There are a lot of threads on this board about the R20. With all the new quasi-exotic folders out there, what is it about this 30-year-old bike that gets people's blood up?
On Sheldon Brown's Twenty page he said:
A stock Raleigh Twenty offers performance comparable to that of a 26 inch wheel 3-speed "sports" bike, but, due to their robust, well designed frames, they lend themselves to being "hopped up" in performance by upgrading components. With suitable equipment, they can approach the performance of a Bike Friday at a much lower price.
Is the appeal of the Twenty simply that it can serve as a basis for a quality folder at a cheap price, or is there more to it than that? I know that there are a lot of R20 Zealots out there. Convey to me, please, the ethos, pathos, and logos of the Twenty. What is the essence of that je ne sais quoi that seems to infuse it? I must admit - I'm curious . . .
As you compose your replies, please consider your audience (me.)
I don't get fixies.
I prefer platform pedals.
I don't know why people think Merryl Streep is such a good actress.
I own a generation 1 iPod and have no intention of upgrading while it's still serviceable.
I drink drip coffee.
I tend to wear earth tones when riding.
I've never seen one episode of American Idol, 24, Grey's Anatomy, Lost, blah blah blah.
I loathe the idea of squeezing a gelatinous engineered food product out of a tube and into my mouth while riding.
The BikeForums Team
-adv-
This is an archived thread, you can find the full version of this thread, with images, links and more content here.
As you compose your replies, please consider your audience (me.)
I don't get fixies.
I prefer platform pedals.
I don't know why people think Merryl Streep is such a good actress.
I own a generation 1 iPod and have no intention of upgrading while it's still serviceable.
I drink drip coffee.
I tend to wear earth tones when riding.
I've never seen one episode of American Idol, 24, Grey's Anatomy, Lost, blah blah blah.
I loathe the idea of squeezing a gelatinous engineered food product out of a tube and into my mouth while riding.
There you go! You have summed it up yourself! :)
kraftwerk
You can lock it to a solid object and go have apple strudel and you don't have to worry about it. It really has a calming presence, like a small old dog> its just an old bike. Thieves overlook it.
even though it is of great value to humankind. It is quite an international phenomenon....Doesn't matter the country..
Meryl Streep rides one?
Sirrus Rider
There are a lot of threads on this board about the R20. With all the new quasi-exotic folders out there, what is it about this 30-year-old bike that gets people's blood up?
On Sheldon Brown's Twenty page he said:
A stock Raleigh Twenty offers performance comparable to that of a 26 inch wheel 3-speed "sports" bike, but, due to their robust, well designed frames, they lend themselves to being "hopped up" in performance by upgrading components. With suitable equipment, they can approach the performance of a Bike Friday at a much lower price.
Is the appeal of the Twenty simply that it can serve as a basis for a quality folder at a cheap price, or is there more to it than that? I know that there are a lot of R20 Zealots out there. Convey to me, please, the ethos, pathos, and logos of the Twenty. What is the essence of that je ne sais quoi that seems to infuse it? I must admit - I'm curious . . .
As you compose your replies, please consider your audience (me.)
I don't get fixies.
I prefer platform pedals.
I don't know why people think Merryl Streep is such a good actress.
I own a generation 1 iPod and have no intention of upgrading while it's still serviceable.
I drink drip coffee.
I tend to wear earth tones when riding.
I've never seen one episode of American Idol, 24, Grey's Anatomy, Lost, blah blah blah.
I loathe the idea of squeezing a gelatinous engineered food product out of a tube and into my mouth while riding.
There is just something about them. You can lay one out a field of bikes and it will stand out like a gorgeous redhaired woman in a sorority of ordinary brunettes.
Sixty Fiver
My P20 folds and is fixed to boot.
I love it.
Sammyboy
It's the awesomness of taking what has so long been regarded as a granny bike, and building something which not only looks great, but also, in the words of Sheldon, and quoted by you, "can approach the performance of a Bike Friday at a much lower price."
A key factor for me, in the UK, was also that I could purchase one for $30-40
CaptainSpalding
I will ignore the evidence of your poor decision-making evinced in your question and simply say that there is not another bike that I am aware of that will support a (heavy) rider over thousands of miles without failure.
Thanks for your patience, and your very constructive comment.
Meryl Streep rides one?
No, I'm not implying that Meryl Streep rides one. I mean to say that my perceptive limits prevent me from discerning the difference in talent between her and less acclaimed actresses. By extension it is further implied that I may not innately possess the ability to appreciate the subtleties or mystique of the R20.
Here are some more examples of my lack of finesse.
I prefer CDs to vinyl, because the hiss and pop of vinyl bother me and I can't discern the "steps" in digital recordings.
My loutish physical constitution laughs at homeopathic remedies. (Keep your arnica. Gimme an aspirin.)
I tend to believe that while everyone is entitled to their point of view, not all points of view necessarily hold equal merit.
roadfix
I don't get fixies.
I drink drip coffee.
Do you take your coffee black?
CaptainSpalding
It's the awesomness of taking what has so long been regarded as a granny bike, and building something which not only looks great, but also, in the words of Sheldon, and quoted by you, "can approach the performance of a Bike Friday at a much lower price."
A key factor for me, in the UK, was also that I could purchase one for $30-40
Right. So are the folks that are buying them on eBay for USD$200 out of their minds? I mean, by the time you upgrade the rims, hubs, fork, bars, seat, etc. etc., you could have bought a pretty decent modern bike. So if you are buying one at that price, aren't you just paying for the rebel image?
Do you take your coffee black?
Nope. Lots of sugar. Lots of cream.
14R
Besides the heavy rider that doesn't have an option, I don't get it either.
roadfix
Nope. Lots of sugar. Lots of cream.I don't even own a folder.
Sixty Fiver
My "non exotic" folding fixed gear 20 is only a pound heavier than a new Dahon 8, far more sturdy, and a wickedly nice ride... and it will get a little lighter yet when I convert the crank to cotter-less.
My other P20 is going to get a 24 inch wheel conversion so I have a folding bike that will be well suited for longer rides and hitting the trails as an SS.
No-one else has a bike like this and that too is appealing and just a little exotic.
There are many facinations with the 20, and this question has been asked before... here are some that can think of off the top of me noggin...
-inexpensive (relatively)
-able to be personalized (able to be highly modified) its about taking something and making it your own...
-a green alternative (to make that which was old, new again)
-it isnt the statis quo
-it takes a true commitment to want to modify one for maximum performance
-it takes inginuity to deal with some difficult issues
-for me, in my region, it's RARE... REALLY RARE...
-it is a solidly designed folder. (horizontal fold)
-it's steel
-a lot of us dont have 500-1000 dollars to spend on a folder...Up Front :) but can sfford to have the R-20 bleed us over an extended period of time :)
-R-20 riders are a fun bunch...
-They are too small to get laid on, but when you get off of it, You will get laid :) HA!
Your question also isnt necessarily about the bike, but it for some it's more about the individual. The EASY way usually isnt the fun way. Some of use need to be challenged. some of us need to express ourselves, Some of us like Jur want to be on the the lil' engine who could. You asked a big question, and I guess all I can give you a lil' answer... -if you dont have one, you wouldnt know... :)
come check the progress...
http://web.mac.com/phatatude/Green_Space/Raleigh_Twenty_Blog/Raleigh_Twenty_Blog.html
R-20's : Many ask, few know...
jur
I suspect Sheldon Brown has infused the general cycling community with enthusiasm for the R20... this has led to them being a popular thing in the US, but here they fetch less, perhaps $100 for an average condition one. Peugeot folders actually fetch higher prices than R20s here on ebay.
If you buy a folder new, you more or less ride it as it is spec'ed, perhaps with upgrades here or there or none at all.
But if you get an R20, many see it as a bare canvas on which to paint their masterpiece.
phatatude
Just know that some of those bikes being sold for 200-300 on Ebay might be kept original (collectors) or may only be slightly modified (rims, brakes, tires). Also here in the states they arent nearly as common as acrossed the pond.
come check the progress...
http://web.mac.com/phatatude/Green_Space/Raleigh_Twenty_Blog/Raleigh_Twenty_Blog.html
R-20's : "Yep, that's your girlfriend on my bike" :)
alecw35
Those TV shows you mention...they wear out the batteries in my TV remote....as when Im looking through the channels I see the name on the screen....next please.
I like small wheels.
I think the simplicity of the frame design is good.
As some other bikes are needlessly complicated and ugly.
Dont get what the film academy see in most of the actors and films they give oscars.
Ok I think that some one like Jackie Chan isnt the best actor. But his films are entertaining and you can remember what he did. Cant remember anything that a proper actor like Merlyl has done.
I ride bikes that are unusual. I had a 3 speed BMX that I rode. I remember thrashing past some kids on mountain bikes up a hill. One shouted to another....hes overtaking us on a BMX.
Thats cool. A bike is a bike. People pigeon hole bikes for single use. Small bikes like the 20 are ussually used by Grannies that go slowly to the shops on them. But it neednt be the case.
limesub
Appeal of the R20? A few years ago I remember coming across Sheldon Brown's site (as you do) and laying my eyes on his hot rodded R20 for the first time, damn that thing is hot!! There is just something about 'left of centre' sexiness (OK I said it!) that appeals. Different and practical? Can't get any better than that!
veloceleste
The R20 is a great utility cycle. Whether highly modified or modestly upgraded, the R20 is stable, strong and a true multi-tasker. It is comfortable enough to ride to the store, around the neighborhood or on the MUP. If you want to go fast, you can with confidence. If you want to tour, the R20 can carry a load. The fact that it folds and can be thrown in the trunk is a bonus. My R20 has pedals that are platform on one side and clipless on the other. That says it all for me!
psykoocycle
I think of the r20 this way... she's like the lovable grandma that spawned all my capable folders... just because she's old doesn't mean we get rid her... in fact we honour her with nice titanium upgrades so that she can keep up with the grandkids!
Jagee
CaptainSpaulding, the R20 is, as folks have noted, a kind of blank canvas. It's versatile and timeless: upgrades make it a thoroughly modern creature while retaining a simple beauty in the frame lines. Just look at the difference between Tarik's 20 (http://www.tariksaleh.com/bike/twenty/twenty.html) and Sheldon's (http://sheldonbrown.org/raleigh-twenty/) to see such variability.
You've mentioned what's not particularly special or impressive to you as well as what you prefer from a practical standpoint:
I don't get fixies.
I prefer platform pedals.
I don't know why people think Merryl Streep is such a good actress.
I own a generation 1 iPod and have no intention of upgrading while it's still serviceable.
I drink drip coffee.
I tend to wear earth tones when riding.
I've never seen one episode of American Idol, 24, Grey's Anatomy, Lost, blah blah blah.
I loathe the idea of squeezing a gelatinous engineered food product out of a tube and into my mouth while riding.
But out of curiosity, what do you find special? Is there anything you really like that requires a relatively convoluted explanation for why you like it? What do your "perceptive limits" allow you to discern? I know they've barred you from appreciating Meryl Streep and Espresso, but are there any (particularly bike related) subtleties that you do enjoy?
phatatude
Geesh... you guys are flippin' smart!
(that's not some smart a## remark, you guys really are)
R-20's : Socrates would have had one...
stevegor
....where to begin??
The Brits have a talent for small quirky things, (no offence LittlePixel),
remember Alex Moulton? He was the designer of the Moulton bicycle and also worked on the suspension of the mighty Mini motor car in the 60's, of which the Mini Cooper S was a giant killer in rallies like the Monte Carlo and on race tracks worldwide. We R20 owners love the thought of these great little bikes being able to thumb their noses at the scoffers and after 30 years still carry the shopping, tour the world and ride very briskly in a racing guise.
The appeal of the R20 is, as has been already stated, a blank canvas to which one's imagination has no constraints, make it simple...fixed or SS, make it complex...rear and front derailluers, make it semi-traditional...8 spd SA or Nexus hub gears or keep it totally original. You get a very deep sense of personal satisfaction of "making" a bike from your own imagination, seeing it all come together after all the hard work and the knowledge of not being limited to buying an "Off the shelf bike".
I own a modern expensive road bike and MTB, but nothing gives me more pleasure than turning up to the Saturday morning HAMMERFEST on my weird little Pommy bike and riding the legs off the R20'S critics. ;)
Squeazel
I think to own and enjoy an R20, you need to be a tinkerer and a lover of mechanical stuff. You have alot of options with an R20. Hot-rodding a 20 is more difficult than hot-rodding the average bike, but not so difficult that it's out of the range of a normal person with normal tools. And, when you're done, complete strangers are impressed (maybe not with your skill, but certainly with your maverick tastes). If you just buy stuff and use it until it's no longer fashionable, then I wouldn't recommend an R20. But then, in that case you wouldn't find an R20 attractive in the first place :D
EvilV
My "non exotic" folding fixed gear 20 is only a pound heavier than a new Dahon 8, far more sturdy, and a wickedly nice ride... and it will get a little lighter yet when I convert the crank to cotter-less.
No-one else has a bike like this and that too is appealing and just a little exotic.
To be honest, you could spend a ton of money and get something not much better than this, and it might be worse.
That bike looks like it could do some serious biking action.
CaptainSpalding
But out of curiosity, what do you find special? Is there anything you really like that requires a relatively convoluted explanation for why you like it? What do your "perceptive limits" allow you to discern? I know they've barred you from appreciating Meryl Streep and Espresso, but is there any (particularly bike related) subtleties that you do enjoy?
Uh - no. Not really. Just kidding! Loads of things. I've got a Jetstream with a Rohloff and a Brooks that I love. I'm a total hub gear convert. I love photography. With film - because it looks better. I love studying antiquated technologies. I have a calculator, but I like using a slide rule. I have a GPS, but I know how to navigate with a sextant, compass, clock, and map. I can sail. I appreciate elegant design (and by "elegant" I don't mean fancy.) The list goes on.
If I've made you feel slightly defensive, I didn't mean to. I meant to challenge you all yes - but not to defend the Twenty. Just to explain it.
Slightly modified, otherwise faithfully restored. When I restored it, my dad (then 77 years old) asked me "Why would anyone restore a Thing?"
Let's see:
It's utilitarian.
I can park it anywhere and not have to worry about it. It really has a calming presence, like a small old dog.
It's the awesomeness of taking an old beater and giving it a new life.
Though not expensive, it's a bit rare, and semi-exotic.
Initial cost was low, I could add $$ as I had it.
Do these points sound familiar?
I own this car for most of the same reasons that you guys have Twenties. I'm not deriding you for having them. On the contrary, I think I may be one of you. I just don't have the bike. Yet.
Sixty Fiver
And you could stash a Twenty in the boot of the thing... :)
Love the car btw.
Sammyboy
Right. So are the folks that are buying them on eBay for USD$200 out of their minds? I mean, by the time you upgrade the rims, hubs, fork, bars, seat, etc. etc., you could have bought a pretty decent modern bike. So if you are buying one at that price, aren't you just paying for the rebel image?
I wouldn't say they're out of their minds; classic things have a tendency to appreciate. I for one would not pay even the £100 that price represents at the current exchange rate, never mind the £160 it represented not long ago, but you do get just about the only remotely capable classic folder. If you want it to upgrade simply to make a good cheapish folder, it's madness - just buy a Downtube. If you want a unique, retro, useable folder, then it's not madness, it's just getting what you want. That said, as much as I love vintage bikes, I wouldn't spring for a classic Colnago either.
Assessing your taste, I see that they don't really fit together. To me, this suggests a man who actually judges things on merit, rather than being led by a particular group of tastemakers. Bravo!
LittlePixel
I heart VW Things. And Schwimwagens...
I don't get mountainbikes - shredding up the countryside
I prefer spd pedals.
I don't know why people think Doctor Who is 'such an awesome scifi show'
I'm on my third iPod and have no intention of upgrading to a cream-cracker nano.
I drink decaff tea or espresso coffee.
I tend to wear the least 'commuter' looking stuff when riding. Helmet is only to please my girlfriend.
I've never seen one episode of CSI, Life on Mars, Pop Idol and got rid of my tV blah blah blah.
I loathe the idea of lycra, rainbow wrap-around shades, energy bars or isotonic drinks. Water's good. As are raisins and nuts.
phatatude
I loathe when me nuts look like raisins :) Ha...
sorry...
R-20's : Ride em till the wheels come off, or ya cant feel the family jewels... whichever is first :)
CaptainSpalding
Well kept-up roadways with nary a car
A saddle that's comfy though I've gone too far
A little bell right on the bar I can ring
These are a few of my favorite things
Hundred-mile-rides without even one flat
Leave home the helmet and just wear a hat
Going so fast that my spokes start to sing
These are a few of my favorite things
When the tire pops
When the car honks
When I'm feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel so bad
EvilV
Ha ha ha - Cpn Spalding is a talented man.
Jagee
If I've made you feel slightly defensive, I didn't mean to.
Not at all Captain--I really was just curious. And now I'm glad I asked! What a great response. I really like your Thing (notably a contemporary of the R20) and, by the way, would love to learn how to use a sextant.
I have to say, the analogy you used between the calming presence of the car and a small, old dog worked so well that I can't get the image of a sleepy, gray-faced Dachsund out of my head.
One more thing I didn't mention about why I'm turned on by the twenty--the ride, for me, is very smooth and solid (calming even). I was surprised that a folder could feel that way. If you do try out an R20, please post!
I have to say, the analogy you used between the calming presence of the car and a small, old dog worked so well that I can't get the image of a sleepy, gray-faced Dachsund out of my head.Thanks. Sadly I can't take credit for it. kraftwerk used those words to describe a Twenty in the fourth post of this thread. Each item in my list of reasons for restoring a Thing was paraphrased from prior posts giving reasons to ride/restore/modify/own a Twenty.
Actually, the Kubelwagen (Thing) dates to WWII...
Well, actually . . .
The Kübelwagen, also designated the Type 82, was produced from 1940 to 1945.
The Thing, or Type 181 (also known as the Trekker in the U.K. and the Safari in Mexico) was produced from '69 to '83. While it resembles the Type 82, it has much more in common with the Type 1 Beetle, with which it shares many parts. The Thing was only imported into the U.S. for two years (1973/4) - a total of 28,930 of them made it to U.S. shores.
jdownie
The moderators are cowards.
14R
Can I join?
I like functionality before looks. I ride a Brompton because it can go with me (fast) even though it does not look like a U.S. Post Office Lance Armstrong bike
I like looks. My Brompton is raw lacquer and I had to pay for it.
I like reliable toys. My car is reliable, my bike is reliable (that's why I don't ride a Giant halfway anymore)
I like Coffee.
I like pretty girls. Lots of them.
I like photography.
My dream: Have the Super Power of the James Bond Villains (unlimited budget) so I can drink coffee and take pictures with lots of pretty girls playing with my Brompton (hmm...I like how catchy it ended up sounding) while traveling the world on my sub orbital flying yatch.
The R20? They just have a really big folded final package...otherwise I would have one. Maybe i will consider two for my sub orbital flying yatch.
kraftwerk
Swear I saw Chloe Sevingy riding around on an R 20!
She is our generations Meryl Streep, maybe?
Naw' she is better.
That VW Thing is cool! It should practically have an R 20 option package!
Kinda like the Trek / Jetta combo only much more enlightened.
Find a white R 20 and you are set.
I have a few old cars and I still dig my '86 VW with 200,000 miles.
Sirrus Rider
Uh - no. Not really. Just kidding! Loads of things. I've got a Jetstream with a Rohloff and a Brooks that I love. I'm a total hub gear convert. I love photography. With film - because it looks better. I love studying antiquated technologies. I have a calculator, but I like using a slide rule. I have a GPS, but I know how to navigate with a sextant, compass, clock, and map. I can sail. I appreciate elegant design (and by "elegant" I don't mean fancy.) The list goes on.
If I've made you feel slightly defensive, I didn't mean to. I meant to challenge you all yes - but not to defend the Twenty. Just to explain it.
Slightly modified, otherwise faithfully restored. When I restored it, my dad (then 77 years old) asked me "Why would anyone restore a Thing?"
Let's see:
It's utilitarian.
I can park it anywhere and not have to worry about it. It really has a calming presence, like a small old dog.
It's the awesomeness of taking an old beater and giving it a new life.
Though not expensive, it's a bit rare, and semi-exotic.
Initial cost was low, I could add $$ as I had it.
Do these points sound familiar?
I own this car for most of the same reasons that you guys have Twenties. I'm not deriding you for having them. On the contrary, I think I may be one of you. I just don't have the bike. Yet.
Actually, Things are Cool! They are the closest you can get to a Civilian German Kubelwagen..
norfolk bolt
gut stuff
alecw35
Hey you comparing the 20 to the VW Thing.
I want to put better more modern parts on the 20. That improve its performance and arent as rusty and worn out as the originals.
Guess if I had a VW Thing I would be down the scrap yard getting a Subaru engine
LittlePixel
Soobie Boxer Thing with WRX power sounds like hooning fun to me.
Oops. Back to the bikes.. :)
foldie
omg..raleigh 20 really looks good..anyone can ship one to singapore..?*hopefully*
werewolf
Things are very cool! You seem them out here on rare occasions. No rust here. The most space-efficient vehicle in history, though, was the old VW Microbus - just a big ol' box on wheels with all usable space, and a little tiny engine stuck someplace underneath as an afterthought - and John Muir's How To Fix The VW For The Complete Idiot book was the best do it yourself car book ever!
R20's are cool, too. I don't know why someone just doesn't start making them again, folding and non-folding, with upgraded parts - the 3-speed Raleigh "English racers", too.
CaptainSpalding
Hey you comparing the 20 to the VW Thing. I want to put better more modern parts on the 20. That improve its performance and arent as rusty and worn out as the originals. Guess if I had a VW Thing I would be down the scrap yard getting a Subaru engine
I gave the Subaru motor some thought, but ultimately I decided the Thing is rare enough that I shouldn't make any mods that aren't reversible. Too much cutting required for the Subie. I still had some fun though. 1915cc motor (up from a stock 1600cc) with dual webers, deep sump, custom exhaust, etc. She could tap the back of your head against the headrest, if she had headrests. :p
Be an easy thing to build as there simple construction.
stevegor
cool. Like people that mod strange machines.
.....now if I could only find those pics of my '68 Morris Mini Deluxe, super modded to Cooper S specs.........
LittlePixel
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1244/855916038_6fef402dbf.jpg
Did someone say VW? :)
Sixty Fiver
R20's are cool, too. I don't know why someone just doesn't start making them again, folding and non-folding, with upgraded parts - the 3-speed Raleigh "English racers", too.