so ive wanted to get back into riding bikes again, havent done so in about 8 months. thinking about buying this bike and fixing it up if need be and riding it for awhile till i save up enough for a newer one. was just wondering if this bike is worth getting. any advice would be great thank you

https://knoxville.craigslist.org/bik/3986994416.html

Disclaimer...
I'm not a Raliegh expert, so would defer to another on this forum.

The bike looks like a lower quality model. The shifters are on the handle bar. Safety levers on the brakes, and what looks to be steel rims.
The components on the bike did not speak to me, either.

The bike appears to be in good shape. However, I would not pay $125.

Additionally, I would pay attention to the weight and the steel. If the steel was hi-ten instead of cro-mo, I would pass at that price.
For a hi-ten bike - I would not buy it first of all, but if I did, I would not pay $75.

When I got back into cycling I purchased a hi-ten Schwinn Le Tour for $100. The bike was solid, but heavy. I sold it for $50 and learned a lesson.

(now a Raliegh expert on this forum may tell you to snap that bike up now for all I know)

thank you for your input. i really dont know much about bikes. my first bike i had i just picked one up at walmart. so i really dont know anything espically about older ones. i will keep all that you said in my mind.

usually, you won't find bikes of this caliber in this shape and state of cleanliness.

It's also a rather large frame, if you're under 6", let it go.

how about this one? which is a schwinn https://knoxville.craigslist.org/bik/3988604465.html

or this one which is a bianchi and i talked to seller he said i could get it for 150. it needs tires before rideable he says https://knoxville.craigslist.org/bik/3974349734.html

ok thank you i will keep looking.

the bikes that you are showing are all over the place on sizes. you need to figure out what size you need. you can go to a nice bike shop and let them figure out your size. look around at the different bikes that they have and find out what kind of bike that your wanting. then go back to craigslist.

i know what size i need its just hard for me to tell thru pictures, and they dont say what size they are.

Yes, that happens. Welcome to the forum, by the way. Sellers often omit the size on Craigslist; not sure why, but when they do, they often know so little else about the bike, it "becomes" a bargain during negotiations. Good luck, and sloar is right, you need to find your size, then ask about it if it's not listed.

There is also a value inquiry thread on the main Bike Forums page, just below the Classic & Vintage thread. The people there are much more amenable to valuation requests than here. Here, we often forget we were once in your shoes. Glad to know you're back riding, and we'll help if we can.

... then you would be inch-high ptivate eye!



op, look for bikes in your size (the head tube is a good indicator of this) with down tube shifters, an on-frame derailleur hanger, and a cotterless cranket without a chainring protector.

thank you so much i will go to that thread. again thank you

eschlwc im sure you were being helpful but whatever you just said went right over my head lol i have no clue what all that meant, again i know nothing about bikes. haha but thank you for the advice non the less i appreciate it

Bicycles are similar to shoes.

Lets say your shoe size is 8.

Would you like to walk ten miles in a size 6 or size 10?

Moved from C & V.

If the Raleigh fits, it looks like a good way to go. It looks to be in great condition. I ride a Raleigh very similar to that one and am very happy with it. Should be good if you are around 6' tall with 32-33 inch inseam.

Why? This isn't an appraisal thread. OP is asking people to look at CL ads and identify bikes that might fit. It's not really about money, but expertise.

The blue Raleigh Record is fine and priced right for the condition. Bike snobs on this board will poo poo the chrome wheels, suicide levers and the cottered crank, but that bike is in wonderful cosmetic condition. It will likely need an overhaul, but all used bikes do. If you keep it in good condition, you can get 100% of your purchase back in a year or two.

It's also your size, at 5'8", you need about a 56cm frame or about 22".

Enjoy.

thank you guys for the advice i apperciate it. im going to go look at a few today.

This DKO has a bunch for sale. This Bianchi may be the right size too, not sure. If it is a 58cm, than skip it. More money, but a much higher quality bike than the Record.

https://knoxville.craigslist.org/bik/3981528892.html

The selection in Knoxville appears limited. You may need to driver further.

In fact, you should just contact wrk101 and just get a fabulous bike from him. You won't be disappointed.

https://www.facebook.com/BillsVintageSteelBikes

The Bianchi is the deal of the bunch. Waste some time and gas chasing bikes that are the wrong size, and you will get good at estimating size!

I think you must own an oil well or two Thrifty Bill? Looks like Sante on the Premio?

Yeah, Exxon sends me a Christmas card every year. Waiting for a call on today's four hour bike road trip...