I think I'm in love...
#1
lagartija
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I think I'm in love...
with the Raleigh 20. I saw one for the first time on craigslist last night and have completely fallen for it. I've never felt this way about a bike before. Unfortunately the post was a day and a half old and it's been taken down since I wrote to the seller.
My question, now, is how hard is it to find one in decent condition, and how much should I expect to pay for it? (the one I saw was $20 and a fixer-upper) I've never seriously looked at or ridden folders before... they just seemed so... funny looking. but I love to travel and I would love to have a bike I could make small enough to bring along when I wasn't riding it exclusively. And the raleigh is just so sexy!
Thanks for your time
-Akugluk
My question, now, is how hard is it to find one in decent condition, and how much should I expect to pay for it? (the one I saw was $20 and a fixer-upper) I've never seriously looked at or ridden folders before... they just seemed so... funny looking. but I love to travel and I would love to have a bike I could make small enough to bring along when I wasn't riding it exclusively. And the raleigh is just so sexy!
Thanks for your time
-Akugluk
#2
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Don't look at LittlePixel's site that's for sure!
If you're thinking of traveling with a 20, good luck with the disassembly and weight issues.
If you're thinking of traveling with a 20, good luck with the disassembly and weight issues.
#3
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Originally Posted by Akugluk
. . . My question, now, is how hard is it to find one in decent condition, and how much should I expect to pay for it? (the one I saw was $20 and a fixer-upper) I've never seriously looked at or ridden folders before... they just seemed so... funny looking. but I love to travel and I would love to have a bike I could make small enough to bring along when I wasn't riding it exclusively. And the raleigh is just so sexy! . . .
People have done some amazing jobs fixing these up. My own falls far short of amazing, but it's still a serviceable utility bike with a kind of retro chic, at least in my eyes. You can end up spending quite a lot of money upgrading these, though. Depending on what kind of bring along bike you want, it would be a good idea to look at Downtubes, Dahons, Swifts, well, there are a lot of threads along the lines of "what kind of folder should I buy?" already.
Ebay prices seem to run from about $70 to $200. Not sure about Craigs list or garage sales.
Last edited by DaFriMon; 03-22-07 at 07:30 PM.
#4
lagartija
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Thanks for the links! I found the super modified page last night looking up everything I could about them (that and Sheldon Brown's page). I'm not looking at huge upgrades quite yet (I'll wait until I've graduated for that) but its something to dream about.
Yeah, i know they aren't ideal for travel, but they seem to fit what I have in mind. they'd fit in a trunk, it looks like they can be fitted with a rack, and they seem pretty sturdy. If I was going to go by plane/train/bus... it looks like it could be done with a little more work. Someone on bf had a picture of their 20 in a standard hard sided suitcase for airline travel. Impressive.
About how heavy are they?
Yeah, i know they aren't ideal for travel, but they seem to fit what I have in mind. they'd fit in a trunk, it looks like they can be fitted with a rack, and they seem pretty sturdy. If I was going to go by plane/train/bus... it looks like it could be done with a little more work. Someone on bf had a picture of their 20 in a standard hard sided suitcase for airline travel. Impressive.
About how heavy are they?
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One guy got his single speed Twenty down to under 23lbs. Mine is a portly 31lbs with a dual drive hub, suspension fork, and bag of tools. Without the tools, it's probably just barely under 30lbs. It's a real fun ride, though. And quick, so long as your not going uphill! Of course the 219lbs I carry could also effect the whole climbing thing.
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Akugluk in "Nome"town.... Alaska? I think you'll find that unusual items of all sorts, including older folding bikes, are catch-as-catch can up by you.
It'd be a bit of a trip, but if you travel yearly, it may be worth checking out the centers of population around some of the western Canadian provinces.... particularly Vancouver/Victoria Craigslist ads. Raleigh was a British company, and the Twentys/Shoppers seem to be fairly commonplace in the UK. I've noticed them pop up fairly regularly in and around Canadian CL ads, I'm guessing due to lower shipping costs back in the day for Commonwealth businesses. Because they were ideal for boaters, I would tend to predict that they'd pop up for sale more often in places like Seattle or Vancouver.
Or, just post a "wanted" ad on Craigslist yourself. You may be surprised at the results
It'd be a bit of a trip, but if you travel yearly, it may be worth checking out the centers of population around some of the western Canadian provinces.... particularly Vancouver/Victoria Craigslist ads. Raleigh was a British company, and the Twentys/Shoppers seem to be fairly commonplace in the UK. I've noticed them pop up fairly regularly in and around Canadian CL ads, I'm guessing due to lower shipping costs back in the day for Commonwealth businesses. Because they were ideal for boaters, I would tend to predict that they'd pop up for sale more often in places like Seattle or Vancouver.
Or, just post a "wanted" ad on Craigslist yourself. You may be surprised at the results
#7
lagartija
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Originally Posted by bookishboy
Akugluk in "Nome"town.... Alaska? I think you'll find that unusual items of all sorts, including older folding bikes, are catch-as-catch can up by you.
It'd be a bit of a trip, but if you travel yearly, it may be worth checking out the centers of population around some of the western Canadian provinces.... particularly Vancouver/Victoria Craigslist ads. Raleigh was a British company, and the Twentys/Shoppers seem to be fairly commonplace in the UK. I've noticed them pop up fairly regularly in and around Canadian CL ads, I'm guessing due to lower shipping costs back in the day for Commonwealth businesses. Because they were ideal for boaters, I would tend to predict that they'd pop up for sale more often in places like Seattle or Vancouver.
Or, just post a "wanted" ad on Craigslist yourself. You may be surprised at the results
It'd be a bit of a trip, but if you travel yearly, it may be worth checking out the centers of population around some of the western Canadian provinces.... particularly Vancouver/Victoria Craigslist ads. Raleigh was a British company, and the Twentys/Shoppers seem to be fairly commonplace in the UK. I've noticed them pop up fairly regularly in and around Canadian CL ads, I'm guessing due to lower shipping costs back in the day for Commonwealth businesses. Because they were ideal for boaters, I would tend to predict that they'd pop up for sale more often in places like Seattle or Vancouver.
Or, just post a "wanted" ad on Craigslist yourself. You may be surprised at the results
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I bought one on E-Bay last month for $120.00 plus shipping. It's in very good condition and cleaned up really nice. I've seen some go for $200-300.00 on E-bay so I grabbed this one before it disappeared. These things are a blast to ride!!! Almost more fun than my full-sized bikes. I bought mine with the idea of taking it on trips so that I can ride along beach cycle paths, quiet roads by the B&B's that we stay at etc. It's not the smallest nor lightest folder but it is reasonably inexpensive. I'd like to have a Brompton M6series but don't want to spend $1,000.00 before I know if I like the folding bike thing.
#9
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Originally Posted by Akugluk
My question, now, is how hard is it to find one in decent condition, and how much should I expect to pay for it? (the one I saw was $20 and a fixer-upper)
I bought mine in Texas for $125, after a wanted ad in the local Craigslist. But I was offered one for $150 and another for $250 (said to be pristine). I didn't want a perfect one since I knew I was going to replace so much of it.
Mine was rideable, with all it's original parts, but the brakes are poor by todays standard. At a minimum, I think you should be prepared to replace the rims with modern alloy BMX ones, and replace the tyres and brake pads. If you don't do this yourself but get it done at the LBS, I guess that's going to cost ~$100.
I don't think you should get a R20 if what you want is a compact folder - it's not. My thought process was:
1) I want a folder I can just put in the trunk of my car (and keep there) so I can take it to the park with no fuss, and have it available for a spontaineous ride.
2) I'm now almost 300lbs after a years poor mobility brought on by a stroke (I was quite fit at 240lbs). There is NO modern folder which is rated for my weight so I could spend >$500 on something that might collapse and have no warranty.
3) I don't know what the weight limit is on a R20, but it's heavy steel and has a strong, unique joint.
4) If I spend $500 on parts for the R20 and it collapses, I still have $500 worth of parts than can be transfered to another R20 or sold on.
5) I'm still having fun solving the upgrade problems and part selection :-)
6) My wife now refers to me as "Bicycle Repair Man" !
Currently trying to solve the cotterless BB problem, and fit my 20" suspension forks.
#10
Raleigh20 PugFixie, Merc
Another sucker falls for the Twenty's charms... Welcome to the club!
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My Raleigh Twenty site | foldr : A flickr pool | #6460, #5632 & #3407 on the fixedgeargallery
My Raleigh Twenty site | foldr : A flickr pool | #6460, #5632 & #3407 on the fixedgeargallery
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Hello Akugluk and Welcome!
I wanted a Twenty myself a few years ago. I chose not to buy one since I decided to buy a Dahon Boardwalk S1 and modified it to my own specification. (see signature below for links to photos and more written information about this). I think this is a great step to deciding if folding bikes in general is for you and also get a great challenge to create a one-of-a-kind bike. Good Luck and do post again about your new bike!
I wanted a Twenty myself a few years ago. I chose not to buy one since I decided to buy a Dahon Boardwalk S1 and modified it to my own specification. (see signature below for links to photos and more written information about this). I think this is a great step to deciding if folding bikes in general is for you and also get a great challenge to create a one-of-a-kind bike. Good Luck and do post again about your new bike!
#12
Part-time epistemologist
Originally Posted by juan162
One guy got his single speed Twenty down to under 23lbs. Mine is a portly 31lbs with a dual drive hub, suspension fork, and bag of tools. Without the tools, it's probably just barely under 30lbs. It's a real fun ride, though. And quick, so long as your not going uphill! Of course the 219lbs I carry could also effect the whole climbing thing.
So where do you think the big weight savings are? It looks like you have front suspension. But what would go after that?
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Originally Posted by Akugluk
Yeah, Alaska it is. Fortunately for bike-shopping purposes, I am in Oregon for the time being. Thanks for the Canada/seattle tip. I'll definitely keep my eyes open.
#14
Raleigh20 PugFixie, Merc
Originally Posted by invisiblehand
So where do you think the big weight savings are? It looks like you have front suspension. But what would go after that?
Rims.
Stem.
Bars.
Seatpost.
Cranks.
Nuts
2) Go singlespeed. Or fixed.
That should save you a bit.
You can even 'go carbon' on some parts but who'd do anything like that?
(looks left, looks right)
Susp forks weigh *more* than the stock ones but help with the ride. I've got some 451 sized Pashley Trike forks to put on mine some time soon as I've tired of my cheapo boinger forks and think a Pantour suspension Hub / lightweight forks combo (and gel gloves) will be plenty enough. Heck - Stock Bromptons don't have any suspension and their wheels are t i n y...
Lastly - to the Twenty fans who lament the empty technical sections on my site. I'm working on it. It'll be a new Wiki site so we can all add to it and share the Twenty Love... Watch this space.
Over and out. (for this evening anyway). Say is that a Bear in the Air?
</end CB stylin'>
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My Raleigh Twenty site | foldr : A flickr pool | #6460, #5632 & #3407 on the fixedgeargallery
My Raleigh Twenty site | foldr : A flickr pool | #6460, #5632 & #3407 on the fixedgeargallery
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Originally Posted by invisiblehand
Nice bike Juan.
So where do you think the big weight savings are? It looks like you have front suspension. But what would go after that?
So where do you think the big weight savings are? It looks like you have front suspension. But what would go after that?
Juan
#16
the bike made me do it
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The twenty is hard to resist. I bought one last spring and it is the most fun I have ever had while riding a bike. I paid $75 canadian, it is all origianl but in great shape. I think I will try to track another down at garage sales this summer.
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[QUOTE=LittlePixel]1) Aluminium.
Rims.
Stem.
Bars.
Seatpost.
Cranks.
Nuts
Don't forget to remove the stainless steel pump as well, that can definately slow you down, especially when it falls off and you have to go back for it...
Rims.
Stem.
Bars.
Seatpost.
Cranks.
Nuts
Don't forget to remove the stainless steel pump as well, that can definately slow you down, especially when it falls off and you have to go back for it...
#18
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Originally Posted by LittlePixel
Another sucker falls for the Twenty's charms... Welcome to the club!
#19
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Originally Posted by Akugluk
with the Raleigh 20. I saw one for the first time on craigslist last night and have completely fallen for it. I've never felt this way about a bike before.
-Akugluk
-Akugluk
I'm in the same boat - I was in the market for a folding bike and a friend recommended that I look into the vintage Raleigh Twenty. I've been obsessed ever since. No luck in locating one yet. Still searching.
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Originally Posted by bookishboy
A search for "folding" on vancouver.craigslist.org/bik reveals multiple raleigh twenties for sale on there, some as low as $100.
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"how hard is it to find one in decent condition"
If the bike is cheap $50-$75, it will probably need a full overhaul. I have seen them cleaned up in bike shops for $150. They are not an uncommon bike. There may be an issue with putting a modern bottom bracket in.
If the bike is cheap $50-$75, it will probably need a full overhaul. I have seen them cleaned up in bike shops for $150. They are not an uncommon bike. There may be an issue with putting a modern bottom bracket in.