Raleigh Lenton accidental Ebay find

[Mark Manley]

I was searching ebay for a chainguard for a Raleigh Sports I am putting together but up came a listing for a complete bike which despite the patina looked like something else and a closer look showed it to be a Raleigh Lenton Sports which still had many of its Lenton only parts including a 4 speed alloy shell SA hub, fluted cranks, front wing nuts and a Wright's leather saddle. Despite the very reasonable price I thought I was safe as there was no postage offered and I don't have a car to collect but I then noticed that it was only one stop away on the railway line and two hours later I was heading back on the train with it.
The hub and frame are from 1951 so seem to be original and assuming that the chainguard and flat bars are correct it is actually a Lenton Tourist, I am not sure if I will give it a light renovation or full restoration but they do look good with shiny new paint.

 

[The History Man]

Very nice. I have a 57.

 

[Old Ned]

I rather like that! Even though my main interest is with 'classic racers' a good clean example of a flat-bar bike is nice to see. I wonder if it shares the same/similar frame to the Triumph Palm Beach on another thread? Both are similarly aged products of the Raleigh Lenton Rd. factory - or so I believe?

 

[hamster]

I'd be tempted to give it a really good polish and wax, the patina looks really decent.

 

[Mark Manley]

I think the Palm Beach was a re-badged version of the heavier, more utility and inappropriately named Sports, the Lenton has more sporty fittings and a lighter frame made of Reynolds 531 tubing, top of the range from this period was the made to order Record Ace.

 

[Corblimeyguv]

Nice, very nice indeed. I believe that things are only original once. Preserve it and enjoy it, like Hamster says.

 

[Old Ned]

I think the Palm Beach was a re-badged version of the heavier, more utility and inappropriately named Sports, the Lenton has more sporty fittings and a lighter frame made of Reynolds 531 tubing, top of the range from this period was the made to order Record Ace.

Thanks for this. Raleigh products of the time are a bit of a minefield! My Palm Beach became very 'sporty' in that I managed to fit it with 27" wheels, fixed gear, aluminium drop bars and a cheap Swallow saddle. It also received a coat of Primrose gloss paint with Black lugs. My Mum and Dad weren't very impressed!