I need advice lol
 

Hi

New here, and new to the world of fixed and single speed bicycles.... I just want to get an opinion on this bike in particular.

It's a Raleigh Record, it sounds like a pretty square bike, the picture is nice, I did a little research and pretty much everything anyone had to say about this particular model was a big stinky poo-poo on it.

Here's the ad;
http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/bik/630461088.html

For a first single speed is this a lemon? I haven't actually seen it yet, but my instincts aren't telling me anything useful, other than that I should seek advice from those who know more than myself...

Thanks!

I've seen a lot worse conversions but it's definitely nothing special. If you can't build your own, I think it would be worth spending a little more and getting a "factory fixie" like a Bianchi Pista, Raleigh 9-5 (?), etc. Or have a good bike store you trust build you up something from used parts. Too me, $300 for that one is no bargain. You definitely want a better crankset then what's on that bike, and a freewheel bike should have two brakes. Plus anyone who describes a Raleigh Record as "beautifully constructed" is ignorant or full of BS.

It's a nice enough bike and looks like an ok conversion. It's certianly nto a track bike if that's what you're looking for. Take it for a ride. If it fits and you like it, make him an offer. Personally I wouldn't pay $300 for it, but I don't really know the market in Portland. You could do your own conversion for a lot less.

I wouldn't bother. If you want a fixed/ss bike for 3 bills, then do some looking around for at least a Cro Moly frame. Who ever this person is selling the bike is trying to make a buck. Those bikes are bottom of the barrel raleighs. The frame decreases the value of any components put on it.

Just for a price reference, I bought a top of the line raleigh from the 70's a while back for about 400 bucks in complete original working condition.

don't get ripped off my friend.

your doing the right thing by asking.

I had a Raleigh Record and I loved the feel of it. It is a nice ride. I am sorry to see that the Craig's list bike was converted to a fixe. This whole fixe craze is kind of silly; Taking a sophisticated ride and turning it back to President Taft era technology - who's idea was this anyway?

I am not sure exactly what it is about the Record. I think it is the steel frame and the rake. It just rides really smooth. If you were going on a long ride or a tour, it would be a nice experience. I don't think it is a fast ride, but a nice smooth elegant ride with reasonable mpc (miles per calorie). Some folks may say that this was a low-end bike. Really? I don't know. Who cares. I like what feels good. Raleighs were not cheap in the '70's or 80's in my book. They might not have been the most expensive, but I had to work a lot of hours at the pizza shop to even get close to having enough dough to buy any Raleigh. The thought that I can buy them now for under $100 blows my mind.

$300 is wishful thinking on the part of the seller. Offer him $100 IF the bike fits you. If it doesn't fit, then pass and something else will come along.

Let me know if you need some parts to get it back to a ten-speed.

It's the bottom of the barrel for Raleighs but that's still not a bad bike. and it's Raleigh green. for the money though, the paint had better be perfect and it should fit you like a glove.

That bike seems overpriced even for a flip-flop (which seems to double the value of a bike) so I would say $150 if it is in great shape, and fits you would be a more reasonable price. I wouldn't pay it, but I am already fixed, and I don't need my bike to be. :p

I don't understand why fixies are as expensive as geared bikes (or more) I would think BikeDirect could sell one for like $129 if they wanted to, but that's a different thread.

Rad, thanks everybody. The market for fixies and single speeds here seems to be on the expensive here in Portland. The average price is between 250-350.

Oh well, this fellow hasn't returned my calls anyway, I'll just keep looking :)

Thanks!!

I see fixed gear conversions on CL all the time that are WAY too overpriced. If I were you, I would either:
a) save some money and learn something by building your own from a decent $50 frame set.

b) spend a bit more and buy Mercier Kilo TT or Schwinn Madison.

Don't let these jerks take advantage of you just because you want to ride a fixed gear bike. Heck, If I lived in your area i would be more than happy to help you build on than to get ripped by these loons.

Portland has a hot market for SS/FG...ridiculously so, actually.

Better to just get a nice older geared bike, and do your own conversion if you really want to do that (just don't throw any of the bits out, and DO NOT GRIND ANYTHING OFF).

Or, (blasphemy), you could just buy a new FG.

Welcome to BF!

East Hill

For the same money, you could have Bikesdirect's Windsor or a bit more for the Kilo TT as tradtimbo suggested. The thing that would concern me about the Raleigh is the bar tape on the top tube - what is he or she trying to hide?

Its a fad. tape on the top tube, or a foam top tube protector. They will tell you it is so TT doesn't get scratched up. with no cables to provide resistance to the handlebars, they will swing and hit the TT. when you lock up the bike, that is also the spot where the bike leans up against the sign/pole/whatever your locking too. I could understand on a newly painted "hot rod" type bike, but on your locking up beater? looks kinda silly.

Can you get to beaverton?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Gazelle-single-s...QQcmdZViewItem

PS it's SS

Edit:he's sending from Amsterdam, nevermind

Whoa! For a brand new bike that seems cheap? Is there some problem with them? Or are they just reasonable?

I'm guessing your talking about the Windsor. A good friend of mine has one. He likes it. No problems and he's had it for 6 months or so. he rides it daily.

Basically what you are getting for that price is a bike with zero customer service. You can't test ride it, no one will make sure things are adjusted properly, you can't swap components that are not the right size like cogs and chainrings, etc. If you know how to work on a bike (or have friends who do or a local coop) and know what size you need, this can be a great deal. If you are really out in the wilderness, it's likely worth the extra money to get your bike at a bike shop. All that being said, I had one (the kilo tt) and was very happy with it.