Raleigh Technium?
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member

Joined: Feb 2003
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From: The Alta Loma area of Rancho Cucamonga. About 45 miles east of Los Angeles, California. Uphill, downhill and across hill riding; not too level!
Raleigh Technium?
I found a Raleigh "Technium" bicycle at a local thrift shop. The bike seems very lightweight, has alloy hubs, cotterless crank and friction shifting (down tube) Shimano derailleurs (sorry, couldn't read the group, didn't have my reading glasses). It was equipped with what looked to be new, or nearly new, knobby, skinny tires--yes, skinny, like on a road bike and had triple crank rings up front. The badge on the steerer tube was a medallion of some matierial and was not painted on. The frame was not lugged. I liked it and the only reason I didn't buy it, for a whole 10 bucks, was that the top tube was in my crotch; the bike was too big for me.
What is it, and was it a decent buy, or worthless?
What is it, and was it a decent buy, or worthless?
#3
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 155
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From: Kinsale, Ireland
Bikes: Trek 7300 FSX, Jamis Exile, Jamis Coda Sport, Raleigh Technium, Dahon Vitesse, Dahon Matrix
So get a new crotch ;-)
I have five bikes- not counting a Dahon Vitesse folder which may or may not turn out to be a good commuting bike- but my favorite is a Raleigh Technium I acquired in 1984 (and it's is still too big for me ;-)
It sounds like the Technium you were looking at is not pristine. But the frame is the thing. If it is teal, grey, and yellow, I'll join the bidding.
I have five bikes- not counting a Dahon Vitesse folder which may or may not turn out to be a good commuting bike- but my favorite is a Raleigh Technium I acquired in 1984 (and it's is still too big for me ;-)
It sounds like the Technium you were looking at is not pristine. But the frame is the thing. If it is teal, grey, and yellow, I'll join the bidding.
#4
September
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 67
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From: St Louis
Bikes: 1988 Raleigh Scott Tinley Tri-Lite Technium
Hi Leo,
Im interested as to why you would like a yellow grey and teal technium. I just bought one that fits the exact description, its a tri lite Scott Tinley model. SO far I love the bike but havent been able to find anything out about it on the web, if you know anything about it Id love to hear it! Have a good one
Im interested as to why you would like a yellow grey and teal technium. I just bought one that fits the exact description, its a tri lite Scott Tinley model. SO far I love the bike but havent been able to find anything out about it on the web, if you know anything about it Id love to hear it! Have a good one
#5
<I>Pan paniscus</I>

Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Bikes: 2006 Raleigh Grand Sport and a Free Spirit (Huffy) heavy-arse mtb
Wowee! I haven't posted here in, like, forever, and immediately find a post about a bike that I recently acquired. A fellow cyclist for whom I do computer work gave me his old bike. It's too big for me, but it beats the poo out of the SearsFreespiritHuffy mtb I used before. It gets serviced by the same LBS who sold it in the first place.
#6
Originally Posted by johnamus
Hi Leo,
Im interested as to why you would like a yellow grey and teal technium. I just bought one that fits the exact description, its a tri lite Scott Tinley model. SO far I love the bike but havent been able to find anything out about it on the web, if you know anything about it Id love to hear it! Have a good one
Im interested as to why you would like a yellow grey and teal technium. I just bought one that fits the exact description, its a tri lite Scott Tinley model. SO far I love the bike but havent been able to find anything out about it on the web, if you know anything about it Id love to hear it! Have a good one
I had a Scott Tinley Technium back in 1985 it was my first "serious" road bike (Entry level racer, top of the line Technium), it had adjustable rear dropouts, main tubes of 6061 aluminum glued to the steel lugs and a steel rear triangle. Components were a mix of suntour cyclone 7000 with 6 speed indexed downtube shifters, dia compe royal grande comp brakes, SR handlebar and stem, Stronglight A-9 roller bearing headset.
I put many miles (at least 20k miles) on it until I broke the right chainstay in front of the derailluer drop out, (due to broken axle/strong rider
). Raleigh had a good warranty back then, I got a replacement (Technium Pro, Tinley models discontinued) for the cost of the LBS transfering the parts. Unfortunately I was naive when I bought the bike as it was just a tad too big (58cm, I can just stradle the top tube) and the replacement was the same size even though I requested the next size smaller
. I still ride the Technium Pro as a commuter/clunker.I recall the techniums seem to be rather harsh riding, definitly harsh when compared to my Vitus 979 and my full CF bikes. Handling was okay, I think the 58cm had a squarish geometry 73 head and seat tube angles.
All in all, it was an affordable entry level racer.
#7
Thread Starter
Senior Member

Joined: Feb 2003
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From: The Alta Loma area of Rancho Cucamonga. About 45 miles east of Los Angeles, California. Uphill, downhill and across hill riding; not too level!
More Description: The frame on this Technium is painted grey, with what appeared to be original decals. Some chain slap paint damage on the right lower chainstay tube.
Well, I'd have to go down and buy the thing if it is still there. I can put a hold on it for 24 hours at no charge and let you know if it is still there and you can let me know if you are still interested? How do you want me to measure the frame size--and tell me exactly, please. Or would the frame size be marked somewhere on it?
I wish--but I am rather fond of the one I have, having had it since I was born. . .
It's too big for me, period. I am somewhat of a clutz and cringe at the effects of falling crotch-first onto the top tube!
Sorry, see my first comment above.
Originally Posted by johnamus
I'll give you fifty bucks for it. WHats the frame size?
Originally Posted by Leo C. Driscoll
So get a new crotch ;-)
Originally Posted by Leo C. Driscoll
. . .(and it's is still too big for me ;-). . .
Originally Posted by Leo C. Driscoll
It sounds like the Technium you were looking at is not pristine. But the frame is the thing. If it is teal, grey, and yellow, I'll join the bidding. . .
#8
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 155
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From: Kinsale, Ireland
Bikes: Trek 7300 FSX, Jamis Exile, Jamis Coda Sport, Raleigh Technium, Dahon Vitesse, Dahon Matrix
This is an image of my 1984 (?) Raleigh Technium TriLite. I recall purchasing it on 1984 as a road bike, but I found on Copernic (metasearch engine) that the Scott Tinley TriLite was introduced in 1988 ;-( https://retroraleighs.com/models.html
Anyway, this bike has been converted to a single-speed commuter. And remains my favorite bike!
As an SS enthusiast, I think you would ride at another level if you converted your Technium TriLite to single-speed! Go to the Fixie/SS Forum and get some savvy advice!
Anyway, this bike has been converted to a single-speed commuter. And remains my favorite bike!
As an SS enthusiast, I think you would ride at another level if you converted your Technium TriLite to single-speed! Go to the Fixie/SS Forum and get some savvy advice!
#9
Originally Posted by Leo C. Driscoll
but I found on Copernic (metasearch engine) that the Scott Tinley TriLite was introduced in 1988 ;-( https://retroraleighs.com/models.html:
#11
Ride it, don't fondle it!
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 413
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From: Grand Junction, CO
Bikes: Raleigh M80, Bacchetta AERO, Bacchetta GIRO, BikeE, 83' TREK 970, Catrike Speed, IRO Fixie/SS
$10 a steal. Wife and I went out for Pizza tonight and it was $20. I'll buy most any intact 80's name brand road bike fer 10 bucks.
#12
Senior Member


Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 30,225
Likes: 649
From: St Peters, Missouri
Bikes: Catrike 559 I own some others but they don't get ridden very much.
The only way that it couldn't be a decent buy at $10.00 is if it didn't fit.
I'm surprised that you said it was lugless. Technium frames had an aluminum mainframe and steel stays. I'd think they'd have to have some kind of lugs at the seat cluster and bottom bracket to bond the steel stays into. It seems like they were at the economy end of the price spectrum.
I'm surprised that you said it was lugless. Technium frames had an aluminum mainframe and steel stays. I'd think they'd have to have some kind of lugs at the seat cluster and bottom bracket to bond the steel stays into. It seems like they were at the economy end of the price spectrum.
#13
Newbie
Joined: May 2009
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Raleigh Technium
This bike was made in Kent Washington in the mid 80'S. Huffy bought Raleigh after sponsoring the olympics and wanted to make an enthusiast road bike. There was the 420 460 480 and the Scott Tinley. I am not sure how each was speced because I bought my own components.
The top tube, seat tube and down tube were aluminum ,6016 I think. The internal lugs were steel, as was the seat and chain stays and bottom bracket. The tubes were pushed or swaged onto the lug that had two diameters like a graduated step with the first being smaller than the second. Adhesive was applied in the process so the downtube seat tube and top tube were swaged and glued together .There is a decorative ring there to hide the joint. The chain stays were brazed into the bottom bracket. There was never a failure.
Criticism was that Huffy had not taken the design far enough and chickened out by not making all of the tubes aluminum.
I put Campy Chorus on mine and have always enjoyed it.
The top tube, seat tube and down tube were aluminum ,6016 I think. The internal lugs were steel, as was the seat and chain stays and bottom bracket. The tubes were pushed or swaged onto the lug that had two diameters like a graduated step with the first being smaller than the second. Adhesive was applied in the process so the downtube seat tube and top tube were swaged and glued together .There is a decorative ring there to hide the joint. The chain stays were brazed into the bottom bracket. There was never a failure.
Criticism was that Huffy had not taken the design far enough and chickened out by not making all of the tubes aluminum.
I put Campy Chorus on mine and have always enjoyed it.
#14
rebmeM roineS

Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,231
Likes: 366
From: Metro Indy, IN
Bikes: Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
That's good information. I thought the tubes were adhesived together - didn't know about the swaging.
Retro Grouch had been waiting four years for a response to his post.
Retro Grouch had been waiting four years for a response to his post.
#15
Tandem Vincitur
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,317
Likes: 2
From: Northern California
Bikes: BMC Pro Machine SLC01, Specialized Globe, Burley Rock 'N Roll tandem, Calfee Dragonfly tandem.
Dredging up old thread I am.
I am considering purchasing this Raleigh Technium as a college bike for my son. Apparently it all works, and can be ridden. About how much is this worth? $50 $100 $150 $200 $250?
I am considering purchasing this Raleigh Technium as a college bike for my son. Apparently it all works, and can be ridden. About how much is this worth? $50 $100 $150 $200 $250?
#16
Since the thread has already given a pulse again, I just picked up a very similar looking bike, but with non-aero brakes and Suntour Accushift 3040 drive train. Paid $50 -- it has brand new tires, brake pads and had been recently tuned.
Dredging up old thread I am.
I am considering purchasing this Raleigh Technium as a college bike for my son. Apparently it all works, and can be ridden. About how much is this worth? $50 $100 $150 $200 $250?

I am considering purchasing this Raleigh Technium as a college bike for my son. Apparently it all works, and can be ridden. About how much is this worth? $50 $100 $150 $200 $250?

#17
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,442
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I just rebuilt and sold one that looks almost exactly like the pic above. Nice Suntour components...
I got 150.00 for it, it was in nice shape and I'd put a bit of work into it. I kind of like these bikes, I've had several. The bonded-aluminum frames seem to be a nice mix of light weight and compliance, and initial fears that they would deteriorate seem unfounded; there are still lots of these on the road.
I got 150.00 for it, it was in nice shape and I'd put a bit of work into it. I kind of like these bikes, I've had several. The bonded-aluminum frames seem to be a nice mix of light weight and compliance, and initial fears that they would deteriorate seem unfounded; there are still lots of these on the road.
#18
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,132
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Can't believe perceptions on prices all things bike. I hope folks don't feel the same way about clothes needed to go out or to an affair in, much less food or the cable bill.
#19
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,704
Likes: 355
From: NWNJ
Bikes: Road bike is a Carbon Bianchi C2C & Grandis (1980's), Gary Fisher Mt Bike, Trek Tandem & Mongoose SS MTB circa 1992.
I had the High end steel bike back in the day...I found a crack in the metal ring that was placed over the lug joint where the two tubes meet, they gave an upgrade to the metal Matrix the frame was great very light....I used it for many years.
#20
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 130
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From: Coastal Maine
Bikes: 1936 Raleigh Golden Arrow; Kona Honzo
Yup,, Me too.
Among the bikes the dump guy brings by before he goes to the dump showed up a Technium. Light blue, 440. If I can get the seatpost loose I'll start building it before too long. I came w/o a crankset and has rusty, not great components- Hooray! let the fun begin.
Among the bikes the dump guy brings by before he goes to the dump showed up a Technium. Light blue, 440. If I can get the seatpost loose I'll start building it before too long. I came w/o a crankset and has rusty, not great components- Hooray! let the fun begin.
#21
Junior Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 19
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From: NJ
Bikes: 2010 Orbea Onix T105; 2003 Kestrel Talon SL Triple
thoughts on this technium?
I found this Technium on craigslist. I am newbie looking for a starter road bike to ride around with and I'm looking to find a decent old bike. I'm a runner and I'm considering taking up biking to add to my exercise/training routine. Here's the link.
https://jerseyshore.craigslist.org/bik/2399528335.html
At $200, it seems a little high. I'd definitely buy it if it was only $10 like the OP mentioned
. Your thoughts on this bike? I'm new to this so any advice would be appreciated.
https://jerseyshore.craigslist.org/bik/2399528335.html
At $200, it seems a little high. I'd definitely buy it if it was only $10 like the OP mentioned
. Your thoughts on this bike? I'm new to this so any advice would be appreciated.
#22
Senior Member

Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 12,560
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From: Middle of da Mitten
Bikes: Trek 7500, RANS V-Rex, Optima Baron, Velokraft NoCom, M-5 Carbon Highracer, Bacchetta Quattro, Catrike Speed
Nice, old thread! Har831 stated there were never any failures. That's not true. One guy in my club broke his Technium frame, the seat tube by the bottom bracket, in the middle of a week-long tour. That was a long time ago (obviously) but it seems to me the frame was either all or mostly red, not the red-and-black in the photos above.
#23
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1
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Bikes: Raleigh Technium 420, Giant OCR1, Giant TCR0... plus junkie mountain bike.
Yes, nice old thread.
I have a red (mauve, really) model... 420. Has not failed. +
It is a subjective judgement, but I find it rides nice; is not as fast as my newer aluminum, but feels nicer when cruising.
BB wore out, so has cartridge now... replaced brake levers cuz I didn't want dual-levers... replaced original rims after bending the originals on a curb; otherwise, she is as she was originally. I'm thinking of replacing the crank though, cuz I notice the flex when standing.
I still enjoy the bike.
I have a red (mauve, really) model... 420. Has not failed. +
It is a subjective judgement, but I find it rides nice; is not as fast as my newer aluminum, but feels nicer when cruising.
BB wore out, so has cartridge now... replaced brake levers cuz I didn't want dual-levers... replaced original rims after bending the originals on a curb; otherwise, she is as she was originally. I'm thinking of replacing the crank though, cuz I notice the flex when standing.
I still enjoy the bike.
#24
Oldtimer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 221
Likes: 1
From: Foothills of the Catskills in New York
Bikes: 1972 Raleigh LTD, 1985 Cannondale SR300 (2), 1986 ROSS Eurotour, 1991 Giant Sedona MTB, 1992 Trek Antelope MTB
I recently picked up a red, white and blue Technium Pro from the curb and have been riding it almost daily since the rebuild.
https://backroom.hardsdisk.net/technium.html
I like the feel of the bike and don't mind the flex at all. On the road, it feels like a good quality steel bike to me.




