Not much to report this week. I've had a chance to do some more riding. This week I have a few photos of my 1947 Raleigh Model 35 and my 1958 Raleigh Sports. They're both great riders. The Model 35 is a little lighter because it is lacks a chain guard and has a smaller bag. The Sports has a FW four speed hub. I love a classic FW, even if it lacks the top gear of the later five speed hub. But they're pretty similar, and that's a good thing.
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| 1947 Raleigh Model 35 |
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| The Model 35 is a clean design - very basic but well-constructed |
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| 1958 Raleigh Sports with FW four speed hub |
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| 1958 Raleigh Sports |
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| Classic Raleigh Sports | | |
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| A reproduction cushion grip - wonderfully made |
The 1958 Sports has what I consider to be a very good reproduction set of hand grips. A fellow collector of Raleighs had a run of these grey, cushion grips done. They are the closest I have seen to 1950s era sponge grips. The originals always seem to be totally deteriorated. Those familiar with the cushion style grips know they have a unique, semi-soft feel to them. It's not like silicone or a modern grip. It has a unique "spongy" feel that also is not too soft. They're comfortable but still give you some road feel through the bars, which is a good balance. These reproductions were a small run done by a fellow collector, and I only have this set, plus a spare set left. I doubt they can be purchased anymore, but if you come across a pair, they're worth trying. Note that these are VERY different from the grey reproductions made in the far east, and which are very hard, thin, and a bit uncomfortable.
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