Raleigh Sports Model 35 Bike - An Economical Gem

1947 Raleigh Model 35 Sports

I am dedicating this short article to the Raleigh Model 35 bicycle, which was Raleigh's budget model "Sports" touring bike in the 1930s and 40s. 

1940: the Basic Model 35 with and without optional chain guard

The Model 35 was a bare bones variation on the much-loved Raleigh Sports three speed bike concept. Whereas the Sports offered the choice of a chain guard or a full chain case, lights, racks, bags, and bells, the Model 35 offered more basic transportation.

1930s-40s era head badge

The Model 35 retained Raleigh's excellent quality features: a lugged and brazed frame, stainless steel spokes, cable/caliper brakes with double-ended cables, and Sturmey Archer rear hub. But everything "extra" was removed. There were generally no lights, no racks, and no chain guards.  The Model 35 provided economical transportation to regular, working people and students just looking for a basic bike.

Endrick rims 

This 1947 Raleigh Model 35 is true to basic form: a good quality bike lacking period extras. The bike lacks a chain guard. The low-profile A16 (non-GC) spindle and low offset crank indicate this bike never had a chain guard. 

Low-offset crank 

Originally, this bike probably had a horsehair mattress saddle, but I have added a Brooks B66 leather saddle to make it more comfortable. The B66 would have been an appropriate period upgrade for longer rides. I have also add a simple Acorn canvas bag and some modern/retro LED lights. 

Although basic by Raleigh standards, still a well-made crankset

 

The bike retains its old, cloth-covered brake cables. The bike also has the old-style top tube shifter, which would have been the more traditional and basic option compared to the newer handlebar shifters of the 1940s. 

A well-preserved (but still dusty) fender

Overall, this bike is an excellent rider. It is a very basic bike, but what is present is very well-built. The Model 35 is often forgotten today in favor of the better-equipped models like the Sports Tourist, Superbe Sports Tourist, and the Superbe Dawn Tourist. Collectors love the extra features included on those bikes. But this Model 35 reminds us that a more basic bike is worth preserving, and can be a wonderful rider and addition to any collection. 

1947 Model 35 Raleigh

 

Better Weather - Summer Begins

 

Summer weather is finally starting here in western New England. The second half of May was unseasonably cool and very rainy. This week's temperatures have been much warmer and the rain has stayed away (so far). 

I've been putting the recently rebuilt 1960 Schwinn Traveler through its paces, and really putting the miles on it. I've tightened a couple screws that loosened a bit, and am still fooling with the tire pressures to make them more comfortable.  I had to replace a faulty set of AAA batteries in one of the lights as well. These old bikes always take at least a few rides to nail everything down.

But the signs point to this being a nice, solid, comfortable bike once everything is dialed-in.

 

Thoughts on Stem Height - American Three Speed Bikes

 

One of the drawbacks of the American-made three speed bikes is the bikes often come with stems too short to allow for much handlebar height adjustment. The British three speeds often come with stems allowing a bit more bar height adjustment.

On taller frames, this may not be an issue. For example, this 1960 Schwinn Traveler has a tall frame and, unless the rider is very tall, the bar height generally does not need much adjustment. 

In contrast, this 1950 Schwinn Superior has a "standard" frame of around 22 inches. The chances of a rider wanting taller bars, whether due to rider height or wanting a more upright ride, is greater with this standard-sized frame. 

In those cases, I recommend looking for a taller stem. In some cases, originals are available, but sometimes a good reproduction or a newer stem will also work. In this case, I am using a good quality reproduction of the Schwinn "razor" stem that is substantially taller than most of the originals. This gives me a substantial amount of handlebar height adjustment, so I can set the bars how I like them. These stems are still sometimes found in unused condition on eBay the Classic & Antique Bicycle Exchange, and other sources. Many were made for reproduction Schwinn Phantoms and balloon tire bikes in the 1990s. The quality is not quite as good as the originals, but it is still much better than most reproductions. I tend to prefer a more upright ride in the style and tradition of the British utility bikes and roadsters.

Other options include stems from Nitto (good quality), Sunlite (passable quality), and generic makers (usually pretty rough), usually from Japan, Taiwan, or mainland China. I recommend spending the extra money on a good stem. A stem failure or improper fit can lead to accidents and serious injuries. If you are unsure on how to source and fit a stem properly, get help from a competent mechanic. You can severely injure yourself if you improperly fit a stem.

A good quality seat post also should be used if you plan to raise the saddle more than a few inches. Schwinn originals are generally good, but even better are the modern BMX-inspired Cr-Mo seat posts. This particular bike has a Cr-Mo seat post from Porkchop BMX shop. It has the usual 13/16" Schwinn frame size, and a 7/8" top for use with standard saddle clamps.

Even with this additional adjustment, some riders are just too tall for the standard 21 or  22 inch frames. In those cases, the rider should go to the tall frame bikes, even if those are more difficult to find today. 

The bottom line is that even though you may own a vintage American three speed bike, don't be afraid to make the ergonomics work for you.