Saturday, February 11, 2017

Raleigh Sprite - February 2017 Rides

The Raleigh Sprite represents the ultimate development in the internally geared Raleigh Sports-type bike line. By the mid-1960s, Sturmey Archer had developed a five speed hub, derived by changing the shifting mechanism of the previous, four-speed FW hub.

The result was the first generation Sturmey Archer S5 hub. This hub was meant to be a performance upgrade on both the FW and AW hubs, offering very high and very low extra gears. The hub was set into Raleigh Sports-style wheels with steel spokes and Westrick pattern rims. The Raleigh Sports platform of frame, fork, and accessories was the platform for this hub.


The result was basically a higher performance Sports bike: the Sprite. This late 1960s-era Sprite has been in my collection for a couple of years. I recently swapped a Brooks "Honey" colored saddle onto the bike.




I also located a set of Raleigh frame pump clamps and added a traditional frame pump.







We had another mild day today, at least mild for February. The roads were clear of salt and dampness, giving me a chance to take this Sprite out for a nice ride.







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