I'll go Japanese every time. Panasonic.

I own a mid 80's grand prix which that looks to be. Nice bike the "raleigh 555 SL" tubing fully chromed frame under the paint. eyelet on the drop outs F&R, but short chainstays, brakes are marginal, but aero levers, mid level suntour (mines arx), funky aero headset nut, actual rubber seals on the BB and hubs. Not a bad "everyday driver", but not the bling of campy or cachet of Torpado. Panasonic is quality and value of a UJM also a nice "everyday driver". I don't think you'd go wrong with any of them.

At the same price, which I checked out, the first two are overpriced, by $150 and $100 respectively. Go for the Torpado.

Jeesh. There's no wrong choice here. You are a lucky man my friend.

The yellow one.

I'd go with the Panasonic out of that group. The Torpado a close (can't go wrong with either) second.

I'd least like the torpado to be chop shopped so that's probably your answer.

I'm friends with owner of the Raleigh, and I think I can get the torpado for a little less. I want to get something to leave up at my parents lake house.

Or you can leave it at my house :)

I would go for the Panasonic. I haven't yet owned an Italian though...

I would get in this order:
1. Torpado
2. Panasonic
.
.
.
.
3. Raleigh

This is C&V, do the logical thing and get all three!

The Schwinn.......:lol:

I don't know beans about the others, but every Panasonic I've had/have has been of the highest quality and craftsmanship. And its the most unique.

From a bike at the lake point of view ?
Japanese engineering is not something to scoff at, a nice riding bike at the lake needing minimum upkeep work? Well I am going to say it if no one else will . . . . . nicely lubed/adjusted 105 group is up there with Campag in gear change ability and personally sometimes in feel as well, parts in adundance?

Panasonic were/are a very nice riding bike, that would be my pick, would not want something nicer sitting in a place I could only access sometimes, not accessible to ride when the need took me:twitchy:

Panasonic, OS tubing?

Can I buy the Campy NR group off the Torpado when the part out begins?

Lots of good arguments here.

I have a friend with a Raleigh Racing USA - very similar to the one pictured. Full chrome underneath the paint. When the paint chips it's like platinum is being revealed... Plus it's red.

I don't have Italian yet, and the Torpado just seems like a better deal for a daily rider. Did I mention I like chrome?

But I think Bicycle Addict's argument of "leave at the lake" makes the most sense for the Panasonic. I'd just want to take the Torpado home and ride her. I'd probably spend too much time ogling the Raleigh on the rare occasion I got to the lake. Japanese quality and reliability would make the Panasonic a no-nonsense, easy to ride, easy to put away bike at the lake. That and I'm a child of the 80's and love the rad paint job.

Torpado. No question!

I can't believe I'm saying this...without a doubt, the one with the dork disc.

+3

I have a Torpado just like that. They are beutiful, plus...if it has all the panto'd stuff (stem, seatpost, cranks, fork) that stuff gets a nice $$$ if it doesn't work out.

I vote Torpado.

I'm checking out the Torpado tomorrow. This post wasn't necessarily for advise, I was just curious what others would pick. I'm a campy snob, but I am attracted to the Raleigh for the nice clean paint and chrome, and I really liked the Panasonics custom paint. I know the sellers of the Raleigh and Panasonic so I think I could get them a little cheaper than listed price. The Torpado has been listed for a while now so I think I can get it for a lower price also. I do plan on keeping this one, I know I was on a flipping spree, but I was going after something that I couldn't afford. After really thinking about it, I changed my mind and maybe be a purchase in the future. Maybe a retirement gift. I kind of got the feeling I offended a few people for parting some bikes out, if I did I apologize.

Gee, a fireman with a thing for bright red paint, go figure......

Is there a twelve step program near Elwood?

Whichever bike(s) you choose, enjoy!

I do fall in and out of love really fast with bikes, but I'm trying to quit.

The thrill of the hunt is at least 1/3 of the fun!

It's very fun, my problem is a week later I find something else I like more. So, I usually have to sell something to buy something. I need another hobbie to tone this one down a bit.

Take up fly fishing.

That'll slow you down for the next ten years or so. :)

You can just bring me the bikes you don't like anymore. That sounds like a good hobby for both of us. :thumb:

TorRalPan in that order.

Which ever wheelies the best. One guy at the could wheelie like no other. THose dang comfort bikes he could never get up those.