1958 Raleigh Sports - Summer Evening

 Really nice, summer evening for a ride here yesterday. I took out this 1958 Raleigh Sports. I got this bike quite a number of years ago, replacing the failing SW with an FW four speed. I love a good FW hub. The bottom gear is helpful here because of all the hills we have.

Front lamp is an old, chrome Miller converted to rechargeable LED. Rear light is a retro looking rechargeable LED. I like the look of a traditional light but the brightness of a new LED. The law here for vehicles passing bikes is three feet of clear space from a bike. 

 

There are some drivers who break the law and just won't give you enough space. Then there are some who abide and give you enough space all the time. A bright, flashing red LED helps with a third group: drivers who need something like a hazard light to convince them to give you the proper space. 

 

Whatever helps on the roads these days...

 

 

1953 Raleigh Lenton and the "Sporty Roadster" One Year In

Over the course of the 2021 and 2022 riding seasons, I had been kicking the idea around in my head that there was a niche for a bike with a sportier frame than a basic Raleigh Sports, but with upright bars, fenders, bag, lights, and a bell as one would find on a Superbe Sports light roadster.

These kinds of bikes were common in the 1940s and 50s in Britain, but less common in the USA and much less common as derailleur sporting and touring bikes took over in the 1960s and later. In fact, Raleigh had bikes like the 1950s Lenton Tourist, Trent Tourist, and similar that bridged the gap between sporting and utility bikes. It's too bad there aren't more of them around today.

In early 2023, I built up a 1953 Raleigh Lenton as a light roadster touring bike: North Road bars, touring type stem, steel fenders, and the kinds of equipment one would find on a utility bike more than a road bike. Over the course of the 2023 season and into the start of 2024, I built up two more: a 1949 Raleigh Clubman and a 1951 New Hudson Silver Arrow, both as upright bar light roadsters/utility bikes.

Not just any road bike frame can be used as a starting point. Certain road bikes, particularly later bikes from the 1960s and 70s have frame angles that are too tight to make a comfortable, upright rider. Many higher-end road bikes from the '60s and '70s are closer to road racing angles than to more relaxed, touring bikes. The best candidates tend to be the older and more relaxed road frames from 1940s and 50s Great Britain.

One year in, I can say that I enjoy this kind of bike, but it is not a replacement for the faithful and more "plain vanilla" Raleigh Sports or Superbe Sports. And it's certainly not a replacement for a 28-inch wheel DL-1 or similar heavy roadster. But if you're looking for a lighter version of your Raleigh Sports for tackling hills, then these bikes are an option. 

A year in, here are some thoughts on the subject:

• The sportier frame will be a bit lighter and agile feeling. To some riders, it might feel more cramped than a regular Raleigh Sports, but it's still pretty comfortable.
  
• The wheels on the sportier bikes do make a difference: the better-quality Dunlop endrick rims are lighter than Raleigh Westricks. The Westricks are more durable though.
• The sportier bikes that take 26 x 1-1/4 (597mm) tires are limited in tire choices. The regular Raleigh Sports at 26 x 1-3/8 (590mm) have better tire choices.
• The chain guard on the regular Raleigh Sports can be helpful sometimes. 
• Correct replacement parts for a regular Raleigh Sports are easier to get, if you feel you need correct parts for your project.

So the big question: is it worth extra money to buy a higher-end, sporty bike like the Lenton above, and then set it up as an upright tourist? 

• The answer is "yes" if you are dealing with hills and weight savings are a "must" compared to a conventional Raleigh Sports. The answer is also "yes" if you are a hardcore collector of English bikes and have to add some variety to your collection.
• The answer is "no" if you are happy with your Raleigh Sports and weight is less of a concern than tire choices and locating replacement parts. In that case, you may find the sporty roadster is a nice bike to have, but it's not so much better than your regular Raleigh Sports as to justify a  higher price.

If I had to have just "one" vintage English-made bike for practical and pure riding fun purposes, it would still be a basic, post-war Raleigh Sports or Superbe Sports.

Enjoying the Ride

 It's important not to forget to enjoy your surroundings when you ride your vintage bicycle. Sometimes we get too focused on the bike, or a particular part, or on keeping a certain pace. The ride also needs to be enjoyed, including observing what is going on around you. There is a lot to see and enjoy when going for a ride.

 

 

Here I've spotted a couple of wild turkeys in a field just off the side of the road. They've been in this field a couple of times now, and must be living nearby.

 

Ride Comparison Review: Schwinn Traveler vs Raleigh Model 35 Sports

This week had a few nice, warm and dry days for riding, which meant getting out bikes that have not been ridden yet this season. Such was the case for one of my Raleigh three speeds and one of my Schwinn three speeds.

 

Starting Point

Both bikes have been sitting since last season. Both needed air in the tires and each got a little oil in the hubs. Neither bike showed any signs of failure from sitting for the winter. With air, oil, and a dusting, both were ready to go - a virtue of vintage three speed bikes.

The plain and solid Raleigh Model 35

An Old-School Raleigh

The first bike is a WWII era (or just before the war) Raleigh Model 35. This is a basic bike - no chain guard, quadrant shifter, painted and chromed steel throughout. Despite its age, because this bike is so basic, it's also relatively light. 

 

Lights, bell, and bag are aftermarket additions.

The rider sits upright and the handling is well-balanced. The brakes work reasonably well in dry conditions. The quadrant shifter is a little slower and more deliberate to operate than a handlebar shifter. 

 

A classic Raleigh Industries frame pump.

The bike overall feels very much like an upright, pre-war three speed should feel: comfortable, not terribly fast, and with intuitive handling. There are no nasty surprises climbing or turning with this bike. 

 

 

 

Sharp mid-century American styling with the Schwinn Traveler

A Classic Post-War Schwinn

Another rider this week was a very nice 1964 Schwinn Traveler. The welded frame is heavier than the Raleigh brazed frame, though neither frame is truly "light". The wheels are also a bit heavier, being S5 rims versus Dunlop endrick rims. The brakes are a little quicker-stopping and lighter than the Raleigh, being Weinmann 810s. The frame has a longer and larger feel than the Raleigh. The ride is somewhat less upright, having a shorter stem and shorter bars than the older Raleigh.

The classic Schwinn cross seal of quality.

The Schwinn has a heavier and more solid feel while riding. You get the impression the Schwinn was built first and foremost for durability. The handling is a little more floppier than the Raleigh. The low-speed stability is better on the Schwinn, though the Raleigh's handling is a bit tighter and more responsive. The Schwinn gives a more distinct impression of momentum once you are up to speed. The Raleigh climbs and accelerates better from a stop. 

 

 The Bottom Line

• Weight, handling and acceleration go to the Raleigh.
• Durability, low speed stability, and momentum once up to speed go to the Schwinn.
• The brakes are a bit better on the Schwinn.
• The tire choices are better on the Raleigh.
  
• Ease of maintenance is even - both are reliable and low-maintenance.
• The Raleigh has the more traditional pre-war, British look.
• The Schwinn has a the flashier post-war, American look.
• Both bikes are very well-made.
  
• Either bike would make an excellent rider if you enjoy three speeds.
• Neither bike is "better" - it boils down to personal preference.
• You'll have fun with either one - there are no losers here.
  

Summer Arriving

 

Nice evening for a ride here - 1957 Schwinn Traveler. The days are long and the weather is warm - both great things. Looking forward to more time in the saddle.