Please I need Help....

rlipscomb0 said:

Hey everybody,

My girlfriend is trying to find a road bike and she needs some help. She found two bikes. One is a raleigh capri road bike (1988) and the other is a Dawes lightning sport (2006). Any information about these two bikes would be greatly appreciated.

Another quick question, she is only 5'2", so what size frame would be best for her.

THANKS for the help

Dont know these bikes, but Giant do a range of bikes in 44cm frames which would be an ideal size. Which country are you in? If in the UK Ribble cycles do frames that small, and you can specify female specific bars etc.

Given it's age (1988) the Raleigh is very likely an English made Raleigh unlike the current models made in Taiwan. These bikes were made from high grade Reynolds tubing (steel lugged frames) and represent well the fine craftsmanship and tradition of English frame building. They are usually well equipped. A bike of this age is certain to have a friction shifting system which is more difficult to use than a modern index shifting system. Check out Raleigh on the Classic Rendezvous website http://www.classicrendezvous.com/

Assuming the bike fits her it's kind of a choice between a well made classic bike, and a more modern probably less well made bike, with current features and current support in parts and service from your local dealer. What are her intended uses, casual rides, competition,commuting? These will be factors in your choice. Most competitive riders buy "state of the art" and steer clear of classic old beauties. As a recreational rider I love and own the old "beauties"

Hope you make a good choice!

p38lightning said:

Given it's age (1988) the Raleigh is very likely an English made Raleigh unlike the current models made in Taiwan. These bikes were made from high grade Reynolds tubing (steel lugged frames) and represent well the fine craftsmanship and tradition of English frame building. They are usually well equipped. A bike of this age is certain to have a friction shifting system which is more difficult to use than a modern index shifting system. Check out Raleigh on the Classic Rendezvous website http://www.classicrendezvous.com/

Assuming the bike fits her it's kind of a choice between a well made classic bike, and a more modern probably less well made bike, with current features and current support in parts and service from your local dealer. What are her intended uses, casual rides, competition,commuting? These will be factors in your choice. Most competitive riders buy "state of the art" and steer clear of classic old beauties. As a recreational rider I love and own the old "beauties"

Hope you make a good choice!

THANKS FOR THE HELP