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AGE / VALUE: The drive to go get it
posted by: Chris
on 11/9/2009 at 7:15:21 PM
| In the thread a few spaces down How did you get started riding English roadsters Greg mentions the long drive he went on in a car with no hear to get an raleigh d.l.1. single speed bike and it made me recall the long car trips, the adventures and anticipation and "looking forward to it, when i get there" journy's. You know something? This Raleigh 28 inch rod brake d.l.1. bike with the Brooks leather saddle single speed or whatever, this is a special bike! That folks will drive to go get it, to be sure it does not get damaged and that you want the experience of not waiting or risking damage in transit but it's so magical and wonderful and just plain special that people drive and drive long distances to see it, to feel it, to look it over, in person and then drive that same distance back with it. I understand totally as I have done just this myself and many times with many versions of this bike and not just the rod brake roadsters either. time does not permit me to try to explain or expound and while it is difficult to put into words most everybody here who has any experience or well....... with these bikes you all understand. We have gone off on the magical journey to retrieve, to collect something special and to bring it to ourselves to experience, respect, ride, enjoy, restore, appreciate. It's not just a bicycle it is something more. by: 69.153.86.42 |
| A bike collector friend of mine would say "Yeah! I want to be sure it does not have a bent fork!" and he'd leave it at that. But I know better because he drives to go on the journey himself and it is about more than being sure to avoid bent forks. by: 69.153.86.42 |
| I know a chap who drives for hundred of miles up north to little Malayan mining towns and plantations, looking for new old stock roadsters in old shops sold by grumpy old men. I understand these are often futile forays, but he does score on occasion... The English Raleighs, Robin Hoods, Elswick Hoppers and such are still in use daily in these towns (some of who haven't changed much since British troops chased Communist Terrorists through the jungle). Rusty, crusty and dented, the old stalwarts creak along nonetheless. Other less known brands that can be found in this part of the world include Rally (The Heron on the headbadge is replaced by a Cockeral!), Seven Up, Rolex, The Kris, etc. All copies of Raleighs, some better made than others. The thrill of finding an old bike still wrapped up in brown paper is intoxicating. I would drive for a whole day to experience it again... by: 164.78.248.57 |
| Was once at my mother inlaws house on a family visit, I offered to pop down the shop to get a loaf. I popped down the shop alright....65 miles away, and came back with a BSA hidden in the boot, I hadn't planned it....honest Guvnor ! I've had one or two lovely bikes donated to me, but one that sticks in my mind is the Raleigh Roadster I got for 99p (that's £0.99), I suspected that no one would go for it because it was advertised high up in the mist laden moors where dogs howl and normal humans throw in the towel. I may have mentioned this before, but the one I like best is when someone says to me "I've got another old pile of junk round the back if you wouldn't mind taking it away"..... Steve by: 93.96.36.127 |
| Wow! Thanks guys. See, told ya! by: 69.153.86.42 |
| I once bought a pair of Hercules 26" bikes from an old guy at a rummage sale -- one man's, one woman's, and they were absolutely mint. They came with the cardboard display board that was with them in the bike shop or department store when they were new. Anyway, I posted them for sale and a guy actually drove his truck from Atlanta, Ga. to my house in Lafayette, Indiana to pick them up. I was amazed. He didn't want to risk damage in shipment, which was A-OK with me. by: 98.226.154.146 |
| the bike pulls to one side or the other and other bad things if the bike has a bent fork by: 71.40.121.165 |
WANTED: Fork and Bars
posted by: Ben
on 11/9/2009 at 6:59:48 AM
| Looking for Phillips rod-brake bars and a fork for early 60's Humber ladies model (black, not bifurcated, long steerer). Any responses and suggestions welcome. NOTE: Someone here (a chef I believe, from somewhere in western Canada) sent me a rear raleigh brake and lever for me to convert my small girls 3 speed from coaster rear to handbrake. Communications were lost due to divorce soon after, and I never thanked him properly. Please recontact, I have some nice Costa Rican coffee for you! by: 99.141.161.124 |
| Sorry, the earlier post was a little unclear: the handlebar is for a 1955 Phillips roadster and the fork is for the ladies Humber. Also looking for source for 28" rims for Phillips, stainless available? I think the drillings are 36/40. by: 99.141.161.124 |
AGE / VALUE: Rudge Badge on F.-ebay
posted by: sam
on 11/8/2009 at 8:58:54 PM
| Check out this Rudge badge even if only to look http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220506101406&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT PS that's French Ebay---not the F-word ebay!---sam by: 69.149.106.146 |
ENGLISH ROADSTERS: ENGLISHTOWN with Shimano 3.3.3 HUB
posted by: George
on 11/8/2009 at 8:50:22 PM
| Hello All, I've recently picked up an Englishtown (on the headtube badge) 3 speed with Shiman 3.3.3 hub. Anyone ever heard of this brand? by: 216.170.206.150 |
| Pictures please. by: 24.124.82.101 |
| ENGLANDTOWN BRAND -- I have some shots at http://www.flickr.com/photos/baxkerbike/sets/72157622772488530/ I sthis a Early 60's Japanese knockoff? Note the Raleigh type fork crown. Has a thompson style bottom bracket, serial number under the BB , Shimano 3.3.3 hub. Grips are labeled 3.3.3 3 speed hub pat. pend.
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| Yes George I think you've got it right. Early 60's Japanese knockoff Sounds about right from what i can see of the pictures. Matthew - living in Englishvillage by: 82.20.16.105 |
ENGLISH ROADSTERS: looking for info on 1930s-50s Phillips serial numbers
posted by: Corey K
on 11/6/2009 at 8:57:35 PM
| Hi all, I have a chance to pick up a bike I think might be a pre-war Phillips double-bar Roadster, but I am unsure how to date it, other than the obvious Sturmey-Archer date code. Does anyone have any info that could help me pin down the year via serial numbers? It has mostly blacked out metal work, but some of the parts are visibly shiny, including the phillips-marked chainring. It has no white section on the rear fender, and a hockey-stick guard. I have only seen pics of it-not yet had a chance to examine it in person. Can anyone provide any pointers for me? Thanks, Corey K by: 76.102.6.124 |
| Hi, Phillips (TI) India still make these rather majestic machines, so you may have a far more modern bicycle than you think. Matthew - its in the details everytime by: 86.26.62.76 |
| Hi Matthew, Yes, I know about the TI-India bikes, though they only list BSA and Hercules as brands they still make on their current website. Thanks for the suggestion. For the asking price, it wouldn't be a bad deal even if it were an Indian bike. This bike, from the pictures at least, looks like a double top-tube variant on a C. 1939 Roadmaster model, but with a more modern Sturmey shifter. It has the older Phillips script pedals and the bright metal on the rod brake stirrups has been blacked out, and the rear fender is all black, as I have mentioned. I am looking at it today, anyway. Wish me luck! by: 76.102.6.124 |
| I found one picture of a new Phillips after some searching. Matthew - using my magnifying glass.
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| We grabbed it. It's been rattle-canned all over, but has very good bones. Serial is N623879, and it's Phillips marked all over. Hub is a 1957 Sturmey SW with a 50s era plastic-faced Sturmey three speed shifter. Lots of work to do. Corey by: 76.102.6.124 |
| Here is a pic. It's practically complete except for saddle, pump and rear reflector. One cotter has been replaced with a mismatch. Otherwise good and straight. Corey
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| Nice find, looks like the real deal. Enjoy what you have. Matthew - nearly mended, less rattle can now. by: 82.13.16.253 |
| Very nice find Corey, it has the "Dunelt" fork crown (but without the chrome inserts) that apparently has found it's way onto your bike as well I believe your fork is original to your bike the tooling for the Dunelt fork found it's way to where your bike was made. Nice find! by: 69.153.86.42 |
| Phillips and BSA are both also made and sold in China. I guess the global rights to the name didn't all go to TI in India but are probably split up around the world into diffeent regions. Similar to the use of the Norton name or Budweiser (Budvar) and Budweiser (A-B) by: 64.237.45.68 |
| Hm. I did not know that there were any Chinese makers using Phillips/BSA as a brand. Interesting. It makes me wonder what it would be like if the better Chinese Mfgs took up the roadster torch. This bike is definitely UK-made, though. The patina and the high quality chrome are the giveaways.
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| Corey- There are plenty of Roadsters in China already. Many with patina. Ditto for India. Difficult to tell if your bike is from India or not, but usually on the headbadge it would probably say "Made in India" They are quite proud of that. If you go to my blog and hit the" Bicyclopedia Indica" in the left hand column there are pics of about 20 Indian roadster brands. No Phillips though because all of my pics were taken first hand, and I didn't run into one of those. http://www.flyingpigeonproject.org by: 64.237.34.130 |
| Hi JS- firstly, I want to tell you how cool I think your blog is. I really enjoy going through it and I get lost , so have to take in just a couple of entries per reading session! This particular bike seems to be a real-deal 1957 or 58 Phillips. Rims, Sturmey-Archer SW hub(9 57 date), cranks, pedals, fork, and handlebars all point to it, as well as the original John Bull brake pads and tires. The owner's other roadster is a 1960s Phoenix she picked up in Los Angeles in the early 80s; she loves it, but it sadly needs new rims and most chrome work due to the damp climate here. The chrome is not only flaking, but also sharp-edged. She'll probably spring for new Flying Pigeon wheels and handlebars, since they're built to virtually the same specs. I know of no US dealers for the Phoenix brand bikes. My comment about roadsters was simply that the Chinese and Taiwanese manufacturers can build with the best, and it would be fun to see them make a product that can challenge the Dutch and German city bike makers, now that those bikes are becoming popular here in the US. I have some questions about obtaining Phoenix decals for you, but I'll contact you through your blog. Best to all of you, Corey by: 76.102.6.124 |
| Corey- I'd have to agree. If your bike has all the British details like John bull parts, than it probably is a Made in England Phillips. A really nice find. Thanks for the kind words on the blog. Let me know what your interests are... And good luck on the bike!! :-D by: 64.237.45.68 |
AGE / VALUE: Death of Johnny Helms, creator of Baz and Honk
posted by: Christopher
on 11/5/2009 at 4:26:47 PM
| From Cycling magzine (I.P.C. media) Cycling magazine's house cartoonist, Johnny Helms passed away today after a short hospital stay he was 85. Jonnny drew the characters Honk and Baz for Cycling and mopeds and the later and most current versions of the magazine. He contributed articles and drew ads for cycle companies. A long standing contributor since 1946. With the exception of Johnny there is nothing and nobody left from the old days, the magazine having changed hands and moved several times. His work is well known and well loved, actually, he's famous for his comics depicting dogs and other things a cyclist endures and has to deal with. The trials and adventures a cyclist encounters. I am sobbing and don't know what else to say. The official notice is on the CYCLING MAGAZINE web site. humberchristopher29@hotmail.com by: 69.153.86.42 |
| http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest/429519/johnny-helms-dies-aged-85.html Is the link. It doesn't tell you any more than Chris has told you. Matthew - time is passing even the fastest of us. by: 86.27.131.130 |
| Gentle, clean, marvelous good humor as if from another time. A terrible loss by: 71.40.121.165 |
MISC: Very off topic - off colour
posted by: Matthew
on 11/3/2009 at 4:00:30 AM
| Hi Folks, Swine flu advice. It is horrid, you don't want it. Snotty nose - Yes Sore throat - Yes Aching muscles - Yes Diarrhoea - Yes Tiredness - Yes Lack of appetite - Yes Cough / breathlessness - Yes Headache - Yes Your head will feel like it will explode, you will become and olympic sleeper and your temperature will be 38+ You will have no control of your temperature which will rocket from freezing to boiling and back in a matter of minutes. Bed linen and underwear will need changing just from your new found ability to sweat like a melting glacier. Matthew - not giving in to the grim reaper just yet. by: 82.12.245.21 |
| Sorry to hear this Matthew, I always thought it happened to someone else, certainly not to someone that you know. I've got an official NHS Swine Flu leaflet here due to the fact that I thought I might have the dreaded nonsense recently (I didn't), no doubt you've got all the appropriate info. Get well soon (which you will), and then I want you to be 100% honest with me and admit to spelling the word "diarrhoea" above, without having to look at the dictionary ! Steve by: 93.96.36.127 |
| I did not use a dictionary to spell that word 'Diarrhoea'. No need to when you can cut and paste.... Ooh that didn't sound too good in that context. Matthew - sick and tired too. by: 82.12.245.21 |
| Sorry to hear of your affliction. One of my coworkers got swine flu, sure hope I don't get it as we work in close proximity to one another. His case was mild, I guess, he was out for three days or so. Lost five pounds though. by: 198.252.12.196 |
| Brother Mathew, Rest and get well soon. Chris by: 69.153.86.42 |
| >No need to when you can cut and paste.... Ooh that didn't sound too good in that context OMG... farking hysterical... glad to see your humour is still intact. Meanwhile, the King's English spelling... would have most certainly eluded me. 'Tis funny though... all our corporate "Software Packages" originate from Winnersh.... so our spell checkers all have to be... "calibrated" for use by us language murdering Americans. ;-) Recover quickly, sir! Cheers! Larry "Boneman" Bone - Once afflicted... does the spelling REALLY matter???? by: 4.154.221.4 |
| I forgot to add ADVICE: 1.Take pain relief But sparingly or you won't have any left for when you feel like you may die. 2.Drink plenty of clear fluids - I don't do water so have become a squash (cordial)(?soda?) adict. 3. Keep hydrated, 2 litres a day or you will feel really really ill. 4. Tissues are a must, snot in them, bin them and keep the germs where they belong. You will need several boxes, each. 5. Rest, rest, rest and don't rush back to work. Have you seen the paperwork they have to do if you die at work?!! Matthew - on the mend by: 82.14.84.249 |
| That's more like it, now hurry up and get better (I haven't got all day you know), I want to tell you how I got the nearside bearingless drive wheel off....my trike ! I've tried telling my wife, but she won't listen to me anymore. Steve by: 93.96.36.127 |
| Watch out for the chest infection that follows. Matthew - cough, cough, bark, bark, spit, yuk! by: 86.0.112.63 |
| Fight it! get better! by: 71.40.121.165 |
ENGLISH ROADSTERS: How did you get started riding english roadsters?
posted by: Erik
on 11/1/2009 at 6:00:29 PM
| For me it was the quest for a bike that was designed to be ridden daily. (ie, has fenders, chain guard, reliable drive train, simple braking system.) What matched my search was the roadster. As an added bonus the bikes look classy, classy enough that I would look like a tool if I wore lycra while riding it. Please share your stories about your journey to the English roadster. by: 24.225.110.134 |
| I was 12 years old and my mom bought a 28 inch wheel rod brake ladied raleigh tourist d.l.1 like she had in England it was in the garage and it was really cool. I bought a mans version myself and took to collecting and hanging out at shops and searching out shops in 5 states and half of Canada. Calling, writing, buying out shops inventory.Swap meets, garage sales estate sales I went full force looking for bikes all kinds but the English bikes were and still are, the most special. This was at a time when it was going out of style 3 speeds when it was 10 and 15 and more speeds I rode the wave and caught up the old obsolete bikes tools and everything else then mountain bikes swept the English bikes out even more and I found those too. Trashpicking regularily for bikes the extra skip of the heartbeat, the wider grin on the face when I found a Raleigh and especially anything rod brake. Cards printed up, leads chased, calling, writing, usually all long distance, road trips to visit collectors all over. Such a marvelous time too. My hometown was the "Paris of the Midwest" and it was rich very rich! Please don't get discuraged it is still out there waiting to be found like pirate treasure lying on the sea floor. I want to hear your adventures. What you found or are finding e- mail me at humberchristopher29@hotmail.com by: 71.40.121.165 |
| One day in the early 1970s, I spotted a nice elderly man cycling a black sports model, likely a Raleigh (I was too young to really notice the brand, but my mind vaguely recalls a Herons head). He stopped in front of me to unload some goods from his rear parcel shelf. The white painted end of his rear mudguards and the full chain covers particularly facinated me. Noticing my interest, he shook my hand and offered me a ride on his bike as a pillion rider. As I was rather shy, I politely thanked him and declined his offer. "Thats alright, perhaps you'll own one someday." Patting me on the head, he cycled off. Since that day, Ive associated such bicycles with gentility and refinement. Such bicycles are evocative of an age gone by, a kinder, gentler era, when people worked to live and did not live to work. When folks stopped to greet each other and cared not just for themselves and their families, but also for others. Like many cities, Singapore society today is sorely lacking in these ways. Given his advanced age then, I don't think he would be alive today, but I hope that nice man lived a happy life to a ripe old age. Bless his soul. by: 164.78.248.57 |
| Ah, I've told this here before but of course it certainly warrants re-iteration here. In 1970 a good friend was given a Dunelt Sports for his birthday. It was red, three speed and very pretty. He was quite disappointed because he had his heart set on a "Spider" bike like my Columbia Playbike. From the very first ride he let me take on it... (we would "swap" bikes quite often) I was utterly enamoured with that machine. To the point where I moved enough lawns for TWO SUMMERS... to enable me to put together the $100 to procure my very own Raleigh Sprite 27 10-speed. And that... as they so oft say... is "History"! Later! Larry "Boneman" Bone - A roadster rolled over my heart once.... I've never been the same since. ;-) by: 4.154.217.7 |
| Ah yes, Ken, you bring up a good point about a by gone era. When on a roadster one does seem to be more of a gentleman. Perhaps it is the relaxed riding position. Maybe the fact that one really can't go too fast on a roadster affects ones perception of time, thereby making it easier to spare time to be kind to others. Hmmmm, I will have to think on this line of thought. by: 66.45.134.242 |
| The bottom line with me is probably the era it represents, it reminds me of a time when one had to get up off the chair and walk at least ten whole feet to turn the dial on the "tele" in order to watch the one and only other channel (that's if you were posh enough to own a tele), my Grandad was so proud to be the second person in a village to have an aerial on the house roof....I guess he must have been a posh coal miner ! The "wireless", the mangle, the range, chimneys, railways, factories, mines, steam, shops closed on Sundays, fields, buttons A & B in telephone boxes with doors that only Hercules could open, rain, pubs, Vimto, crossing gates, kissing gates, Bill Gates....oops sorry, transport cafes, getting dressed in bed in the morning because it was so damn cold, ice on the inside of the windows....it was great, well most of it was ! Yes, the Roadster to me is all of the above, it's also an elegant bike to ride. I better stop now before I disappear off into the past. Steve by: 93.96.36.127 |
| After a childhood spent on, in, around and meddling with bicycles, it was one small green bicycle which did it for me. I was at a local auction when I saw the Ladies Norwich rival in front of me. Painted garden gate green but basically whole it was looking in need of a new home. I told my wife, 'I'll have it if it goes for a fiver'. £5 later it was mine and I was hooked at about that time I discovered Oldroads.Com and have been posting ever since. I have told this tale before but as new folk request an update they get one. I think I have been posting here for about 9 years. Chris goes back further than that as do some other folks. I feel at home here, like I do in my shed. by: 82.12.245.21 |
| Whoops! for the first time in a very long time I didn't sign off properly. I have swine flu and everything is a major effort. Matthew - I opened the door and in flew Enza. by: 82.12.245.21 |
| Sorry to hear you're thusly afflicted Matthew. Though glad to see you're posting up. So is it all it's been made out to be? Or should we really be PANICING the way our news media over here thinks we should be? Feel better! Larry "Boneman" Bone - Give the grippe the slip! by: 4.154.218.45 |
| Steve, I am just old enough to remember when you had to get up to change channels on the tele. We had 4 T.V. stations and never felt we needed 100+ stations. I feel as you do that old roadsters are kind of like a time machine that only works in reverse. Oh how I would like to go on the Lake Pepin ride. by: 198.252.12.196 |
| Please forgive my ignorance Erik, but what is the Lake Pepin ride. Is it a mass Roadster ride through some beautiful scenery, if it is, I would probably gatecrash it with a wonderful period delivery bike (cycle truck)....my wife would gladly tag along on a Hercules Roadster. by: 93.96.36.127 |
| I was smitten with the bug in fifth grade; sometime in the early sixties. A neighor kid had one and I thought it was so fabulous. I asked for one for Christmas and my birthday for years and was told "no, make do with the Schwinn" which was a balloon tire cruiser. Eventually I got a no-name 10-speed when that was popular but gave it up when the rest of the guys and gals were getting their driver's license and driving their folks' car(s). It wasn't until 2003/4 that I bought a Raleigh Sports from this site and satisfied my desire for a real roadster and not one of the knock-offs. I love riding it and plan to do some cleaning and upgrading this winter season. The DL-1 with new Schwalbe tires rides like a dream. The Raleigh Trent Sports with new tires and wheels is a great road/toruing bike in the English tradition. And the R20 is that fun zippy bike for getting around the neighbood just because it is. Thom. by: 63.204.42.231 |
| Here you go Steve, http://www.3speedtour.com/ Check it out, this is my kind of ride. Oh and no need to gatecrash, just pay the entry fee. No lycra warranted, just a laid back English 3 speed only tour. I have never been but, think this would be a great time. I will partake in this event one day, I just don't know when that will be. by: 198.252.12.203 |
| Thanks Erik. Lake Pepin. 85 miles over two days on a bike with three gears (or four as long as its got a hub) with like minded people looks great fun to me. Loved the 1955 film to Rugby, for your knowledge, I've always been led to believe that Rugby is more or less the centrepoint of England. Steve by: 93.96.36.127 |
| I suppose the more correct answer is we all saw and were intriegued with it and then when you actually get on and ride it. the graceful ness, the smoothness the way it turns and handles at varoius speeds. the fact that it rolls on forever and holds up well and that cargo can be loaded onto it the romance and attractfulness of it but most importantly, the ride it gives. by: 69.153.86.42 |
| I was 10 years old and my neighbor got one for christmas, the first I ever saw. I saved every penny I could get my hands on, and one year and $48.00 later I was the owner of a green Raleigh Sports. I still remember the absolute thrill of riding that bicycle, even 50 years later. Soon every one in my family had one, a fleet of six in the garage. My fathers was a dl-1. Over the years they all evaporated, one by one. I moved away and mine was tragically sent to the landfill. Recently I acquired my fathers dl-1(the only one left because he wouldn't let the kids near it). I found it in the attic of the garage, intact but covered by debris and wasp nests. I have now restored it, and others, and I get that same old thrill every time I ride, which is often. I like reading as well as riding, and I check in here often. by: 64.222.237.67 |
| Got one to add to your list Chris. That is, nothing else looks as good with a brooks saddle and saddle bag as a roadster IMHO. by: 24.124.97.149 |
| Lake Pepin. 85 miles - is that before lunch? I mean with gears? Steve and I do long haul single speed and not on featherweight fixies (penny in the swear box). It does sound idyllic and a really relaxing jaunt, one to dream of. Matthew - Holyhead to Lowestoft next year? Look them up. by: 82.14.84.249 |
| Two yesrs ago someone left a very neglected SuperCourse at the landfill swapshop. The bottom bracket was completely frozen., bent fork & a size too small. Attemped to salvage it & beig too rough to restore thought I'd try my first fixie from it. There was a woman's Sports on craigslist & I figured I'd cannibalize it for the BB bits. Couldn't do it, was just too funky. Still in the basement waiting for me to give it more attention. Just about a year ago there was a single speed DL-1 on craigslist. After a bit of e-mail tag I bought it just before Xmas. I spent about 3+ hours driving that day to get it. Temp was about 25F (-4C) in a car with no heat. Certainly worth it. The ride is just so different from a derailer bike, stately, relaxed, otherworldly. By coincidence I did a ride in '06 from a bit north of Minniapolis to LaCrosse, WI & back. Was on my '81 Lotus with a couple of guys with carbon bikes which covered a good bit of what I would later learn would be the Lake Pipen course. My favorite meal of the trip was at a waterfront establisment in Pipen. Was a great place for a ride. Even leaning over drop bars. by: 72.37.171.44 |
| First roadsters I came in contact with were not "English". They were Indian and Chinese brake-rod roadsters, and the place was East Africa. They were being used as a real transport. Not as a pastime. And that is what got me curious, so it was a natral to look into them once I made the move to China. A post is scheduled for my blog in a few weeks on this topic. -JS http://www.flyingpigeonproject.org by: 193.23.43.5 |
AGE / VALUE: Scanned British bike catalogs
posted by: Jeff Bikeguy
on 10/30/2009 at 5:35:04 AM
| While poking around a couple bike blogs, I discovered that the National Cycle Library has some great scans of old catalogs on their site. http://www.cyclemuseum.org.uk/ncl/ncl.php by: 75.147.73.37 |
| thanks for the heads-up on that site. really like the badges--- http://www.cyclemuseum.org.uk/ncl/pics/Head%20badges%20and%20transfers%20(NCM).pdf by: 69.149.106.146 |
| For those of us who harbour a penchant for delivery bicycles (cycle trucks), try; http://tradesmansbike.wordpress.com/ Matthew - keep on (cycle) trucking by: 81.107.214.121 |
ENGLISH ROADSTERS: Raleigh D-1 rod lever drum brakes
posted by: Christian Westberg
on 10/28/2009 at 11:26:47 PM
| I just want to share a picture with you of my wife's queen of the Raleighs, a DL-1 with rod lever and drum brakes from '67 that I came across at a bicycle auction here in Copenhagen. The beauty is in almost mint condition.
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ENGLISH ROADSTERS: Phillips Roadsters
posted by: Tim
on 10/28/2009 at 6:45:33 PM
| Good evening, I was comparing two Phillips 22" rod brake roadster frames I've found. One has more upright/steeper seat-tube and head-tube angles and a different fork crown, the Sturmey AW hub it came with has no date code. I was wondering if there was a rough year they changed the angles? by: 75.93.4.109 |
| Sounds like a possible mid 30's type of thing to me ! Steve by: 93.96.36.127 |
| Keith Body will have the answer to this old chestnut as he has done so before. Matthew - by degrees by: 82.14.75.150 |
| Hi Tim, Steve and Matthew. Can't remember what reasons I gave previously. In the late 1930's most UK makers changed roadster production to 26 inch wheels and angles in the 69/70 degree area, and most production changed to fully brazed frames with forward facing rear fork ends, for the UK market, and by the early 1950's the 28 inch wheel bikes were rarely sold. The 1920 designs (67 degree-ish) were produced by TI Raleigh in possibly hundreds of different names for export until the UK factories closed. Also manufactured and/or assembled in various countries. By 1960 Phillips were better known in the UK as standard parts manufacturers, selling to the wholesale trade for distribution to retailers. TI/Raleigh needed to make a million bikes a year to keep going. My memory could be a little corrupt here. by: 92.9.140.92 |
ENGLISH ROADSTERS: Dumb Dyno Hub questions
posted by: Jeff Bikeguy
on 10/28/2009 at 8:12:57 AM
| I recently picked up a shiny new 1965 dated front DynoHub for my 65' DL-1. It is missing the axle nuts. Are these a standard size or some oddball Whitworth thread? Also, my spoke calculator gives me a spoke length of 300 mm for the large flange and 310 mm for the small flange. (3 cross) How close am I with these assuming I'm using the original 28" Dunlop rim? by: 75.147.73.37 |
| Hi Jeff, The threads will be British Standard Cycle Thread. I am not sure what size but what ever you do don't try Whitworth, metric, Unified fine or British Standard Fine threaded nuts because none of them will be of any use. Matthew - picking up the thread. by: 82.3.237.249 |
| With some looking about you can find the Sturmey- Archer axle nuts for the dynohub this is the G.H.6. Sturmey- Archer dyno hub by: 69.153.86.42 |
| The Raleigh spoke chart gives 12 1/10" and 11 11/16" for the 28" westwood rim and a X3 pattern. I make that out to be about 307mm and 297mm. I think we need a third opinion...anyone? by: 24.215.86.83 |
| we have a spoke chart here at oldroads that covers this under: raleigh rudge humber exploded diagrams see the spoke chart section this information is found in the Sutherlands bike book at the bike shops well, the older copies anyways still need other opinions so, anybody else care to comment? by: 69.153.86.42 |
| Be sure you're considering the right NUMBER of spokes! I just checked a couple of old dynohubs and nuts from a Shimano 3-speed hub fit fine; 10mmx1 I think. by: 216.15.114.27 |
| Shimano nuts will fit an older Sturmey- Archer G.H.6.? I never tried anything other than originals myself by: 69.153.86.42 |
| I have a 2002 Sutherland's book at home and never thought to check it. I spent a lot of money on that thing too... It is a 32 hole rim and GH6 hub. I found two nuts from a BMX axle that seem to fit fine. I don't want to try to torque them down without checking with the experts first. Thanks for all the replies! by: 75.147.73.37 |
| OK, I dug the Sutherlands out of the vault and it lists a Dyno Hub axle as 3/8 x 26 TPI so the BMX nuts should work. by: 71.173.166.48 |
| Still would stick to original nuts but do let uus know how it turns out by: 69.153.86.42 |
| The wheel is all built up and looks great. The BMX nuts worked fine. by: 75.147.73.37 |
| I am looking for a Dyno Hub for project here in Thailand. Will trade whatever you want from here (within reason) as they are Impossible to find. and My Wife is eating up tires with bottle Dyno's on our poor quality roads. I have a 20V 10W two connection Sanyo Bottle Dyno that work fantastic on test table will trade... Also a note: to stop flickering in High and low beam install capacitor accross power to ground in lamp. We have found Panasonic 6V and 12V screw in bulbs for flashlight that work great in our Miller Lights. and by tieing both to be lite in high beam you get a 25' wide by 500' projection. Also with Capacitor it has been 3 years since we fried a bulb. Have source for bulbs here also if interested. davidstipek@msn.com by: 124.121.34.7 |
ENGLISH ROADSTERS: Raleigh Relic: Shipping Card
posted by: Kenneth
on 10/28/2009 at 5:25:15 AM
| Reference information for the experts here. I salvaged this old card from a trash can in an old bike shop (took it home with the blessing of the nice bike shop owner. This came with a wooden case of 25 framesets from England, from the Raleigh company. Bicycle frames were badged "Rays, Nottingham England". Double top tube to be built into rod brake roadsters. Circa 1971. An interesting relic, the card is frayed and suffered water damage at some point. The only remaining discernable information follow: Frame Case: DOT.5934 Contents: 23/6/71. SMB. Order/Week: RAY. 4382/E Wk.41 Case Qty.: 25 MODEL Item: M/O Qty: NOS Item: REQ'D Pack With: SMB Item: Req'd RAY 22" Gents 28" Wheel Roadsters, FRAME CASE ONLY. 3P410 The frames came with (25 of each) frames (part number 6617607), forks (part no. 6762401), seat ((?) stays (part No. 6800002), transfer lists (part no. 530765), crown cover (part no. 2661367), BB fittings (part no. 140004), BB Axle (1010008), Head fittings (100009).
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| Way cool! Neat! by: 69.153.86.42 |
| I have a 1958 RAY lady's cycle, 26" wheels. They were made by Raleigh but the company was the old Raven Cycle Company. The haedbadge is a lovely thing with a raven in flight. The bike's for sale, in case anybody wants it, priced at $65. It's not bad but fenders need blasting and paint. Geoff Rogers Shutesbury, Massachusetts by: 216.153.152.113 |
ENGLISH ROADSTERS: Anyone heard of a "Standard" from Birmingham
posted by: Mark Kaczmarczyk
on 10/26/2009 at 5:31:25 PM
| Just acquired a 1956 Standard model K - 3-speed roadster (step through frame). I cannot find any information about this manufacturer - has anyone heard of it?
|
| Here is a close up of the downtube decal.
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| Hercules cycle and motor co. of Birmingham perhaps, i am not sure enough for certain anyways i like the bike keep looking by: 69.153.86.42 |
| Mark May we have a look at the headbadge please? Does it look anything like this? http://cgi.ebay.com.sg/Vintage-Bicycle-Head-Badge-Standard-Super-De-Luxe_W0QQitemZ380107051350QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item5880255156#ht_2048wt_1167 by: 218.186.12.253 |
| Hi Kenju: no, its not like the one on ebay....I've posted a picture (sorry, its a bit worn and reflects light - tried about 6 different ways)....but the wording is: "The" on the top in black, "Standard" in the arched ribbon, "Cycle Co Ltd" under the ribbon, and "Birmingham" in the bottom ribbon, all in gold on a black background. And of course the big "K" in the middle! Hope this triggers some memories. Mark
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| Standard was a seperate bicycle maker in B-ham. I think there was a web site on the bicycle manufactures of B-ham---Part of the industries of that area----sam by: 69.149.106.146 |
| Fascinating. But Im afraid Ive no idea about this one. Sams probably right... by: 218.186.12.253 |
| I did some searching in the archives, and found some other references to Standard Cycle Co Ltd. Apparently around 1966 they shut their doors and were absorbed by another local manufacturer, and the model K was one of their main models. Thinking of pulling together a small web page and linking in any resources I find, just in case there are others in future looking for similar information. Will also post pictures as I clean the bike up - not planning any major restoration, but wanted to get some horrid overspray from a poor touchup job off the chainguard (coming up nicely now), and I will have to repaint the fenders as they are partly sanded and almost no original paint left (though I can barely discerne where the pinstripping went. Other than that it will be left with its 53 year old patina! by: 199.243.112.37 |
| Great to see the mystery solved. Birmingham was a huge repository of bicycle related companies by: 69.153.86.42 |
| Hi Mark, It looks a good quality little bike, better than many. There might have been a Standard Cycle Co. Ltd. at 40 Barn Street, Birmingham 5, in the mid 1930's. You might be able to access Kellys Directories Classified trade sections to confirm. I'm not sure about the 36 spoke wheels though. by: 92.23.144.122 |
| And the blue ribbon goes to Keith who solved the mystery! awesome by: 69.153.86.42 |
| My thanks to Keith as well! I had thought this thread might have already died but it hasn't....and another piece of the puzzle comes together. About the wheels - the rear is a 40 spoke with Dunlop rim (and Taiwanese tire) - SA hub dated 8/56. The front is clearly a replacement as it is a Canadian made hub, 36 spokes, and the tire is from Canadian Tire....will eventually look for a proper replacement. Other progress: brakes cleaned up nicely, cables have been cleaned, sized properly and adjusted, and I took her out for a short ride the other day - wow what a great ride and so different from the derailleur bikes I usually ride! Thanks all for the help. Mark
|
| This may or may not be useful, but I have a 1954 Phillips that is remarkably similar. I had browsed cursorily for bicycles with chain guards of this shape and yours, though it curves around the back, is the closest I've seen other than a 1955 Hercules "Aston Tourist". (The front wheel has 32 spokes.) I wonder if the companies had any relationship to each other or through TI / BCC?
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| I have two womens bicycle frames still in box! The boxes say Standard Cycle Co. Chicago, Il and all of the packing newspaper is 1940 and earlier. These frames have never been assembled. There are no headbadges...just a silohette of a round badge. No forks or chain guard. Just Frame and fenders. Nice hand painted frames...I don't have pics to post yet. Any thoughts? by: 209.242.149.227 |
ENGLISH ROADSTERS: Shifter not working
posted by: Melissa
on 10/24/2009 at 7:47:56 AM
| Okay, I hope I can explain this right. I changed my tires on my bike last weekend. I had to disconnect the shifter piece that comes out of the back tire (sorry, I don't know the proper terms) When I was done with everything, the shifter cable that connects to the shifter on the handlebar has fallen out. Can I fix this somehow? by: 68.106.19.243 |
| Explain more. Is the "indicator chain" still in the hub of the rear wheel (the little chain w/a screw on the end of it)? Is the threaded ferrule on the end of the cable that would screw onto the indicator chain still on the end of the cable? Is the handlebar end of the cable still in place in the trigger? If the cable has fallen out of the trigger, is the cable broken off or does it still have its end fitting? Try looking at some of the diagrams on this site to pick out the terms describing your situation. Or post some photos. by: 216.15.114.27 |
| I will work on a picture. The cable has fallen out of the trigger and it still has the end fitting. by: 68.106.19.243 |
| If the cable still has its end fitting (and it and the trigger are not broken)....it should slot back into position, it can be a bit fiddly if you've not done it before....you just say to it "you're just a piece of wire and I'm a human being, now get into position and stop messing me around....or else" ! Just seems a little strange that disconnecting the adjuster chain at the rear should affect anything at the other end of the cable ! There are one or two different Sturmey Archer trigger models, but the basic function is the same....yes, a nice BIG clear photo of the trigger (and cable end fitting) is required. Steve by: 93.96.36.127 |
| I am still working on a pic. Have been so busy! When you say that the end fitting should slot back into position, what position is that? Is the end fitting visible when it is on place? by: 68.106.19.243 |
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