's early 90's. Two of them broke on me. First the chainstay on drive side: weld broke. They replaced with upgraded frame. Then new one broke about 4 years later (broke at the seatpost collar: seatpost would not stay up). At the time, I weighed around 260--275 lbs.

I would recommend caution.

And as I recall, the original bike I got was about $300. I would say that they're asking too much money for it. I don't like the listed components either for that money.

Thanks kadam68, I have heard this about techniums. My current ride is a late 80's TriLite. Did your bike give any symptoms before it broke? Anything to look for in paticular? My plan is to ride this bike for this season, and by a new one next year. The theory is that I will know what I need better after a years riding.

Both breaks were complete surprises, both happened out on rides. The chainstay broke at the weld between the chain- and seat-stays on the drive side. Look for any tell-tale cracks as well as rust in the rear triangle. The seatpost cracked right near the collar so that I couldn't tighten it.

Maybe both breaks were a result of my weight. Or maybe it was because I was racing on 'em. I don't know. Better safe than sorry, I suppose. Your plan sounds fine and the Technium would probably last. But I still think they're more worth $150-ish, and that's only because of the clipless pedals and Sora brifters (maybe not even them...).

Great info, I will keep an eye on it......

My current ride is super clean and cost me 85 bucks off of craigslist. I have put about 250 into it so far on seats, pedals, compter, lights, etc that can be transferred to another bike. Given that I didn't know the history on the bike, A good part of that dollar amount was a complete overhaul by a trusted LBS.

I think the other bike may already be gone. Probably ok, but I was attracted to the lever shifters for a good price. I had never heard of Sora, so I was suspicious. I love my current bike, but any further money should probably be put toward a newer sexier bike. At that point the TriLite will become the downtown commuter.