My manager was cleaning out her garage, I mentioned thinking about getting a road bike since I've been enjoying road riding my hardtail MTB on slicks. She said her husband's old Raleigh could use a new home. She sent me a couple pics, I asked how much. $20 - Didn't have to think too hard about it. A quick search of this forum confirmed that this bike was worth snagging (good info here).

Little bit of surface rust, but overall almost like new. She stated it had only been used a few times - sure appears that way. Just needs new rubber and a better seat and I'll be out enjoying the road more. I have a feeling this little bike might make me into more of a roadie than I ever dreamed of

Some pics:

Looks like a very nice place to start. Congrats!

Nice score

Yep, that is a nice one. I bought a used 1984 (just like that one but in a 23") in 1987. It was a nice starter bike, way better than the department store junk I had previously.
I remeber that saddle though, it was desighned by a sadist(sp).

oh mama!

Very nice score. That's easily worth about 4X what you paid. If its' the right size, I'd call it a keeper. I have an 87 Record made from the same 502 tubing. It's a nice rider, not high end, but still a nice ride. I think you'll find those rims are buldge bead and will be able to hold 100PSI tires. I stay away from Kevlar bead tires because those old 27" rims were not made for those type tires. A better choice would be the wire bead tires that are readily available at Performance or Nashbar. I have the same derailer on the Record, taken off a Marathon I used to own. It's a good performer. I think you're going to like the Marathon, good luck with it.

I think you can get a LOT more for it than you paid. I just sold this Raleigh Marathon Mixte, with a Suntour BL RD for $200.
https://picasaweb.google.com/ypsibike...54463818711730

Flip it and get yourself something even nicer.

Thanks everyone!

Rocco - good info on the tires, thanks!

Old Fat Guy - don't think I'll flip it. Doubt I could get that much for it around here. There's two like it on CL in our area; one for $60 and one for $80. I'd rather just ride it. I'd also hate to go into work and be asked by my manager how the bike's working - and tell her I flipped it and made a nice amount on it

I'm just getting my feet wet into road riding; I think this will work perfect.

Coolness! They should all be that easy to clean up, hehe.,,,,BD

Never mind the bike - what camera do you use? Those photos are unbelievable.

-Kurt

True

he used a Canon EOS digital Rebel XT - and nicely too.

It even still has the "clik stand" under the down tube

Thanks Kurt and Rocco

For sure!!!

Thanks Shots were taken with that and my 50mm f/1.8 lens - nice little combo. Left it at ISO400 for this since I was lazy and didn't feel like changing it

It had all the original reflectors on it too - those are removed and kept in a safe place. Had a kick stand on it as well - of course that was the first thing removed.

That lens will explain it right there! Beautiful lens--great bokeh for the out-of-focus. It's a jewel of a lens.

-Jon

yup, can't beat that lens for the whole $70 it costs. Just love it!

Check out that headbadge! It's not very often I see one that crisp.