Raleigh Rapier mystery?

[Alreeves]

I have just picked up the bike up can see pics of below. The decals would suggest it is a Rapier but with different forks? The gear shifter and forks suggest otherwise but the whole bike seems a mismatch of parts from various eras!! The serial number suggests earlier than a Rapier. Anyone help identify so I can decide what to do with it. Thanks

 

[Alreeves]

Re:

More pics...

 

[Alreeves]

Re:

The ‘whole’ bike

 

[emmavanwoerkom]

I'm a bit late to this party but it's a Raleigh Riviera. Hub dates range around 1965 - 1967.The mudguards would have been the same colour as the bike. Here's a red one I restored from 1965. I also have a blue one green one. Cracking bikes with excellent brakes for the era.

 

[pigman]

Funny you should mention the brakes. I had a single brake fixie back in the 80s with one of those calipers on the front and the stopping power was superbe. Better than anything on the 80s market, far better than record, duraace 7200 or modolo
They just seemed badly put together with rivets rather than bolts
First of the dual pivot brakes I guess

 

[emmavanwoerkom]

Yes, they used Altenburger Synchron Brake Calipers - they are brilliant! The original pedals were the same ones used on a Moulton Deluxe too. It's a devil to get the replacement rubbers. It's also a slightly lighter weight frame compared with other 3 speeds of the time, but as you say, not brilliantly put together. I still really like them, it's just a shame they were only in circulation for 2-3 years only.