Bad example
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Seattle and Reims
Posts: 3,068
Bikes: Peugeot: AO-8 1973, PA-10 1971, PR-10 1973, Sante 1988; Masi Gran Criterium 1975, Stevenson Tourer 1980, Stevenson Criterium 1981, Schwinn Paramount 1972, Rodriguez 2006, Gitane Federal ~1975, Holdsworth Pro, Follis 172 ~1973, Bianchi '62
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I bought an old Raleigh Capri, which was the bottom of the line in the mid-80s. I put nice wheels on it, with tires selected for durability rather than comfort, and set it up with bar-end shifters. It is a pleasant bike to ride. If I had put on Compass tires, it would have been really nice.
I have done similar rebuilds with a couple old low-end Peugeots. Again, good wheels and tires made the bikes much more pleasant to ride, close to the ride quality of my custom bikes made with Reynolds and Columbus tubing.
In short, my experience has been that good wheels, and especially good tires, can make all the difference for an inexpensive bike.