Help With Raleigh Sprite
Hello! I am completely new to the biking world and would like some advice on purchasing my first "real" bike. The bike I am considering is a Men's Raleigh Sprite for $175. As you all already know since this is my first post, I can't post pictures but I'll put where the listing can be found below. Does it look like it's worth it? What things should I ask or look out for? I am probably going to use it just a normal riding bike to use around my parks trails or to go to the store and such. Thanks for hearing out another total newbie, I can imagine these questions get redundant after a bit lol.
Craigslist: Dallas Title: nice antique bikes |
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...705089fd00.jpg
I just refurbished an old Sprite. It is an older model - 1967 or 68 I believe. It's a fun bike and able to haul quite a bit with a basket on the rear rack. That being said it is very heavy and has some fairly mediocre components. The brakes are pretty terrible and the obsolete cottered crank is not easily serviced. For the price I would probably opt for a 1980s or 90s mtb, i.e. Specialized, Bridgestone, Trek, GT, etc. Something along these lines: Dallas CL Specialized They're easy to work with, fun to ride and can haul a lot of stuff (check for rack mounts above the dropouts). Good luck! |
Sprites are nice, but $175 seems a bit high. Maybe Dallas is more expensive, but I would offer less.
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Originally Posted by lorenzo_de_leon
(Post 20933220)
I just refurbished an old Sprite. It is an older model - 1967 or 68 I believe. It's a fun bike and able to haul quite a bit with a basket on the rear rack. That being said it is very heavy and has some fairly mediocre components. The brakes are pretty terrible and the obsolete cottered crank is not easily serviced. For the price I would probably opt for a 1980s or 90s mtb, i.e. Specialized, Bridgestone, Trek, GT, etc. Something along these lines: They're easy to work with, fun to ride and can haul a lot of stuff (check for rack mounts above the dropouts). Good luck! Yes, while researching it online I read it was pretty heavy. What really attracted me to this bike was the aesthetic of it, but practically it makes more sense to get a newer bike since I plan to use it frequently. Thanks for the advice! |
Originally Posted by gna
(Post 20933266)
Sprites are nice, but $175 seems a bit high. Maybe Dallas is more expensive, but I would offer less.
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Trek 4300 for 125 and and a Centurion D.S. Ironman for $150. I'd grab the Sprite for $10 or $20, but that is about it.https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...6a08dcdd26.jpg
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The Centurion... Dallas CL also...https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...8f7d30f24d.jpg 8
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https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...7e519b90e3.jpg
Above is a photo of the bike in question. A variation of the Raleigh Record. The verdict .. nyet. Not a fun bike to ride compared to better quality options. |
Originally Posted by cycleheimer
(Post 20933488)
Above is a photo of the bike in question. A variation of the Raleigh Record. The verdict .. nyet. Not a fun bike to ride compared to better quality options.
Okay, I see. I'll probably check those out and others and then compare. Thanks for posting the other bikes, I was kind of at a lost where to look for different options. |
I have a ‘69 sprite that I hold dear. Not a performance machine but that’s not the point here. It’s about utility , ride quality, and style. If you like the bike buy it. For that price it should be in exceptional original condition.https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d93693315.jpeg
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Originally Posted by Slowride79
(Post 20933577)
I have a ‘69 sprite that I hold dear.
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Craig’s List sellers typically go high and expect some bargaining. Personally, I’d offer $100 if the tires were new ,everything worked and it was extremely clean.
Regards, SR 00 |
Originally Posted by lorenzo_de_leon
(Post 20933220)
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...705089fd00.jpg
I just refurbished an old Sprite. It is an older model - 1967 or 68 I believe. It's a fun bike and able to haul quite a bit with a basket on the rear rack. That being said it is very heavy and has some fairly mediocre components. The brakes are pretty terrible and the obsolete cottered crank is not easily serviced. For the price I would probably opt for a 1980s or 90s mtb, i.e. Specialized, Bridgestone, Trek, GT, etc. Something along these lines: Dallas CL Specialized They're easy to work with, fun to ride and can haul a lot of stuff (check for rack mounts above the dropouts). Good luck! |
Originally Posted by dedhed
(Post 20933792)
That has to be 1969 or newer. 67/68 the only option was the SA S-5 internal 5 speed. Starting in 69 you had the choice of S-5 or Huret derailleur 5 speed.
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Originally Posted by lorenzo_de_leon
(Post 20933801)
I had trouble with the dating of this one. The decals, logos, chainguard and those awful brake calipers with the hooks (no pull-thru cable bolt) led me to believe it was an earlier model, but I'll take your word for it.
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/retrora...9/pages/03.htm http://www.jaysmarine.com/1968raleighcat_us_03_lg.jpg |
Originally Posted by Senior Ryder 00
(Post 20933692)
Craig’s List sellers typically go high and expect some bargaining. Personally, I’d offer $100 if the tires were new ,everything worked and it was extremely clean.
Regards, SR 00 |
Originally Posted by lorenzo_de_leon
(Post 20933220)
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...705089fd00.jpg
I just refurbished an old Sprite. It is an older model - 1967 or 68 I believe. It's a fun bike and able to haul quite a bit with a basket on the rear rack. That being said it is very heavy and has some fairly mediocre components. The brakes are pretty terrible and the obsolete cottered crank is not easily serviced. For the price I would probably opt for a 1980s or 90s mtb, i.e. Specialized, Bridgestone, Trek, GT, etc. Something along these lines: Dallas CL Specialized They're easy to work with, fun to ride and can haul a lot of stuff (check for rack mounts above the dropouts). Good luck! Here's my 1969, according to the stamping on the hub and I'm almost certain that the bike is original. The right shift lever snapped and was reglued, so I've just added a regular 3-speed handlebar switch until I can find a replacement. The carrier and bag are Schwinn accessories. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...74ae8729c.jpeg |
Originally Posted by Rigmarole7
(Post 20933860)
Okay, thanks for the tip!
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Originally Posted by tricky
(Post 20934776)
Also remember to buy a bike that fits! There are articles online about how to find your fit.
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The older Sprites (Raleigh Sports variation) are alot different than the "Raleigh Record" Sprites. They were better made. I owned a "Sports" version, and it was pretty decent. The quality, though, isn't there on the one you were looking at. It also has steel rims, with reduced braking power when wet, and cottered cranks that are a nightmare when they loosen up. The seats tear apart (no comparison to a top-notch saddle like the leather Brooks saddles shown above) , the fenders rattle, and the gears and brakes offer lack luster performance. It's not going to deliver an optimal cycling experience. Think alloy wheels and components...Hybrids, mountain bikes, sports touring bikes, touring bikes, etc.
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Originally Posted by cycleheimer
(Post 20935164)
The older Sprites (Raleigh Sports variation) are alot different than the "Raleigh Record" Sprites. They were better made. I owned a "Sports" version, and it was pretty decent. The quality, though, isn't there on the one you were looking at. It also has steel rims, with reduced braking power when wet, and cottered cranks that are a nightmare when they loosen up. The seats tear apart (no comparison to a top-notch saddle like the leather Brooks saddles shown above) , the fenders rattle, and the gears and brakes offer lack luster performance. It's not going to deliver an optimal cycling experience. Think alloy wheels and components...Hybrids, mountain bikes, sports touring bikes, touring bikes, etc.
Biggest single weakness of the B-line bikes was frame size availability. It's very rare that I seen anything available other than a 21-1/2" frame in those. 23-1/2" are definitely far and few between, assuming they were available in the first place. I don't think I've ever seen a 191/2" frame in a cheaper line bike, unless you were looking at a model marketed specifically to kids. That's the whole reason Maggie rides the Ranger - it fits here, where I have to have a lot of seat post showing to fit me. |
Originally Posted by Slowride79
(Post 20933577)
I have a ‘69 sprite that I hold dear. Not a performance machine but that’s not the point here. It’s about utility , ride quality, and style. If you like the bike buy it. For that price it should be in exceptional original condition.
Yes, I agree, that is mainly why I want this type of bike. Okay, I'll keep that in mind, thanks! |
Originally Posted by tricky
(Post 20934776)
Also remember to buy a bike that fits! There are articles online about how to find your fit.
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Originally Posted by ryansu
(Post 20934795)
+1 on fit, and give some thought to where and how you might use the bike, pavement, hills, gravel, errands, commuting, bar hoping??. As someone said above Old mountain bikes (rigid forks not suspension) are plentiful, cheap (in Seattle there are scads in the $100-120 range and you can find better deals if you look), versatile and pretty basic to work on. Many of the old steel MTBs can take racks, fenders, wide tires and make excellent commuters, grocery getters, touring bikes etc. albeit without the panache of a bronze green Raleigh 3/5 speed :D. Good luck with whatever you choose OP lots of resources on the web and here of course.
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Originally Posted by cycleheimer
(Post 20935164)
The older Sprites (Raleigh Sports variation) are alot different than the "Raleigh Record" Sprites. They were better made. I owned a "Sports" version, and it was pretty decent. The quality, though, isn't there on the one you were looking at. It also has steel rims, with reduced braking power when wet, and cottered cranks that are a nightmare when they loosen up. The seats tear apart (no comparison to a top-notch saddle like the leather Brooks saddles shown above) , the fenders rattle, and the gears and brakes offer lack luster performance. It's not going to deliver an optimal cycling experience. Think alloy wheels and components...Hybrids, mountain bikes, sports touring bikes, touring bikes, etc.
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