1st timer worried about being ripped off with this bike. Any advice appreciated.

[graveey]

Hey guys + gals,

I've never owned a bike before and am trying to absorb as much research and info as possible but to be honest it's overwhelming and I'm inundated with incredible amounts of terminology and technology which will take me a while to learn.

I will learn as I go but for now I need a bike which I can go travelling around Europe with. I have found this on ebay and am wondering if it is a good deal or not?

If you guys could let me know whether I would be getting ripped off if I were to buy this that would be brilliant.

Thanks everyone, any advice or help is much appreciated


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Classic-R...1435726285?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item27ea5d95cd

 

[Justinslow]

No idea! But back then Raleigh were in their prime so should be solid and dependable, shifters on the frame - takes me back to when I was a kid. It would have to be "mint" to be worth that though I my book.

 

[byegad]

Not a good idea to buy on eBay if you don't have enough knowledge on the item. I buy the odd camera lens this way, but only if the seller offers 14 day or longer returns. As I know what to look for I can easily check out a lens and have it on the way back in a day. If you don't know much about bikes it could take you longer than that to be aware of an issue. Note! Returns are at the buyers expense in most listings.

 

[vickster]

@biggs682 for retro used bikes

If your budget is more flexible, you could go new with something like this?

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/revolution-country-traveller-14?bct=browse/bicycles

 

[sheddy]

Do you own a bike at the moment ?
If not borrow or hire one to find out more.

 

[biggs682]

@graveey looks a decent enough bike and should be up to the task easily enough but ....

before setting off across europe i would recommend a full service along with some new components ie chain , rear cluster , brake cables and shoes and tyres as who nows how old or worn the ones fitted are so thats £80 - 100 to add on

then you ought to fit some guards to help protect against the weather .

Do you own a bike at the moment ?
If not borrow or hire one to find out more.

as @sheddy says try and borrow a bike to see if a racing style bike is what you want as you might be more comfy on a nice Hybrid or hard tail mtb .

where are you based if localto me you would be welcome to come and try a retro road bike to see what you think

 

[jay clock]

Are you very tall? That is a huge bike. And very old for a lot of cash.

 

[User269]

It's overpriced, and for sale on e-bay; 2 things going against it.
What size is it? It looks like a very large frame, suitable for someone over 6ft. Getting a bike that fits is very important.
I had one of these 25 years ago, a very nice touring bike, but I wouldn't buy a used one.
For that sort of money, go to a decent local bike shop and get a new bike; quality and value for money are excellent these days.
And don't forget...................get a bike that fits!

 

[raleighnut]

Good price for that, the rack could have been fitted better but that can be put right. Its also got mid mounts on the front forks to take a front rack but like Biggs682 says a full going over and new cables/chain/brake blocks and rear freewheel(if too worn to take a chain) will be needed to guarantee a bit of reliability on a long trip. I'd buy it if I didn't have 12 bikes already.

 

[gbb]

If you're local to that seller and can check the wheels run true and free, gears change cleanly....i'd buy it if it were what i was after.
It is moderately expensive, BUT...spend £300 on a new bike, it will be ok, but IMO it won't last as long as that Raleigh will, there looks to be years of use in that, it all looks really quite good condition. Sure it's moderately expensive, you'll probably find a cheaper one but its unlikely to look as good as that one.
TBF, i don't think its worth very much more than its showing now. It depends on your wallet and what you want for your money. IMO if that all works soundly, it'll do you very well for some considerable time.

 

[User269]

I had one of these 25 years ago, a very nice touring bike,

22 years ago actually, August 8th 1992...................@User13710 was there on delivery day having turned up with a gang of friends seeking pizza....................