Ft:Now this is retro - prewar Raleigh, now with pictures!

[barry2017]

Last week I became the owner of two very, very elderly Raleigh roadsters. Total impulse thing, but they were nice, quite near to my dad and available when I phoned.
The older one was built sometime between 1930-33, but it's much too big for me to ride. It's 26" c-t, with 28" wheels. Totally original and complete, apart from the front tyre (yes, the back tyre is apparently prewar :shock: ) and missing chaincase, but amazingly everything still works!
I was going to do them both up, but when I got home and calmed down I realised the older one is something I'll never, ever be able to use, unless 4" platform heels ever become fashionable again.
So I'm looking for a project bike on a swap basis, with an 18"-20" frame. It certainly doesn't have to be as old, but I do want something interesting.
So, what have you got?
Chris

 

[barry2017]

 

[Surfr]

I picked up 2 of these from freecycle in December. Same as you, one fits, the other is far too big. I'd be interested to hear your restoration story if you don't mind putting it up here.

 

[barry2017]

Certainly will.
Have you dated yours? The frame number should be on the seat tube.
Surprisingly, most of the Superbes aren't very old. They only stopped making this design in 1975!

 

[Surfr]

Yeh my Dad had a new Superbe in 1980s which he bought for it's retro value!

I've not checked mine yet. All I know is that one is a Raleigh with the same chainset as yours, and the other is a Hercules. Both are black single speed roadster types. The Raleigh fits and the Herc is too big. They are pretty rotten but I think they are restorable maybe with a few new parts.

 

[barry2017]

http://www.cyclesofyesteryear.com have a lot of spares for them.
The Hercules is comparatively rare and everso slightly upmarket from a Raleigh, but a restoration might run to silly money. Still, that's not why we do it, is it?