Well, I figure I better resurrect this old thread. I am the original poster, and I do still have this bike. At the time that I started this thread I was excited to start cycling, alas I lost interest, and the bike sat gathering dust.

Since '07 I've had lots of changes in my life, got married, moved a bit closer to work, and have gained more weight. I'm currently a jolly 250 pounds now. Over the years, the thought of my old Raleigh has been in the back of my mind. I've become good friends with an avid cyclist, and I have been threatening him that I may try to ride my old bike. My wife and I also have several other friends that ride bikes. My wife decided this winter that she was going to get a bike and ride once it started getting nice outside.

I took my my wife to our closest bike shop, and purchased a Specialized Ruby for her. Quite a bike, full carbon, clip less pedals, etc.. My credit card was melting after I got out of the shop. Her goal is to ride in a local bike tour this summer. 60 miles the first day, 50 the second day, and 40 the last day. I committed to pulling the camper for her. If anyone is interested the tour link: Bike the Border | The "Get Away From It All" Bicycle Tour

i thought, if I'm going to be at the tour, why not try to ride myself. It's a month and a half away, and the shape I'm in, and with my limited experience, truthfully It is an awfully tall order to do. I am going to try.

With all of that said, yesterday I went with my experienced friend for a short four mile ride. It felt pretty good, so today I rode 10 miles, and I really surprised myself. It wasn't too bad, I really enjoyed it. I plan to ride another 10 miles tomorrow. This old bike is a lot of fun, and I surprised my friend with how fast it is. Being a novice I didn't pace myself, and started at 20 mph according to his bike computer, after the first mile I slowed considerably. I just have to learn to get in a good pace.

if you are still reading my long winded post, just wanted to say thanks for all the great information here, and I'm loving my uncles old steel bike!