Originally Posted by
pepperbelly
Would there be a noticeable difference between a bike from the ‘80s and s new bike?
I don’t understand a lot about frame geometry but that seems to be really important.
I ride a Raleigh from the mid ‘80s and sometimes I feel as if I am fighting the bike.
In general very much a yes.
On specifics, it depends.
Most of it depends on your current Raleigh and how it has been maintained and if it has been upgraded over the years. If you are riding a 35 year old bike that has original parts and you haven’t been meticulous in maintaining it, then even a Tourney level modern bike might be an improvement.
If you happen to have a sub-20 lb (not sure any 80’s Raleighs are even in that realm) with with Dura Ace or Super Record in tip top shape, that Tourney level bike might not seem like an upgrade.
The problem will be what new bike you want to get. If you want to spend less than $1000, it will be better, but not the same better many people here might be thinking of.
John