Classic & Vintage - Raleigh rod brake Tourist?

I just ran across one of these through a local bike friend, although I haven't been quoted a price yet. The odd thing is that it has what looks like 26" rims, not the 28" I've seen on all the ads posted online. Most of those have a look like a small framed 27" wheel bike. Big rims/low top tube. Were there 26" rim Tourists, and what years were they made? I only wish it had a chain case, but it has the sports type chain guard. It looks like it could be saved/restored, but I would probably just clean it up. I like the vintage look, as long as it's not filthy.:rolleyes: ,,,,BD

Or maybe I should just pass on it. I have WAY too many projects as it is.....:(

Don't know what to say. That frame looks IDENTICAL to the one in the 78 catalogue. Decals, bars, crank and especially that chain wheel and the front brake. But it should have 28" rims.
Maybe it was a factory second :D

The '79 and '80 catalogs also list the Tourist as having 28" rims. Have you verified in person that these are 26" rims? With those 24" frames, the 28" wheels look proportional.

You could start quite a rust collection with that bike, btw.

Neal

Well, the front rim would probably have to go just so it could be stopped. From what I have seen of Raleigh chrome, the rest should look great with little effort. I just like the way they literally
only changed decals for years and years. Looks prewar almost. All old roadsters should be black if you ask me;),,,,BD

There is the OUTSIDE possibility someone swapped out rims. I have a Hercules with the Westwood rims on it that measure out for the 26x1-3/8 tire. I haven't gotten around to trying to mount one...yet. Might get to it this weekend.

Aaron:)

Check the serial number on the frame, and the date code on the rear hub. I suspect they will tell two different stories. Your frame has the Rampar "R" on the seat tube, and plenty of extra clearance between the present rims and the fenders. I think you have an interesting Frankenbike. :)

They're 28"s. I have an identical cousin to that bike, rustwise, on the side of my house. Given to me. Perhaps twice as worse, now that I think of it. Never could find a pair of rims to put on it - the originals have rotted through entirely.

Doesn't look as if the machine in your photo would be worth more then $5-10 - and even that would be a rip-off. It's good only for parts, or for stripping of the paint, and repainting with new canti braze-ons for 700Cs a-la Frameteam's custom 5-speed DL-1.

Take care,

-Kurt

Well, it's been 24 hours since I asked him for a price, maybe he backed out? I will buy the Continental he has though. They seem to sell pretty well, at least around here. Got $120 for one not more than a month ago. No rust to speak of.,,,,BD

I just ran across one of these through a local bike friend, although I haven't been quoted a price yet. The odd thing is that it has what looks like 26" rims, not the 28" I've seen on all the ads posted online. Most of those have a look like a small framed 27" wheel bike. Big rims/low top tube. Were there 26" rim Tourists, and what years were they made? I only wish it had a chain case, but it has the sports type chain guard. It looks like it could be saved/restored, but I would probably just clean it up. I like the vintage look, as long as it's not filthy.:rolleyes: ,,,,BD

Or maybe I should just pass on it. I have WAY too many projects as it is.....:(
Bikedued.
There are plenty or 26inch wheel rod brake bikes similar to that in your photo here in the UK I would suggest that the wheels are original (rims are still available over here to) Not sure about those fenders being original to the bike though..... They look like Philips pattern to me.

385XZA