1970s Raleigh Sports Bikes - Classics on a Budget

 A bicycle does not necessarily have to be expensive to be a good rider. This is also true of classic bicycles. 

There are the stories of extraordinary finds - the Schwinn Paramount Tourist found in a dumpster (about 10 years ago) is an extreme example, but more mundane finds still turn up online, at tag sales, and discount-used shops. 

 

On the road with a 1974 Raleigh Sports

Perhaps my favorite class of "classics on a budget" are 1970s era Raleigh three speed bikes. I bought this 1974 Raleigh Sports in 2003 for $30. It started out as a more basic bike. I subsequently added a Dynohub, lights, rack, B66 saddle, bell, and a saddle bag. But for $30 as the bike arrived, it was a basic and functional bike.

 

A mall kiosk lapel pin is an inexpensive but nice touch on the bag

I previously have defended these 1970s Raleighs. Sometimes they are maligned compared to their 1950s and 60s forerunners. Although Raleigh cheapened production values of these bikes over time, the 1970s bikes - particularly the early and middle 1970s bikes - are still good machines. They still have the reliable Sturmey Archer hubs and lugged steel construction. They still have the helpful fenders/mudguards, chain guards, and reflectors. Some have pump pegs or pump clamps. Pletscher/ESGE Raleigh kickstands provide stable and reliable parking.

 

Uneven surfaces are no match for the reliable ESGE Raleigh stand

These bikes often sell for substantially less than earlier bikes. Collectors tend to focus on earlier machines, while more pragmatic "rider" bikes were produced through the 1970s and into the 1980s. For the person who just wants a classic, reliable bike to ride, a $50 Raleigh Sports from 1974 is just as good as a $500 Superbe from 1948. Not everything in life is about collector cachet...

 

 The 1970s bikes also make good platforms to upgrade. For example, my 1974 Sports has an upgraded headlight with an LED bulb and a parking/stand light feature. The traditional Dynohub powers the upgraded light (and the traditional tail light) just fine. The 1970s bikes also feature the same 21-inch and 23-inch frame choices as earlier bikes. A 23-inch frame is a great choice for riders of average height or taller. I am not especially tall, but love the 23-inch frame on 26-inch wheels of my 1974 Sports.

B&M Lumotec Classic headlight makes the most of a Dynohub

Middle and later 1970s bikes also have hubs and rims with 36-hole drillings. This opens up more possibilities for rim upgrades. Rims like the Alesa, Weinmann, and Sun/Ringle are often found in 36-hole drillings, but much less commonly 32/40 today. 

A 1970s bike, but still instantly recognizable as a classic Raleigh

Twenty-two years later, I am still enjoying this 1974 Sports. I've put thousands of miles on this bike, and it keeps going strong. I paid $30 for it, plus more for upgrades. But that was certainly money well-spent, even if on a bike many collectors would write-off. That's fine with me - it helps keep these 1970s Sports bikes affordable for the more casual collector and rider.