73 Raleigh Sports

[almaguer4]

Found this beauty today in a garage hanging from the rafters collecting dust. I actually purchase both, his and hers. Couldn't help myself. It belong to an older lady who had not ridden the bikes since her husband past away. They have been stored away for years. I assured her, I would give the bikes a good home with much attention and care. She smiled and said thank you.

Here's a few pics in my bike. Didn't take pics of my wife's bike yet. The only thing I've done so far was remove the cobwebs and cleaned the frame.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[LukeTheJoker]

Nice!

Luke.

 

[oldgreaser]

very nice,

 

[Pookie42]

Looks like you can pack a big lunch in that bag...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[rickpaulos]

front wheel was replaced.
seat needs a good leather treatment. looks like it wasn't riden enough to mold it to the wrong shape.
you can check the date on the rear hub. yr mo. about 1975.

 

[almaguer4]

front wheel was replaced.
seat needs a good leather treatment. looks like it wasn't riden enough to mold it to the wrong shape.
you can check the date on the rear hub. yr mo. about 1975.

The Brooks saddle is in good condition. I did apply the Brooks conditioner, which I can't remember the name, and it's looking better. The bike was built in 1973.

 

[rickpaulos]

I was mis-remembering the year the self adjusting brakes were introduced. Yes, that was 1973.
And 1973 was before the CPSC started the reflector requirement, hence the aftermarket refectors.
The large flange aluminum alloy hub was added by 1980 along with Weinman aluminum alloy brakes & levers.

I've owned about a dozen Raleigh 3 speed bikes. Sports, LTD, DL1, RSW. Plus these English 3 speeds: Robin Hood, Hercules, Phillips, Armstrong, Stelber, Apollo, Western Flyer(s), Huffy. And another odd dozen of USA or Asian built 3 speeds with SA or Shimano hubs (Grants, Huffys, Bridgestone and a ton of Schwinns (Racers, Travelers, Speedsters, Breezes). Oh and an Austrian built JC Higgins.

One time I built up a Teledyne Titan with all steel 3 speed parts just to annoy other Titan owners. 3 speed coaster (TCW) rear hub, Dyno front hub that I wired in to a WonderLite, steel bars, steel stem, cottered crank, steel pedals, steel seat post, leather over straw and 2 sets of springs seats. But with tubular rims & tires. It was a pretty wicked ride. The racing rims & tires meant instant steering and acceleration.

Rick