Thanks to our Throw-away Society!

I had enjoyed refurbishing the two folding Raleigh Twenty bicycles I acquired earlier in the year (-see April and August blogs). Being of sound and rugged design, the process had been most satisfying. It had resulted in two classic vintage bicycles in excellent condition and ready for another thirty years of use!
However, this design although extremely successful, was somewhat specialised with its small wheels and folding hinge. I was interested in how the Twenty would compare with its contemporary, the conventionally configured, iconic Raleigh “Sports”. Sheldon Brown, the sadly-missed bicycle guru described them thus:
“For many years, in many parts of the world, the Raleigh "Sports" three-speed bicycle was considered the ultimate in human-powered transportation. These bicycles were not toys, and, despite the model name, they were not sporting equipment...they were serious vehicles. The men and women who built them, by and large, also rode them, as their primary means of transportation. They were designed to provide solid, dependable transportation for the British public, at a time when only the upper classes had motorcars. These bikes were built to last 100 years, with reasonable care.”

http://sheldonbrown.com/raleigh.html

Raleigh promotional literature

Indeed in England I had used a very similar design to convey myself to and from my first ever job. This was a “Robin Hood Sports”, one of several badge-engineered products from one of several companies bought out by the Raleigh Group. This was my father’s primary means of transport. It was made available to me on an “as required basis” -a status which rapidly evolved from “as required” into “permanent”! Equipped with generator/battery lighting, it was totally reliable and as Sheldon said was -a complete transportation system. Looking back through my rheumy old eyes I had often wondered what progress has been made in bicycle design over the past 50+years. How would such designs compare with the current plethora of types being produced?

In August a neighbour, knowing of my interest in bicycles, informed me that an acquaintance of his had asked him to dispose of a couple of bikes in which he had no further interest nor even required any payment!! Having a garage already overfull with bicycles, my initial interest was somewhat lukewarm. However, I agreed to take a look. To my amazement I was confronted by not one -but two vintage Raleigh Sports, one made in 1973 and the other in 1979! They both had a yellowish hue and looked decidedly sorry for themselves. However, having rubbed an exploratory finger over their frames I immediately discovered that their unappealing jaundiced appearance was due to sawdust! The 1973 men’s model had been given a rich brown burgundy colour and the 1979 ladies model sported a light blue finish. My neighbour informed me that they had been stored in a saw mill! My interest temperature index now rapidly elevated from lukewarm towards a state approaching incandescence! I agreed to take them both off his hands and consigned them both to the garden shed for future consideration -which turned out to be the following day!.
Neither had been used much. This was evidenced by the brake blocks which showed little wear as did the rubber pedal surfaces. Both had been set up poorly and most of the components needed readjusting. I also discovered that the 1979 ladies model had been assembled in Canada at the Raleigh plant in Quebec.
I stripped both bikes down to their principle component parts. As I expected at the time, a good cleaning plus a generous chunk of TLC and polishing was necessary. After the initial cleaning, oiling the chromed components prior to using a combination of crumpled up aluminum foil and metal polish, was sufficient to remove virtually all the rust even on the wheel rims Similarly, the paintwork responded to thorough cleaning plus Turtlewax car polish. In fact I used Turtlewax to finish up the bright parts as well to deter future rust. I removed all the ball bearing surfaces (apart from the 3-speed unit). They were all in need of attention. 30+ year old oil and grease does not make a pretty sight. All were thoroughly cleaned, new ball bearings fitted and packed with grease. Two of the cotters that retain the crank arms onto the pedal spindles were damaged during removal and replaced. This part of the process was the most troublesome. These cotters (particularly after 30+ years in situe) are notoriously difficult to shift –even with a special tool!

Cotter pin removal tool. Destroyed cotter pin left; new cotter right.

Due to sidewall cracking I replaced the original Kenda 26 x 1 3/8" tyres on the 1973 men’s model with new Kendas and tubes surprisingly available from the local Canadian Tire -plus new rim tape. The tyres on the 1979 model were in much better shape and remain for now. I suspect that they had been already replaced sometime.

Both bicycles were then carefully reassembled, brakes and chains adjusted to nominal, the three-speed shifters set up carefully and all that remained prior to a test ride was to replace the much too short seat post with a longer one already in my possession. This also required the temporary replacement of the original Brooks saddle on the brown men’s bike which was incompatible with the seat post. The latter has now been modified and the original Brooks saddle replaced.

I did a 10km "shake down" ride on the brown bicycle and was surprised initially at how heavy and sluggish it felt compared with modern chromoly and carbon-fibre frames, However I soon realised that the gearing was much too high and with it the years rolled back and I recalled slogging up some of the Chiltern Hills on my 8 mile commute to my work at Booker airfield. Now with over 50 years more life experience I did not accept the situation and very soon had replaced the original 17 tooth rear sprocket with one of 21 teeth. This was a great improvement and it did not take long to adapt to the extra weight and to pedal accordingly. Apart from the foregoing, everything was just fine. It is easy to ride and very comfortable thanks to the springy Brooks saddle and. In fact it was like riding a new bike.

Finished 1973 men's Raleigh Sport with temporary saddle.

Left crank secured by its cotter pin!

Right crank, chain wheel and chain guard.

Rear shot showing the shiny wheel rims.

3-speed Sturmey-Archer hub.

The 1979 ladies model has lower gearing as standard which solves that problem. Because the frame is smaller, my rides have been of short duration but again everything feels fine. In fact the brakes are slightly better than the men’s bike. My daughter who is also a cyclist, carried out a short ride and gave it her seal of approval.

1979 ladies Raleigh Sport

Right side showing transmission

Simple steel rear brake; heavy but effective.

Paint and chrome are slightly better than on the brown bike.

The restoration work has been particularly rewarding in that the results of both bikes have exceeded expectations. Both had had limited use and are now in virtually as-new condition.
The cost of the brown men’s bike -including new tyres, tubes, ball bearings, a new 21 tooth sprocket a new brake cable and a new cotter pin was $70, whilst the blue ladies model -including one new cotter pin and ball bearings was $10.

In conclusion, my comparative assessment of the two bikes against those of contemporary design is that whilst they are not the best choice for rides of several hours or in very hilly terrain, for local round town riding or for transportation to and from work involving distances up to 10km or so each way, they are still difficult to beat. Moreover, being equipped with mudguards and chain guard gives extra protection for inclement weather and trouser legs from oily chains. There is no need to dress up. Just get on and go! These factors, plus their extreme sturdiness and reliability make them a very desirable possession. I never cease to be amazed at what some people throw away.
P.S.
There is now a video of the project:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FogQEptThG8