Trail Blaster

So I admit that I am a complete newb when it comes to bikes. The last time I rode a bike was 9 years ago in college and that bike was just something to keep me form having to walk to class. Needless to say I didn't have the inclination to be knowledgeable about bikes back then.

My wife and I are getting back into bikes for exercise and fun. To that end, I just picked up a 2004 model Raleigh M80 that has no more than 50 miles on it. The paint looks perfect, and the lady who owned it (daughter of the bike shop owner) used it a couple times on the road. She got rid of it because she rides her hybrid much more, so no need for the M80 anymore.

To my untrained eye, you could put the factory tags back on it and re-sell it as new, as the paint is perfect and the shop mechanic has completely cleaned and calibrated the drivetrain.

The bike has the following upgrades:

- Sunrims DS2-XC 6061 Series Alloy rims hand laced with black spokes to Shimano hubs (HB-M475 front, FH-M475 rear)
- Tioga Factory XC Slick tires
- Wellgo Lu 950 aluminum pedals
- Salsa stem (not sure which model)
- FSA 7075 T6 XC 190 Alloy handlebar
- Serfas RX-921 seat
- Wired and calibrated for a computer (just need to spend the $30 for the computer itself)

(pictures attached further down the thread)

Out the door, including taxes (8.25% here in Houston) it cost me $500.

Does this seem like a good deal? Like I said I'm pretty much a newb when it comes to bikes, so I hope I didn't get ripped off. The folks at the bike shop were very nice and they are all very meticulous about their own personal bikes, so I figured that buying one of their personal lightly used bikes would be a smart purchase as long as the price was acceptable.

If you think I paid too much, please don't be shy. If you think I got a good deal, please let me know that also. I just need to know one way or the other.

Thanks in advance!

Jason

a2psyklnut

If you're happy with it, then it really doesn't matter.

Personally, I think Raleigh's are decent bikes, but tend to be heavier than other brands. The Company has been around for a long time and I believe is the oldest bike Manufacturer still doing business. So, they're no idiots.

Had you asked before your purchase, I would have said to go test ride as many different brands as you possibly could because fit is more crucial than price. Plus, the $500 price point is highly competitive and you would have a lot of bikes from which to choose from.

Truth is, at this point it doesn't matter, you are the proud owner of a nice bike. Now, go get it and you dirty!

Squirrely144

exactly!

BErad

Swap the slick tires for knobby ones before you "go get it and you dirty" or you will likely "get it dirty and you bloody."

MattP.

whats wrong with slicks on trails and in mud

Reminds me.... I was riding through this huge field on a dirt rode made by a car. I had my 1.5 slicks on of course. I come of to this little patch that looked like solid dirt, but it wasnt. Im going about 12 mph, my front tire goes straight down into the mud about 5 in, and the rest of my bike keeps going, including me. my friend behind me fell to the ground laughing.

ya, you might want to change out the slicks

Socrates

Raiyn is going to scold you for not asking this before you bought the bike.

That being said, if the bike is in the condition you say it is in, then you didn't pay too much.

Trail Blaster

It really is in that good of condition. I was really skepitcal when they said they had a used bike for sale, but after they got if off the hanging rack and I looked at it up close it really did look new. I will take some pictures tonight after work and post them. I test rode it before purchasing, and it felt great.

Here are the tires:



Are these really going to be that bad for hard-packed dirt trails?

a2psyklnut

They're fine. They are what's considered a "semi-slick" great for hardpack dirt. They are horrible for muddy conditions though.

You dun gud!

Trail Blaster

Thanks, to me they seemed a good option for both pavement and firm off-road conditions. Plus that's what was on the rims already and I didn't want to pay additional to have different tires put on!

Hopefully I will get some pics up tonight, if I get home before it gets dark.

GreyGoat

.. it doesnt matter anymore..you got it.. it's over.. enjoy it. and don't fret about it.. I always say better to get what you want and pay the price then to skimp and settle for less.. once you pay its over.. but if you dont get what you want, you will remember it every ride.. never look back tho.. forever foreward with no regrets...

swifferman

The stem, handlebar and rims are fairly expensive upgrades. I'd say you did a good job on getting a deal.

https://www.raleighusa.com/items.asp?...=11&itemid=208

^His bike for those interested.

Trail Blaster

Pictures as promised to show the condition of the bike:


Full Side View



Rear Gearset



Rear Disc Brake



Front Sprockets



Front Disc Brake




Salsa Stem



Handlebars



Seat



Front Fork

the wonginator

500??? Thats It?! Nice!

spleck

Actually, it looks like a 2004. And according to the website, they were $700-1100 new: 2004 M80

Socrates

It looks like the bike is in excellent condition. So, I'd say you got a good deal.

jsigone

clean bike you got there. you tires are good for the dirt, hard packed that is. Mud and deep dirt/sand won't work well.

Socrates

-----------------------

I think the Raleigh website has the wrong number of dollar signs next to that bike. Here -

https://www.mtbr.com/reviews/XC_Hardt...t_123259.shtml

-the MSRP is shown at $575.

I confirmed this price for the '04 at a few other sites. Plus, if you scroll down to the reviews made in early to mid '04, they all claim to have paid between $500 - $600.

But, since the bike is in really good shape and the upgrades are good, I think $500 was a good price.

Trail Blaster

Thanks for the replies guys. I don't have any aspirations for deep dirt/sand/mud right now so those tires should work well.

Anyone here use a CatEye Enduro 8 Cyclocomputer? Do you like it? I just bought one today because the former owner has all the wiring and magets on the bike and cliabrated correctly. I just need to calibrate the cyclocomputer itself for my tire size. My tire size is 26 x 1.85, which isn't listed in the user manual so I have to guess the right number to use. Oh well, it's close at least.

I went for a ride at dusk tonight of just under 7 miles. Mostly on pavement, just over 35 minutes if I remember right (I reset the distance and chronograpgh already). It was fun, but my butt is a little sore. I guess my butt needs to get used to sitting on a bike seat again!

I'm really glad I'm getting back into bicycling again...

BErad

I use an Enduro 8 and I like it very much. It only has the most basic options but the wiring is sturdy and I havent had any problems with mine.
How much did you pay for it? My LBS threw one in "for free" when I bought my bike (makes you wonder how much markup is on the bike).

Your sitting bones will toughen as you ride more often.

Stubacca

Do a rollout test and enter the actual number if you can - measure by rolling the bike while you're sitting on it for one wheel revolution.

Using the valve stem as a reference point is probably easiest - start with the valve over a line on the floor, and stop measuring when the valve is back at that same point one revolution later. Other option is to put a small dab of paint on the tire and measure between the marks it makes on the road.

a2psyklnut

Your butt is going to hurt, no matter what. Your butt muscles (gluteous maximus) need to get used to supporting your weight on a small saddle.

The best thing to do is to do a bunch of short rides (30 mins to 1 hr) every night for a week. Or, every other night for awhile.

Trail Blaster

They didn't have just the computer head unit for sale, so I had to buy the entire package (wiring, magnets, mounting bracket, etc.). It was $29.99 plus tax.

Yeah, I figure eventually my butt will get used to sitting on such a small seat. As long as the vital parts don't start tingling or going numb it's all good!

Regards.

CranxOC

If you're happy that's all that really counts. Ride it, get better and then invest in something better down the road.