1998 Raleigh F-500

Archived: Frame: TIG-welded · Fork: Rock Shox Indy S · Aluminum/magnesium, triple-clamp crown

• Look for dents or shape changes and inspect the edges of welds around the head tube, bottom bracket, seat cluster and suspension mounts for hairline cracks.
• Inspect the fork crown, blades, dropouts and visible steerer area. Check that it is straight, securely installed and free of cracks or impact damage.

Archived: Fork: Rock Shox Indy S

• Inspect the fork stanchions for scratches or coating wear, look for oil or dirt rings at the seals, and cycle the fork through its travel while checking for binding or bushing play.
• Ask for dated fork-service records. A clean exterior does not establish the condition of internal seals, oil or bushings.

Archived: Group: Shimano STX-RC · Shifters: Shimano STX-RC RapidFire SL · Front derailleur: Shimano STX top-swing, top-pull/clamp-on 31.8mm · Rear derailleur: Shimano Deore XT SGS · Crankset: Shimano STX-RC, 22/32/42 teeth · Bottom bracket: Shimano BB-UN52, 110mm spindle · Rear cogs: 8-speed, 11 - 30 teeth · Chain: KMC SS-82, 1/2 x 3/32"

• Shift through every available gear under light load. Hesitation, skipping or inconsistent indexing can reflect wear, damage, poor adjustment or mismatched replacement parts.
• Measure chain wear with a compatible gauge and inspect chainring, cassette or freewheel teeth. A new chain does not rule out wear in the remaining drivetrain.
• Turn the cranks slowly, feel for rough bearings and check for side-to-side play. Inspect crank arms, chainring bolts and pedal threads for looseness or damage.

Archived: Brakes: Shimano STX-RC V-Brake brakes, Shimano STX-RC levers

• Inspect pads, cables and housings, then examine both rim braking surfaces for concavity, cracking or heavy wear. Confirm each caliper returns and centers correctly.

Archived: Wheel size: 26" wheels · Rims: Weinmann Zac 21, 36-hole · Hubs: Front: Shimano Alivio, Rear: Shimano RM40 · Front tire: 26 x 1.90" Continental Town & Country

• Spin both wheels and watch for side-to-side and vertical movement. Check spoke tension, rim condition and hub play.
• Inspect both tire casings for cuts, cracking, plugs, bulges or exposed threads and confirm the installed sizes are safe for the rims and available frame and fork clearance.

Archived: Headset: 1 1/8" Tange-Seiki RBC-2 · Handlebar: Leadtec · Stem: Aluminum · Seatpost: Aluminum micro-adjust, 27.2mm diameter · Saddle: Velo VL-289 · Pedals: Wellgo LU-950A

• Apply the front brake and rock the bike to check for headset play or notchiness. Inspect the stem, handlebar and clamp zones, then confirm every fastener and control is secure.
• Check that the seatpost moves for adjustment and that the saddle, post and clamp hold securely without cracks, severe corrosion or damaged hardware.