AustinFitz

I've got these 2 frame and fork sets, but can't decide which one to build up. I really only have the parts and 700c wheel set to build up one decent bike. Most of them are currently on the Ross, but I'm thinking about maybe transferring them to the Raleigh... Both frames are a bit bigger than I usually ride, and in about the same condition. Both are originally 6 speed. I do prefer the colors on the Raleigh though. Here are some specs for each frame, and a couple of pics for reference. (Pic of Raleigh is in "as found" condition.) Just curious which one would you choose, and why?

'86 Raleigh Marathon:
575sl triple butted chrome moly main frame
25" seat tube
22.5" top tube
stamped dropouts with no RD hanger


'87 Ross Centaur:
Straight gauge chrome moly frame
25" seat tube
23" top tube
Forged dropouts with RD hanger
Indexed downtube shifters

WGB

Index shifting.
Seriously, I think that Ross, versus that Raleigh I'd go Ross

AustinFitz

I have already put quite a bit of work into bringing the Ross back to life. This was how I originally found it... I'd have to go with a shorter stem to ride it comfortably though. I'm way too stretched out with the 23" top tube and 100mm stem on it.

thumpism 

Choosing the Raleigh will mean repeating all that work. I vote Ross, especially since it doesn't have those stupid Ross patented safety fork ends.

Pompiere

Does the Ross road bike require a 21.1 mm stem like their mountain bikes? They are not impossible to find, but it could be a data point to lean toward the Raleigh if you are trying to use the parts you have on hand.

clubman 

There's a little hyperbole in the Raleigh tubing...those are pretty heavy frames iirc.

Moisture

Both are pretty similar.. Choose whichever you prefer.

As for stem... I just put this one on yesterday. I also have a 25" frame norco.

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B08...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I am using flat bars... but very happy with this stem.

AustinFitz

For the most part I really enjoy the process of reviving old neglected bikes, so I'll probably still end up cleaning the Raleigh either way. It's already torn down to a bare frame and fork right now anyway. I polished the paint on the fork the other day just to see how it would shine up, and it came out surprisingly well! I'm sure the frame will shine up the same way. The deep, metallic, teal/green paint, and shorter top tube length are the 2 main things I do like about the Raleigh.



I do actually have a couple of different 21.1mm stems, but thankfully this particular Ross uses the more common 22.2 mm stem size.



I don't think I'd call it "super light", but it's actually not too bad for a low level, triple butted, 25" frame. I was curious, so I weighed the bare frame myself. It came in at 5lbs. 4.3oz.