clarkw267

I am a fairly new road bike rider. I really like the older vintage bikes and am looking to pick up a new one.

This guy has a 3 bikes for sale and I was wondering which is the better value. He said he would part with any of them for around $100.

The first is a late 60's/ early 70's Raleigh Grand Prix.. He said he replaced the derailers with Shimano components.

The second is a 1984 Peugeot PH-11.... The rear derailer is replaced with a Shimano 105, while the front derailer is Simplex.

The 3rd is a Raleigh Pursuit... Not sure about any of the components but it looks the best cosmetically, as he said it doesn't have many miles.

I have attached pictures of the 3 below...



Which one of these offers the best value? Any help to a newbie would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Steve

SteveSGP

I'd vote for the Peugeot or the older Raleigh, the Peugeot will be lighter but those old Raleighs ride like a dream.

They appear to be different sizes so that'll really be key to your choice.

clarkw267

The Peugeot is 57 cm, while the Grand Prix says 24 inches. Although from what I could gather about the old Raleigh's it would be a 23.5 inch frame.

According to most charts they both fall in my height/inseam range.

jimmuller 

I'd say don't go by a chart. Stand over them, ride them at least around the block. That Peugeot looks big but then, we don't know how big you are. If it was me and you like vintage bikes (which is to say, I like vintage bikes), I'd pick the Peugeot over the Gran Prix. Pick one with alloy wheel over steel unless you are willing to replace them. Think about the kind and amount of riding you intend to do. The longer distance and faster you want to ride the more important it will be that the bike be lighter and more responsive and that the components work well. If your typical ride will be a few miles then pick the one that looks coolest to you, provided it works and you fit, of course.

clarkw267

Thanks.. I ride about 10-15 miles at a time. Not racing or anything like that, but still a good of miles per week. I was leaning toward the Peugeot, until a couple of people raved about the older Raleighs

jimmuller 

That's a good distance for recreation and health benefits though not so far as to demand a superbike. As for the bike choice, like I said, I'd go for the Peugeot. They built inexpensive bikes which rode far better than you'd expect for their position in the price range. I should know, I'm still riding my '72. Personally, I never understood the raving over the Gran Prix, but Raleigh did sell a lot of them just like Peugeot did. I think it was more the low price though. But that's just my opinion. Either one of them should do well for you.

SteveSGP

But they're so pretty,


Actually I love working on all of them, Grand Prix, UO8 whatever