Classic & Vintage - Raleigh 3 speed DL1 or Sports ?

I have 2 newer Raleighs (R800 Racer, and R300 Tourer/Commuter) and I am looking to buy an older Raleigh 3 speed for trips around the neighborhood, trips to the grocery store, and bus stop commutes. I need some advice on what to look for. I am 5'10" 160 pounds and it appears I should fit a 22 inch DL1 or a 21 inch Sports. I have seen numerous ones on Ebay and have unsuccessfully made bids for 2 Sports (late 1970s models). I currently have a 1980 Schwinn Tourist 5 speed made in Taiwan that I currently use for this purpose. It is actually a fast bike and functional with a large wire basket, but it has rust, cheap seat and tires, and I am relunctant to put much money into it. The one advantage is that no one is interested in stealing it when I park at the bus stop. Should I look for a DL1 or Sports ? What are the advantages and disadvantages to each one. What vintage ? I am not looking for museum quality condition, just a good functional bike that will last a long time.

I have two AMF Hercules 3-speeds that were made by Raleigh to import into the USA by AMF. These bikes are not as high quality as the DL 1's are but they are very seviceable and more available than the Raleigh DL 1's are. I use them for commuters and shoppers and they are very reliable.

What you've got probably isn't going to be a whole lot different from a Sport or DL-1, aside from a derailleur and some mystique.

Three speeds , english or otherwise, are wonderful low-maintenance, low-theft machines. On the other hand, they're heavy-ish with steel rims that don't brake for jack in the rain. All of these qualities probably describe what you have already. Unless you are looking to start collecting three speeds (which isn't a bad thing, I have three plus a project or two), put money into what you've got, unless it's really falling apart. It'll be considerably easier and cheaper to find parts for.

ps-if you're still sold, I'm about your height, ~32" inseam, and find the 23" Sports frame is a much better fit.

Thanks Dafydd and jfz - I appreciate your comments and thanks for the advise on the 23 inch Sports. I thought the 21 inch looked smallish. I guess I have the bug for another Raleigh since I already have 2 new models. I realize the Schwinn Tourist is adequate, but I want to compliment my modern Raleighs with an old 3 speed, something different and it is a conversation piece. The problem is finding one. On ebay, there seem to be 3 categories: (1) a collector who wants $300-500 for decent bike that was maintained (2) a lightly used one that sat in a garage for 30 years where 10 bidders are fighting for a $ 150 deal or (3) a junker in need of major restoration. I am sure there are alot out there, sitting in a garage or attic, but finding one is proving difficult. I have read some threads on this forum where guys have gotten decent old 3 speeds at tag sales for $50. I will keep looking, hoping I find one or my bug goes away. Once spring hits, I will commute to work on my R300, and the Schwinn gets little use. I did 2,760 miles commuting last year and hope to do 3,000 this year.

A DL1 implies rod brakes. Rod brakes are tough to maintain and end up either rubbing your rims when you don't want them to, or at best providing marginal braking when you call on them. A DL1 (Tourist) is more of a quaint collectible.

Most Sports and similar models run rather small. The top tubes are short and the handlebars may seem too close (this helps give you an upright riding position).

Look for a clean, tuned 3-speed (Raleigh, Phillips, whatever) with cable brakes, a large frame, and the bullet-proof Sturmey-Archer AW hub.

Of course, we have a couple for sale on our site right now and dozens of others in inventory on this page: http://oldroads.com/fs_p_all.html


Vin - Menotomy Vintage Bicycles, Inc.
http://OldRoads.com



Thanks Dafydd and jfz - I appreciate your comments and thanks for the advise on the 23 inch Sports. I thought the 21 inch looked smallish. I guess I have the bug for another Raleigh since I already have 2 new models. I realize the Schwinn Tourist is adequate, but I want to compliment my modern Raleighs with an old 3 speed, something different and it is a conversation piece. The problem is finding one. On ebay, there seem to be 3 categories: (1) a collector who wants $300-500 for decent bike that was maintained (2) a lightly used one that sat in a garage for 30 years where 10 bidders are fighting for a $ 150 deal or (3) a junker in need of major restoration. I am sure there are alot out there, sitting in a garage or attic, but finding one is proving difficult. I have read some threads on this forum where guys have gotten decent old 3 speeds at tag sales for $50. I will keep looking, hoping I find one or my bug goes away. Once spring hits, I will commute to work on my R300, and the Schwinn gets little use. I did 2,760 miles commuting last year and hope to do 3,000 this year.

If you're really sold on the Raleigh three speed, then definitely go with a Sports, as Vin said. Just be patient and diligent about yards sales, thrift stores, etc. I picked one up at a "Vintage" store (read: high prices for tacky clothes) for $50 that cleaned up beautifully. Or check a local shop that sells used. You may pay more, but often you're not searching endlessly and they often come tuned up. Generally, older ones are of better quality, but avoid the ones with the soldered-end brake cables. The cables are hard and expensive to find if needed, and modern brake pads don't work well on them. Ones with oilers in the front hub and bb I consider a plus.

Consider having alloy rims built in the long run! They don't look as classy, but man they mark wet weather a lot more fun to ride in!

I would definitely choose a Sports model. I rode one to school & work all through the early 80s. Wore out a couple sets of tires chains & brake pads but no other maintenance except cleaning & lubrication. Bought it for $35 & Sold it 10 years later for the same price. If you aren't to proud, you may get a better bike with less competition by looking at the step thru or "ladies" style. I bought a new raleigh for my wife & doubt it had 300 miles on it 10 years later when we sold it for $50.00.