gc87

Hello,
I am new to the forum and I want to buy my first road bike.
On craiglist I found two bikes that seem good deals, but they are pretty different so I'd like some advice.
One is a Klein Quantum, I believe 1990, with Dura-Ace components.
The other one is a Raleigh Revenio Carbon 2.0 from 2 years ago. This has Sora components but it is a newer bike and it is 50$ more expensive. I am a bit worried because I found people saying that the Sora brakes are not really good and feel unsafe.
I would you the bike for commuting and weekend bike rides.
Thoughts?

Thanks!

PepeM

First thing is to make sure they are the right size.

cale

I go with the Raleigh if given the choice.

Have you compared the gear range on both. I'm guessing that the Klein has a traditional 53/39 w/ 12/24 in back, something like that. The Raleigh? Wider gearing, compact rings (50/34), and maybe 10 speeds.

On the other hand, if you are going retro with your "look", the Quantum will serve you well.

All advice is given with the expressed understanding that the bikes you mention actually fit you.

jimc101

So who is saying that? There's nothing wrong with any Sora brakes, as long as they are setup correctly, and that goes for most brakes.

For the bikes your looking at, as #PepeM says, fit is the first thing, after that, 2 year old Sora parts are probably going to be much less used than a 25 year old bike with Dura Ace (if the bike has been used, the original parts should have long been worn out by now)

elboGreaze

If the Raleigh you are looking at has 9 speed Sora , it may be the aluminum framed bike w/ a carbon fork ( Bikepedia.com) . The Carbon framed bike has 105 10 speed .

gc87

Thanks for the advice!
Both bikes fit me, and the Raleigh is the 9 speed Sora with aluminum frame and carbon fork

cale

That's a combo that serves well.

BoSoxYacht

Posting the Craigslist links would be helpful.

Maelochs

Get the Raleigh. The Klein is great if you are really into vintage bikes, and plan to meticulously maintain it and keep it alive forever. if not, leave it for someone who wants to do exactly that.

Aluminum Raleigh with a carbon fork and 9-speed Sora parts? Absolutely a great ride.

I have heard stuff about Sora brakes not being as good as some other Shimano brakes, but I have heard stuff about a lot of stuff. The brakes will stop the bike exactly as they are supposed to. (I had heard low-end Tektro brakes were really bad too ... until I actually used a set and found out the difference between hype and fact in that specific case.)

Also, you can buy a pair of Tiagra brakes for $42 on Nashbar. No reason to do that, but you have the option.

But yeah ... buy the Raleigh. It will last longer with a lot less maintenance and will give you all the performance you could need.

jimc101

I've got some high end Tektro brakes (CX9), and out the box, they stop, but aren't great, put some good pads on them (Swissstop BXP in my case), and they perform like high end brakes should. With most brakes, even low end ones, stick some good pads on them, and it will make poor performer into a good performer.

mcmoose

As jimc101 suggests, put Swissstop or Kool Stop pads on the Sora brakes and they'll work fine.

Shuffleman

Providing both bikes fit as stated, go with the Raleigh. The Klein is an awesome bike but it is also 25 years old, which means that there is probably some wear and tear on it. If the person has not ridden it much the tires may need to be replaced and that comes at a cost that you have to ad to the price.
As for the Sora groupset and brakes on the Raleigh, do not worry at all. There is absolutely nothing wrong with Sora. You have to remember that many of us on these boards are enthusiasts and often get carried away. With bikes, you pay for the lower weight. Sora is heavier than Tiagra, 105, Ultegra and Dura Ace. They are all excellent quality products that shift well and are reliable. As you go up the food chain the main difference is in weight, not shift quality. Also keep in mind that technology from groupsets works its way down. Thus, Sora of today is probably better than Dura Ace of 25 years ago.
If you buy either bike, take it to a LBS and have them give it a once over. They can tune it up and make sure that everything is functioning properly. This should alleviate any concerns that you have about the brakes. Again, do not worry about it. Sora is of excellent working quality. You will not out ride your groupset.