Is this a good deal?
 

http://norfolk.craigslist.org/bik/948848151.html

http://images.craigslist.org/1f61451...28a5d210d6.jpg

Components are as follows;

Huret crank arms, stamped with Raleigh "R"
Huret Allvit front and rear derailleurs
Alltenburger Brakes
Handlebar neck is stamped GB

Saddle is a Rikes with, what looks like, considerable wear, but seller states its all in "indoor kept" condition. As is the entire bike itself.

Frame has decal on it stating it was made in Ireland. Has nice lug work.

My untrained, and inxeperienced eyes can't make sense of whether this is a good deal or not. Maybe you all can help. I'd like to get it, but I've read a few discouraging things about Huret on these forums and don't know if the bike warrants a 125$ pricetag.

Thanks,

Ryan

Can't tell condition in that small pic. You're gonna have to eyeball it.

But,

This one looks similar in size and it appears to be in great shape.

1981 Schwinn Le Tour Blue 57cm very clean and fully tuned..........$140.00

http://norfolk.craigslist.org/bik/950267670.html

http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k...g?t=1228798726

Hunk of rust, though It has what is either a Brooks B.17 or Wrights W3N saddle on it. If the saddle happens to be salvageable, I'd consider $25, but no more. The bike itself looks as if it is serious beater material.

-Kurt

Well, the seller works at a local scrap yard, so I'm sure the bikes never come in looking nice, but in comparing the Le Tour, which I also have been eying on CL, I can see how it's doesn't seem like such a good deal.

I'm awaiting some more picture, maybe they'll shine some light on this bikes condition.

Any opinions on component list. I'd like to know for future scavenges.

Probably pulled straight out of the scrap to be tacked with a $125 price tag on it, no work, no nothing. Fellow probably thinks Craigslisters are inherently naive and gullible.

-Kurt

I don't know what market you are in, but in Ohio you can find bikes in clean, ride ready condition for $125.00. From that picture that bike looks like it will need about 40-70 dollars of overhauling on top of the price. I like old Raleighs, but the record was not special enough to fetch that price Here is some infor on it. http://sheldonbrown.com/retroraleighs/record.html. Also, I have no experience with Huret Alvit components but I haven't read anything good about them.

I spent too much on an old bike before I realized just how many good ones are out there, Take Kurt's advice and keep looking.

Even in Chicago, some bikes will go for $85... with miniumum paint damage, in perfectly clean and ridable condition. I, too, would pay $20-25 if the frame+fork were only dusty, but otherwise I'd definitely pass.

Yea, I would have to say pass. Raleigh Records were low-end. The seat looks like trash, and I'm going to guess the frame is dusty and in dire need of a tune-up.

Agreed. 100%

Rust is your enemy.

Here is a $10.00 craigslist find from last week. They are out there, but it takes a lot of patience.

Pass on the Record. My very first vintage buy was a '73 Grand prix, which is the next model up from your Record. I paid $100 for it in the middle of the winter. I probably paid too much.

It needed a complete rebuild.

Thanks for the advice. I think I was looking at this bike with rosey colored glasses. 125$ is steap, for me, even if it was something that looked nicer.

I'll be passing then.

-

Still no real consensous on Huret components, though. Thoughts or opinions on them?

Buy the Schwinn.

Heh, $140 is a bit much during this pre-christmas season. Maybe after Christmas. There's a Schwinn Caliente that looks like it's in much better shape and it's a little cheaper in my area.

Your local CL has some nice stuff in it like this Pinarello:

http://norfolk.craigslist.org/bik/949521117.html

$350 would kill me before or after Christmas. Would be nice though.

That looks like a decent deal, stretch that budet! I sell plasma to fund my bike hobby, there is always a way.

I concur. The only thing at all appealing about that bicycle is the saddle (and that is a maybe depending on the condition).

Question: are you tall? That Record looks like it would be right for someone north of 6' 3" - or with comparably long legs.