WTB Raleigh Portage

[Tom Goodmann]

FWIW, given their scarcity, 'm curious enough about a Raleigh Portage to want to try one, having read what's available on the web (and seeing what is currently available on the auction site).  23" is probably best (87 PBH; 77 saddle height) but may be a 25" frame would work too. Thanks in advance to anyone who might have one they want to move--whether F&F or complete(ish) bike.

Tom

Miami, FL

[esoterica etc]

Hey Tom,

I don't have a Portage to sell, but I did own one a couple years ago. I was lucky enough to find one locally on Craigslist soon after I had just started down the rabbit hole of the 650b world. I had never ridden a 650b bike but had been reading a lot online about 650b and had come across info about the Portage, so I knew what I was looking at on the ad. I couldn't believe my luck, especially for the price and the exceptional condition it was in. But after picking it up and riding it for about 8 months, I decided that the ride wasn't really anything that special, so I ended up selling it. Granted, I never did any touring on it and used it mainly as an all-day road exploring bike. However, it did open my eyes to the potential of 650b as an all-road bike, and as a result I purchased a 650b Rivendell Atlantis with the proceeds which I enjoyed WAY more than the Portage, and felt it was a much more capable bike in every respect. I think a big part of the Portage mystique is that it was one of the earliest American-sold 650b-specific touring bikes back in the mid-80's when it was a virtually-unknown wheel size in America and was really way ahead of its time. But as far as ride quality, I think you can find better-riding bikes nowadays that use 650b wheels and you won't have to pony up as much for the aura of the Portage. Anyways, take that all with a grain of salt, and if you continue to pursue the Portage dream, may you find exactly what you're looking for. All the best,

~Mark

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[Tom Goodmann]

Thanks for your thoughtful perspective, Mark; I appreciate it.  I see your point; there are a number of choices these days in terms of geometry, tubing, manufacturer, or builder for a bike with 650b wheels. I've gotten curious about how a Portage rides and, since I have a good sense of how several Rivendell models ride, I'll take your informed word for the superiority of the Riv ride.  I've not owned an early-run (e.g. Toyo) Atlantis, but have an All-Rounder right now that seems to be a prototype for the Saluki (as a better informed local friend shares.  His Saluki is a cm taller and longer than my AR, so we may swap).  I've not yet ridden a bike that would be considered to have low trail, but would like to try--especially before I buy!  Thanks again for your thoughts, and for sharing this photo of the clean and classic build you did on a Portage in remarkable condition.

Tom