Raliegh Technium Skylite (mtb)
 

http://www.bikejournal.com/images/ra...%20skylite.jpg

saw one of these on my local CL.. looks like it's got low end parts (Suntour Alpha 3000) but the frame interested me cause of bonded aluminum main tubes. Any info on the Skylite model? I suppose I'm mostly wondering if the frame lighter than a tange prestige MTB frame. Seems like there is more info about the "city-lite" model which came with a rear drum brake, but the Skylite model doesn't have much out there

bump.. any info or insight into these early technium city bikes/mtbs?

Interesting bike. It looks more like what we used to call a "city bike" to me rather than MTB. These lowend MTB style bikes were aimed at the people who wanted MTB comfort at a low price and would be very unlikely to actually ride off road. Then after hybrids came along these kind of bikes kind of dies out and most 26" bikes were geared towards more offroad use.

I agree the Alloy frame might be a great basis for a errand/grocery or café bike.

Prestige is nice tubing and (at least my Soma frame) is pretty light. I would not give up the steel ride for the possibility of a couple ounces. Steel is real

i'm not giving up on steel, just interested in expanding my horizons :lol:

yeah it seems it's closely related to the "Citylite" which had a drum brake and would obviously be road oriented machine. I may go check it out unless the frames are known to be low quality or undesirable for some reason

Did you end up buying the bike?
 

I might buy one. the guy is asking 65 dollars

If it is in good shape, $65.00 would be a deal. Had a Technium road bike and really liked it.

This would almost certainly be heavier frame than something manufactured with Tange Prestige. One of the prime advantages of the Technium adhesive bonding technology was the ability to employ dissimilar materials. I'm seeing a steel rear triangle and fork. Given the component level and the general characteristics of the bicycle, it is probably a relatively heavy gauge CrMo, at best. It may even be hi-tensile.

+100 I have found the Technium construction method offset any weight savings. And a Prestige MTB will tend to have top of the line, and typically lighter parts: handlebars, wheels, and so on.


Now at $65, a good, ready to ride MTB at that price is a deal. If it needs work, it quickly becomes not so good of a deal. Tires, tubes, cables, chain, etc., plus labor of course, all adds up.

man i was such a n00b when i posted this! low end city bike lighter than tange prestige?! :lol: