Hey all..
Just wanted to add my bike to the growing list of Raleigh Dyna Techs. I (kind of) currently own a Raleigh Dyna Tech Sentinel. To be honest, I had a forgotten about my old bike until recently and did some Google searches which bought me to here....
For the 'kind of' part of owning a Sentinel... let me explain.
Back in 1992/3 I bought a Dyna Tech Sentinel from Evans Cycles via mail order (I hadn't even touched it! all I had was the product brochure and a need for a Dyna Tech, a brand/division I thought was a step above others at the time). I was 14 at the time and it took me 6 months to save up for it.... and it cost me GBP350.00
The bike was used off road on trails around my village in Somerset and later as a commuter in Sussex when I went to University. The frame was replaced about 2 years after I purchased it (I had no idea that the lug problem was as wide spread as it was/is until I read this thread!) and they gave me new frame containing Titanium tubing, but painted up as the Sentinel?? As you can imagine..... I thought I had hit the jackpot... a swap of frame from Steel to Titanium, especially at the age of 16!!
So as you can see I kind of own a Sentinel....
I now live in New Zealand and have sold the bike twice... both times for it to come back to me! First time was to a mate in 2002 for about 12 months (sold for GBP150 and bought back for GBP100) and the second time to my brother, who technically still owns it (but being the great brother he is, I'm sure I will get it back for a few quid - hence the second part of 'kind of' owns).
Some of the details I remember about upgrades and changes I made:
- 18" Frame (original was a Reynolds 2055 Steel frame)
- Upgraded Rear Mech to Deore XT, XT Thumbies (I still get all excited if I ever see these today), Pace 24 tooth small ring (on original biopace crank)
- X-Lite Stubbies (bar ends)
- Purple anodized bolts wherever bolts went (I was young...!!)
- Deore XT Bear Trap Pedals with toe clips
- Saddle upgraded to Vetta Razor Style
So there it is. A bike I have owned three times (nearly) and now have the massive dilemma of whether to get it sent out to New Zealand? The small matter of GBP150 to get it freighted it to New Zealand is putting me off, although the bike means something to me and in my opinion would be better than spending NZD$300 on a 2nd hand commuter/hack in New Zealand. I will let you know how I go/what I do and as soon as I can convince my brother to take some photo's of the bike, I will post them up too.
If anyone knows of any way to get the bike to New Zealand for less than GBP150... please pm me.
Also - it's likely the frame I have is not a Reynolds 2055 Sentinel (as it was changed 2 years after purchasing). What are some key details to find out what Frame I actually have (i.e. I have read on here that the number on the frame is a good start for year of production, the magnet test... and any others).
Appreciate any guidance and/or help I can get. Cheers