Show us your "Royal Enfield" Any love out there

[Piperdave]

Following several threads of a similar type in the MTB section, are there many Royal Enfield cycles out there on Retrobike?

There is not that much info out there on this marque, which was never owned by Raleigh , and went out of production in 1970 They had a nice strap line "Built like a Gun".

I would love to see yours, as I am looking for inspiration with my own recently acquired RE, see the link in my signature. Post pics and/or links.....

Cheers

Dave

 

[Piperdave]

Hi again,

I am surprised that there is not more interest in this company. Founded in 1882, making complete bicycles by 1886, and having a range of bi, tri, quad and tradesmen's cycles.

They also had a range dedicated to both children and juvenile riders, encouraging them into cycling , something adopted by Wiggins this year.

They wound up production of bicycles in 1967, never having been owned by Raleigh/ T.I. Industries, proudly independent the whole time

A full range of catalogue's can be found, from 1895, to 1960, plus the "Revelation" small wheeled bike, and the resurgent USA company, here..http://veterancycleclublibrary.org.uk/l ... p;items=80

While I see that they are not a lightweight cycle specialist, they had their own take on most things, which included double crossbar frames, and their own gear change systems.

On the above page there are also scans of articles relating to wins and time trial and distance achievements won on Royal Enfield cycles.

Some of their frames shared their names with Royal Enfield motorcycles...Bullet...Constellation.....

I feel the time is right to re-assess their place, and proudly show of their work.

Discuss......

 

[keithglos]

Re:

Like most makers of commuter bikes RE had a decent line of sports/lightweights, but rarely sold them.
I remember at one cycle show (late 50's?) they had a frame design with the twin tube seat tube angled out so that the chainwheel was inside the frame.

The RE representative I met did not understand the concept of a "lively" bike, I think he was probably a motor bike man.

Like many others they made quite decent commuter bikes in a diminishing market.

Keith

 

[COUPES]

Re:

Here's one that had me mystified for ages. Still not sure of the date exactly. Its a Royal Enfield Firefly. The unusual rear stays are telescopic welded. Bayliss Wiley clip headset and oil bath bottom bracket. Small trace of the original metallic green on the fork steer tube. Bought as is and very light. Had bearing damage to the head tube and massaged out by my friend, Lance Mccormack

 

[COUPES]

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Telescopic seat stays.

 

[COUPES]

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Pinned

 

[COUPES]

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Oil bath bb like new.

 

[COUPES]

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If anyone knew the year I would be most grateful.

 

[COUPES]

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Unusual forks probably had a cap on?

 

[COUPES]

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Not seen these before.