Hi guys!

[matty_daak]

Firstly I'd like to say hello.... I'm a new member and I've been rummaging through your forum for a while now so thought it was about time I joined up and introduced myself! (I'm Matt btw)

So heres the thing... I have a dilemma... I've recently been told by my mirror that I'm getting older and fatter and I've decided to get back into mountain biking to sort out this little problem. I haven't been (proper) mountain biking for years, I used to DH years ago on a Specialized FSR with super T pros on the front and hope M4's all round, that thing was great and gave me so much confidence to recklessly pedal down pretty much anything! Anyways, I think I've had my time doing DH and I'd rather do some less extreme stuff... which brings me to my dilemma... I have a lovely Raleigh RSP 300 sat locked away in my garage, it's original factory spec and it's in near mint condition. BUT... I've only ridden it a few times and I don't know if it's just me being a little older and wiser but I had no confidence in the bike. I was taking it pretty steady but still it's a pretty kitted bike (for it's age) Maybe its cos I don't want to damage it? That's the other thing... I don't want to damage it! These things are getting pretty collectable nowadays.

So... do I keep the Raleigh and maybe change the setup a bit to suit me and not worry about it, or, do I keep the Raleigh original and sell it to buy something maybe a bit more modern that I'm not too worried about chucking down the trail??

I'd kinda like to keep the Raleigh as it is because its in such good condition, I know they were built to be ridden but it almost seems a shame to ruin it :cry:

Advice and opinions needed.....

Thanks guys!!

 

[marc two tone]

Re:

Hi matt,

Good to see you have stepped in to get things moving for you(you on bike). It's always nice to see retro bikes getting some action, that's what they were built for. We can always look at pictures for clean, original examples

Foyst, where are you based, for potential rides out? with some folk off this site. It is a better experience to see, touch and smell...these old bikes for inspiration on how you can go forward with your machines.

It has been proven that more modern parts, like front sus can be a good combo with older frames and components. In other cases it doesn't work out as the geometry is all wrong. It's like trying to get new bike comfort and performance from a 90's mass-produced thing.
A bike that looks the part i.e 90's retro heaven but has the same comfort and confidence-giving feedback as a modern bike is a very rare thing, i've yet to see it.

Even some nice period manitou/marzocchi with generous travel(50mm) just won't stand upto 100mm+ of modern kit.

I know, i know, it all depends on who's ass is in the saddle but technology moves on..if you are used to a 2011 trek full bouncer with hydraulic this, that and, the other then a 1990 low end marin will feel very odd. fun, but odd.

You can have the same fun on the same trial whether you are on old rigid stuff or some state of the art bicycle. So, have the best of both worlds. Use your raleigh for less demanding routes to get yourself fit and, a modern beast for the tougher stuff.

 

[Ollie]

What he said ^

Welcome to the forum !

 

[matty_daak]

Seems a fair point... I'll post up some piccies when I recover my garage keys (car is in for service and keys are on the bunch!) I'd like to keep the RSP factory original, I like the retro stuff it's cool and might be worth a small fortune one day! I might have to hide a new toy from the misses though... I already have the Raleigh RSP 300, a Raleigh Reynalds roadie, a Kona hybrid and a little Diamondback BMX ;-)

 

[walleater]

Greetings.

I think it partly depends on what your local trails are like. As a few random thoughts, Cannock Chase, Long Mynd, Thetford, Forest Of Dean etc would all be fun on a retro-bike. riding down The Beast in the Peak District with a 130mm flat stem / bar and 50mm travel fork? Maybe not so much.

Last time I was in the UK and riding, I borrowed a mates GT Zaskar from around 1996. It was set up a bit 'Hans Rey' with a shortish stem, riser bar and 80mm travel Marzocchi fork of some sort, and it was a right hoot flying down the various trails on the Long Mynd in Shropshire.