onion25

I just recently purchased a Raleigh Tri-lite that is in very good condition for $280. It's been serviced and all the parts look almost new like it's never been ridden much at all. No major bumps and scratches. No rusting of parts. Looks like it's been kept inside and it has pretty much all of its original parts, I believe.

It looks just like this one https://velospace.org/node/36438
and has about the same components except the saddle.

What is this bike equivalent to in terms of performance? I have heard that buying used bikes is a much better investment than buying cheap new bikes now. I know this bike has very good components and rides perfectly. Does anyone know the components used on this bike and can give me an estimate of how much a new bike would cost to have the same performance as this bike?

Thanks!!

RobbieTunes

The Raleigh Technium, at least the models under the Team/Pro models, would sell 175-200 here. They are combinations of aluminum and steel tubing, had decent components (mine had all Suntour) but are just not in high demand. I have no way of knowing if the Tinley model had any advantages over the others. If your components look like the one on Velospace, then read what it says on them and post your results here.

However, the Scott Tinley model was in the same era as the Dave Scott Ironman by Centurion. I believe Mark Allen endorsed a Panasonic, but I could be wrong, and Mike Pigg may have had a bike, as well. The rivalry among these guys was really very good, and at one time I had thoughts of getting one of each, but they're hard to find.

Without seeing the bike, a clean Technium with mid-upper level components would be $200 here, and the addition of the Scott Tinley endorsement would easily add the extra $50 to $100. Yours at $280 doesn't sound so bad.

Lascauxcaveman 

Yep, unless there's something seriously wrong with the used bike. No way you could get a bike as nice as yours new for $280. Depending on your market, it's possible you may have overspent slightly in terms of what other used bikes were available in your price range, but compared to new, you made out.

onion25

Thanks for your comment!

onion25

That's good to know! Thanks for such expert advice

busdriver1959

Performance wise, that looks like a fine bike. I've never used Suntour Cyclone but I do know that Suntour had a some good stuff out there. The bike probably weighs more than a modern carbon uber bike. The weight difference is only a handful of percentage points once you add the rider. Most people don't include rider weight but I've never seen a bike go very far without one.
I'm a dedicated retrogrouch but I still love brifters. I believe that they allow you to shift much more often so you tend to spend more time in the right gear. Bottom line, brifters are a performance upgrade. If you want to optimize this bike's potential, brifters and the lightest wheels you can find will leave you with no excuses.

due ruote 

I had one just like the OP's. It was a nice riding bike but I found it a bit long in the top tube and the rear end was a little harsh for my taste. The Suntour indexing stuff gets kind of a bad rap but I had no trouble with it. In the end I wound up selling it for about what the OP paid. A new bike in that price range would be much lower quality for sure.

onion25

Here are some pictures that I took

due ruote 

Looks like it's in great shape, but the next frame size up would be a better fit. Make sure your min. insertion lines aren't showing on the stem and seatpost!

scozim 

Looks like a really sweet ride that is in excellent shape.

rundanrun262

I picked one up in STL for $130 this month. Needed tires, tubes. I will also need to retape the bars, but I have found it a nice ride for the price. The seller included the original aerobars and an extra front wheel. The suntour Cyclone 7000 components seem solid. Basically a nice trainer bike with 80s retro cool. Very Miami Vice... I ride it with my Wayfarers on.