fitzer

I like to collect things, but I am living in an apartment in DC and have to limit the amount of bikes I bring home. I thought I would try and collect these three areas: (I have added what I now have.)

Roadster = 60's Rudge whitworth (ongoing rebuild)
10 speed = Possibly a 1978 Carlton Raleigh Competition GS
Hybrid= Late 1980's Specialized Crossroads (that I use as a daily commuter, this will probably change in time)

I don't have the option of trying lots of different vintage 10 speeds for comparison and I have put too much money into rebuilding bikes, that were not worth it, in the past. This is why I would like to get some feedback before jumping into the next project. I am having trouble deciding on the make and model of the 10 speed. Peugeot, Motobecane, Raleigh, Schwinn - there are too many to decide from. There is a 1978 Carlton Raleigh Competition GS in my area for sale and I think it would be a nice representation of the quintessential 10 speed.

By quintessential I mean the most typical example of a quality 10 speed, not the best that ever existed or the most rare, a good solid 10 speed from the era of 10 speeds. I know that there were a lot of quality bikes made 30 years ago but what comes to mind when you think quality 10 speed from the 1970's

Any help would be appreciated.

RaleighSport

the Competition sounds like a good choice for your goals to me.

wrk101

If I am goiing to have a short list, I would prefer bikes manufactured by the brand (so I am dropping the Specialized). In the hybrid area, perhaps a Trek or Cannondale hybrid (they are plentiful), or better yet, a drop bar mtb conversion. Could also give you some COO diversity, to get a USA built hybrid, or a Japanese mtb. Panasonic and Miyata both made really nice mtbs. Did Schwinn build my 1988 Cimmaron in the USA? Not sure, but if so, that gives you one of the last years of Schwinn USA manufacture for this historic brand (closed Greenville, MS plant in 1991).

fitzer

Thanks guys, COO was eating at me a little bit. I was thinking of balancing this out with an European 10 speed, Bianchi, Peugeot or Motobecane. But it isn't a necessity. I guess good bikes would come first and COO will be less a priority. I will look into your recommendations for swapping out the Specialized. I wouldn't mind a new shift and derailleur set on it but otherwise it serves me well.

DiegoFrogs

I think "Quintessential" for a 10-speed would probably be a Raleigh Grand Prix, a Peugeot UO-8 or a Schwinn Varsity here in the U.S.A., based purely on the numbers in which they were sold, but I'd prefer to ride the Carlton built Raleigh for sure.

John E

It's a matter of definition, is it not? I would definitely stipulate at least a moly steel main triangle, either straight gauge or (preferably) butted.

Road Fan

I don't know the Raleigh Competition from 1978, but if it came with a 6-speed rear end, it is a 12-speed. One quintessential low-budget racing 10 speed is the Peugeot PX-10 from 1968 through 1975 or so. You can say what you like about French bikes, but Peugeot set a new standard for value with those. There was a contemporary and comparable bike from Raleigh in 1968, called the Competition, uniquely painted black with gold trim and script lettering, and built with Nervex lugs.

The PX-10s were double butted Reynolds 531 tubes, fork blades and stays. Back in the day I thought the Competition was the same, but now I'm not sure I had it correct.

Unless you're looking for the quintessential "what school kids called 10-speeds" of the day, in which case for the USA it should be mostly the Schwinn Varsity, the Peugeot UO-8, the Raleigh Grand Prix, and the Raleigh Record.

sailorbenjamin

The Competition is a great bike, though I prefer the earlier ones with the "layed bacl" geometry, pre 1975 or so. The Grand Prixs are great bikes, too and easier to upgrade than a Nottingham Raleigh. Varsities are quintessential but Ralieghs are way more fun. I haven't had the opportunity to try a Pug yet.

eschlwc

if i could only have one vintage road bike (either 10- or 12-speed), i wouldn't be worried about it being "most typical." i'd be riding it, not displaying it in the smithsonian.

harvey pekar: "average is dumb."



i'd shoot for an early '80s mid-level 12-speed by fuji, miyata or motobecane. my '80 grand jubilé fits the bill nicely.

Andiroo99

In my humble opinion almost by definition you want a 531 reynolds steel frame and I think you should forget all things US, Italian or French and get yourself a classic British frame. If the budget can stretch a hand made frame from 70s or 80s would be a treat. If you want to go this way I can make lots of suggestions.

Best

Arb

jimmuller 

If you want a 531 frame, it won't be the "quintessential 10-speed". To me that means the most representative of the breed in terms of numbers ridden, features, etc. Inotherwords, ubiquitous. Peugeot UO-8, Raleigh Grand Prix, Schwinn Varsity. I'd go with the UO-8 if you intend to ride it much. But in that case you'll want to do the quintessential upgrades, alloy wheels, Suntour VGT-Luxe derailleurs, and if you get aggressive alloy crank, handlebar, seatpost, and pedals.

Cougrrcj

What, no Japanese love??? The '70s Fuji S-10S introduced quality to the masses at a good price. My late-'74 built '75-model (bought in '76 as a scratched floor model) listed for only $219. Alloy rims, cotterless crank, alloy bars, and with 'better-quality' SunTour components was a steal! At only 26.1 pounds - in the mid-'70s - that was pretty damn light. I still have mine today!

Yes, yes... A 'comparable' Raleigh Super Record or Motobecane Super Mirage was slightly better, but cost significantly more. And they had funky 'euro-threading' issues...

rootboy 

What's your budget? That's important.

fitzer

Thanks for all of the feedback guys. I did think the uo-8 and picked one up off of CL but it was a little small, so I sold it. Also the French threading worried me a little. Still open to a Peugeot though. I would like to enjoy riding this bike, so I am thinking of something of a little more quality than a record or varsity. I want a bike for the rest of my life, so I don't mind spending up to $400. DC is going through a bike boom. You can't get much for less than $200.

eschlwc

univega!

bikemig 

More than a few bikes can fit this category but I'd get one made of Reynolds 531 tubing. So the Raleigh Carlton works; so does a Peugeot PX-10.