Originally Posted by
noglider
It beats me what makes a bike good. Some cheap bikes ride great to me. My old Raleigh Super Course (not cheap but mid-level in its day) is one of my favorite riding bikes. It has 531 straight gauge three main tubes and "gas pipe" other tubing.
Other important factors are fit, handlebars, and tires, and that's not a complete list. Oh, and there's color.
The Raleigh Super Course is a sought-after classic because of the endearing characteristics you note. My Capo Modell Campagnolo is probably comparable (full Reynolds 531, but plain gauge in the main triangle), and it's a delight to ride.
Ride quality also depends heavily on pedaling style, in addition to the weight of the rider and the amount of cargo carried. My lowly Peugeot UO-8, with its rear panniers, is a great, albeit slow, beast of burden.
__________________
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069