Capri92

I bought this bike new in 1992 and probably put less than 50 miles on it. https://www.bikeforums.net/attachment...7&d=1412365274 Then a couple of years ago I cleaned and greased all the bearings and put new tires on it and I've rode about 800 miles since. The tires must have been bad because they're splitting where the gumwall meets the black part and the wheels need a little truing. I like the bike, I like the higher rise stem and bars, but the wheels are steel, they don't have quick release, and the other componets are on the cheap side. So do I get some decent tires and tubes, have the bike shop true the wheels best they can- maybe total $ 100 - $ 150 or get a new bike?

The LBS five miles away has the Sirrus Sport Disc (I don't ride in wet weather) with Altus and Acera. Forty miles away is the Trek 7.3 FX with Acera, Alivio, and regular brakes. Sixty miles away is the Giant Escape1 with Altus, Alivio, regular brakes, and Carbon forks. Just looking at specs and pics, I like the Trek and Giant the best, but the Sirrus is local. All are list $650 - $700.

I'll probaly ride less than 1000 miles this year. Do I need a new Bike? What's a new bike going to do for me?

Thanks!

travbikeman

That's a nice Raleigh, If you like it, and don't want to spend too much money on a new bike, then I think it's worth fixing.

But, sometimes that formula of n+1 comes into play and hits most of us hard on this forum. This is a choice only you can make.

DorkDisk

No!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Its not "What's a new bike going to do for me?" but "What will I do with a new bike?"

Richard8655

The Raleighs from those days were high quality and had great reputation. I have a Raleigh Gran Sport from a few years earlier than yours and am keeping it since it's such a classic and still rides very well. I replaced the tires with 27x1 1/4 Kendas, but quality tires in that size are getting hard to find. I'm not sure if your Raleigh already has the 700c size standard, but that would be much more preferable.

It also depends on how you view older bikes. Classics or junk. To me, a good older bike has value as a classic, fun to ride, and not expensive to fix or keep up (in my experience).

The Specialized Sirrus Sport is also a great bike. I just bought a Vita Sport (women's version for spouse) and it also comes with the Altus/Acera combo (not disc version, though). Test riding and it's smooth and perfect as can be. I'm a Specialized fan, and always prefer that brand over most others based on my history and experience of quality and ride with other models (Tricross).

Dave Cutter

What a excellent opportunity you have now! Most certainly... buy the new bike.... you NEED it. I'd lean towards the Trek... but that's me. Whatever feels best to you is your best choice.

After you get the new bike get a book on bicycle repair. You can acquire some bicycle tools as needed. Over a few years you'll save the price of the new bike by simply doing your own repairs. And the great thing is you have the old Raleigh to practice and learn on. This is all win-win for you.

NormanF

There's always a need for a new bike...

Trust me, one is never enough!

Jimbo47

From what you've written you are beyond the dept. store bike, and have become a more dedicated rider.
No need to dump money into that old bike as it will not amount to anything but putting lipstick on a pig.
A new bike is going to serve you well.

MrCoffee

I would have to agree with Jimbo47. Fixing an older bike, can be very costly, and it will not perform like one of the newer ones. I have fully repaired three vintage bikes: a 1980 Concord, a 1986 Raleigh Technium 460, and a 1982 Schwinn LeTour. As far as overall condition goes, the Schwinn was in the best shape. Yet, the shop work and the parts alone on that bike were $200.00, with the parts needing to be sourced from private collectors. And that did not include the specialty 27" tires and handlebar tape. Those were another $150.00, which brought the total amount paid for that Schwinn to over $400.00 ($75.00 for the rummage sale find, $200.00 in parts and specialty labor at a bike shop, and $150.00 for tubes, tires, and bar tape). Plus, I had spent about 100 hours in disassembly, cleaning, and reassembly. There is more to a restoration than most people think. And the return on investment is nearly nothing.

Meanwhile. I purchased a Specialized Crosstrail Disc for $530.00 at a year end sale a couple years ago. I have not dropped a single penny in maintenance, but I do have a rear tire that's starting to go bald. I can get a factory tire by driving 30 minutes, and the shop can have it fully installed and ready in less than a half hour. Then my Crosstrail will be good as new. Which means that for $50.00, I got two years out of it, while the Schwinn would have ran me $200.00 in tuneups, adjustments, and minor parts replacements.

I would get the new bike, and donate the old one to the Salvation Army. Give your old problems to someone else.

bmthom.gis

Wow, what tires did you get?? Panaracer Paselas are excellent tires and can be had for like $25 each. Conti Grand Sports are only about 30 bucks each as well.

Anyway, OP - I would go for the new bike, and unless you want to learn how to do your own maintenance, donate that one to a co op. I'm surprised you have steel wheels on a 1990s era bike.

MrCoffee

The tires were 27" gum walls. I think I paid about $40.00 for both. Then I had to get new tubes, another $15.00 or so ($7.50 each). So, total of $55.00. Then, I was charged labor because I didn't have time to bother, which was another $20.00. The bar tape was $50.00, because I opted for the premium grade. Plus, the cost of having it installed, to make certain it was done right. That labor was $25.00. The 700c tires, tubes, and components are far more widely available than 27".

bmthom.gis

Oh ok. Those labor costs add up. I've bought plenty of expensive bar tape, but some bikes deserve the best. Even though there is a larger selection of 700C tires out there, I think price wise 27" tires are a pretty good value for a quality tire. The nice thing about old bikes though is that once all of the work has been done, as long as you keep up with the bearings (I like to overhaul once a year...doesn't take too long after the first time - especially when lock rings are easy to remove after you did it only a year ago) the rest of it should last for quite awhile.
I've definitely had a money pit or two, but that's because I did more than the basics. I don't even know what my 3 speed is up to now - just laced on new allow rims to replace the old steel ones, and now I'm starting to think about new brake calipers that won't be as flexy as the originals. Doesn't need it, but I ride the heck out of it. Your old bikes are nice bikes. The only way to make money on restoring them is to be selective about the price you buy them for and do all of the work that you can yourself. Mistakes will be made, but some people really have their heads in the clouds....reminds me of this CL ad I saw recently. Someone was awesome enough to make a reply ad (the original has since disappeared)
Re: Peugeot Bicycles

deapee

There's a pretty good chance that if you have to ask if you need a new bike, that you do, in fact, need a new bike.

Wanderer

That Sirrus Sport Disc is a nice bike!

How do you like that bike shop?

Sometimes I wish I needed a new bike! LOL

Richard8655

I have to disagree that older bikes are never worth keeping. One thing good about keeping a quality older bike is you can tinker with it and learn bike repair/maintenance basics. You can then easily buy and install your own tires when they need replacing, along with other repairs, saving a good chunk of money. Over the life of owning a bike, knowing these basics can save you the cost of the bike itself.

A good older bike is easy to repair and maintain at minimal cost. Vintage bike parts are easy to find on eBay and often pretty cheap. I've done it with mine and am happy with the results, love riding it, and am learning bike mechanics at the same time. But if you don't have the time or inclination to learn bike basics, then be prepared to regularly pay bike shop maintenance and repair bills.

I'm all for the latest new bikes and technology (recently buying new myself), but vintage is not necessarily bad in my opinion.

Dave Cutter

You do make a good point! It is more costly to have a bicycle restored... than if you do the work yourself. It can even be more costly to bring back (restore) a great old bike yourself than just buy a cheaper new one. In many cases when restoring a bike there may never be a "return on your investment".... at lease not in dollars.

Shortly after I returned to cycling I bought a new bike. Fortunately mine came with free adjustments.... because I sure did need a few the first summer. I am a big believer that: If you can't fix it.... you don't own it! You are only renting from the repairman.

So I turned my attention to my original old bike (I had been given). I borrowed a bicycle repair book, watched YouTube videos, and read here. After I had completed a restore of the old bike I felt confident I could manage most needed or emergency (on the road) repairs of my new bike. That confidence was/is worth more that the few dollars of resale I could have got from the old bike.... which I gave to a kid.

I also learned that I enjoy wrenching on old bikes! I now take on a project bike or two every so often, for the fun of it. I then sell or give away the restored bikes. I reap real rewards.... even though I don't really profit from this hobby.

Delmarva

Q: Do you need a new bike?
A: No. The one you have can easily do the job with a few fixups.
Q: Should you buy a new bike because you want one?
A: Only you know the answer.

Capri92

Thanks for all the advice, I'm still pondering on what to do. I think I'm leaning toward a new bike, just can't decide on which one. The same shop that has Trek also has Raleigh- Raleigh Bikes, 2016 Cadent 4 The specs on this bike look pretty good and if it's on sale at the dealer that's a good price.

Dave Cutter

Of course price and parts are important. But most important of (and above) all is feel. Ride the bikes before you decide. The one that feels the best will be the best deal.

Jimbo47

Every time I start to think about getting a new bike I always ask myself what is mentioned above!
So far I've only changed tires and brake pads when they wear out so I'm able to get that new bike feel and it's a lot cheaper.

MrCoffee

I really like the looks of that new Raleigh. I think the carbon fork on that new bike should give you a smoother ride than what you are getting with the old one. Those disc brakes will offer better and smoother stopping power as well, especially if weather conditions are wet. Your older bike is not designed to accommodate disc brakes.

Who Dey3334

I dont think you "need" a new bike, the question is do you want a new bike and can you afford a new bike? You're bike is worth fixing if you're on a budget. If your not on a budget and you love bikes and cycling, treat yourself to a new bike and give yours to someone that needs a good bike, use it as a back up, or make it your rainy day bike if it looks like rain that day. One bike that I do recommend you try is the Cannondale Quick 4. Its a great bike and very comfortable at a fair price. I just bought a new hybrid and rode them all and the Cannondale came away the winner for me because of its comfort. I never even considered a Cannondale....the quick 4 should not be over looked trust me.

Rockhitter

Buy a new bike, several for that matter. Gravel bike, mountain bike, hybrid bike, commuter bike, road bike, winter bike, Sunday go to church bike, etc. Have fun. Run what you brung.

americanrecluse

I haven't the knowledge to have an opinion about your old bike (other than "handsome!" which I guess isn't helpful), but of the new ones you mention, I like the Trek 7.3 best. I have one and it's lovely.

MRT2

A new $500 to $700 bike will be shinier, might be a couple of lbs lighter, give you 8 or 9 speed shifters instead of 6 or 7. And that is about it. I would say that if your old bike only has hundreds, rather than thousands or tens of thousands of miles on it and you are mostly a recreational rider, and you only want to spend $500 to $700 on a new bike, keep the old bike awhile longer. New tires are, maybe $50 or $60, and I doubt your drivetrain even needs more than a light cleaning and adjustment, which you should be able to do yourself. Truing the wheels shouldn't cost that much and if, indeed, the wheels are steel, you can get replacement alloy wheels for not much more than $100 a set, maybe less if you buy from an online source. (available on Amazon for about $70 for a front and back wheel!). Even paying a shop for parts and labor, you should get out of there for maybe 1/3 the cost of a new $500 bike. And remember, the $500 bike is decent, but also built to a price point. A lot of plastic and cheaper parts on an Altus/Acera equipped $500 bike to get it to that price point and still make money. Once the shine wears off those bikes in a year or two, you will be looking to upgrade some of those parts.

When you do upgrade, maybe consider upgrading to something a little better than entry level.

MRT2

Agree about the brakes. Disagree about the fork. The fork on OP's old bike is a curved steel fork. A straight carbon fork will be much lighter, but doubtful it will be a smoother ride.

The new bike will be lighter, for sure.