Classic & Vintage - Joining the 3 Speed Crowd...Raleigh Lenton Sports

I queried the value of this in the appraisal thread. Thanks for the info from those who responded. I have tentatively dated this a 47,in part because I found a nearly identical bike on the forums here that the owner has dated 1946. Only difference (other than the mods on mine) is the 531 decal. I read somewhere use of the small 531 started around 1947 and now I cannot find it. Should have bookmarked it. Still researching. It is a bit rough around the edges and I will get to deal with the plethora of 597mm tire options available. :rolleyes:. No plans to refinish at this time. The correct markings are not available and I like the patina. The tiny 531 decal is still visible, as are the Lenton Sports ST markings. This bike has a touring history and was ridden all over Missouri and on the east coast by its first owner. Sometime in the 60s, the original steel rims were replaced with Weinmann alloy and a 3 speed freewheel was thrown into the mix. This work was done by Ray Florman of St Louis. If you don't know who he is, ask John Howard. I will be looking for some more original brake levers for it. Calipers are a later addition but I will probably keep those. Fenders are replacement Bluemels AirWeight. I thought the bars were not original until I saw another thread where someone had scored a set of bars for a Lenton Sports and they are what I have. Will give it some TLC and see about getting it back on the road.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8073/8383798141_bcdddf9051_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cv-6enterprises/8383798141/)
Lenton Sports 001 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cv-6enterprises/8383798141/) by CV6Enterprises (http://www.flickr.com/people/cv-6enterprises/), on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8336/8384896500_de1584d48f_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cv-6enterprises/8384896500/)
Lenton Sports 005 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cv-6enterprises/8384896500/) by CV6Enterprises (http://www.flickr.com/people/cv-6enterprises/), on Flickr

I thought the saddle might be salvageable until Ray pointed out the tear by the rivet.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8355/8384913616_de2a6096fc_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cv-6enterprises/8384913616/)
Lenton Sports 011 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cv-6enterprises/8384913616/) by CV6Enterprises (http://www.flickr.com/people/cv-6enterprises/), on Flickr

Serial number does not quite fit the info on The Headbadge....three digits vs four or five digits. I am hoping Kurt jumps in on this. Do not know if they would have used leading zeros.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8497/8384916256_494fac7a18_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cv-6enterprises/8384916256/)
Lenton Sports 012 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cv-6enterprises/8384916256/) by CV6Enterprises (http://www.flickr.com/people/cv-6enterprises/), on Flickr

Bayliss Wiley front hub with original (AFAIK) Raleigh wing nut QR

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8048/8384921562_0f5153855f_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cv-6enterprises/8384921562/)
Lenton Sports 016 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cv-6enterprises/8384921562/) by CV6Enterprises (http://www.flickr.com/people/cv-6enterprises/), on Flickr

Top tube shifter similar to SA and other brands, but I have not found any info on this particular brand. Got the cable to use it also.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8494/8383849493_020aed7804_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cv-6enterprises/8383849493/)
Lenton Sports 020 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cv-6enterprises/8383849493/) by CV6Enterprises (http://www.flickr.com/people/cv-6enterprises/), on Flickr

BB has oiler port. From what I am told, the type is an older version.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8087/8384952016_99f80d07bb_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cv-6enterprises/8384952016/)
Raleigh Lenton Sports BB 001 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cv-6enterprises/8384952016/) by CV6Enterprises (http://www.flickr.com/people/cv-6enterprises/), on Flickr

Nice! Those old Lenton sports are neat old bikes. It's nice that it has AirWeight fenders. They are among my favorite vintage fenders for English bikes.

Wow - nice 3-speed intro CV-6! You got all the good stuff on there! :thumb:

This guy has some NOS 26x1 1/4s cheap;
http://www.ratrodbikes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=66250&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=15
Really sweet bike, by the way.

Nice bike Lynn. I think it's an earlier bike than '47 with the small detachable chainwheel. All of the Lenton Sports I've seen have the larger BCD plain chainring without the herons, shown here on one I used to own

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-j_LKancPJ-w/UPXgQx3U2DI/AAAAAAAAC1Y/iHoaAmKL9zM/s800/101-0107_IMG.JPG

Congrats!! I am sure you'll do the original owner proud by both keeping this old gal original and putting her back on the road.

Bars look like the original Raleigh Specials with modernized levers and a full wrap, my '55 Lenton has a full leather wrap and the original levers.

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/2012reg2.JPG

My '51 Sports 3 speed has the same Raleigh bars, original levers, and John Bull grips that replaced the original equipment back in '52.

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/1950sportglenora2.JPG

The Simplex derailleur is a much later piece and should be considered suspect as they can be rather fragile, a Cyclo Benelux model 7 is what was normally supplied with the three speed kit and these have a pull chain design.

Have been tempted to add a multi speed cog to my '51 (my '55 is a fixed gear model) although I would go the route of using Shimano cogs in a double configuration and try and find a period correct derailleur.

It's a really neat looking bike, Lynn. Does it fit you? (Always a question mark for me since I need taller frames.) I'm glad you plan to leave the patina as is... I really think that "makes" this particular bike.

Very nice, neat to see the 3x3 hub!

Very nice. I like the paint. I'm glad you're leaving it. I also like the 3x3 setup.

What's the date on the rear hub? And what model?

Great bike, Lynn!

This guy has some NOS 26x1 1/4s cheap;
http://www.ratrodbikes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=66250&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=15
Really sweet bike, by the way.

Thanks. The seller is getting tires for me as part of the sale. Not like there is much choice out there.


Nice bike Lynn. I think it's an earlier bike than '47 with the small detachable chainwheel. All of the Lenton Sports I've seen have the larger BCD plain chainring without the herons, shown here on one I used to own

Kurt's serial info would tend to date it 48 (AL). I think it is earlier. Like I said, still researching.


It's a really neat looking bike, Lynn. Does it fit you? (Always a question mark for me since I need taller frames.) I'm glad you plan to leave the patina as is... I really think that "makes" this particular bike..

Fits like a glove.


What's the date on the rear hub? And what model?

It's an AW dated 59. But I know it is not the original hub.

Thanks to all for the positive responses. Will be tearing it (the bike) down in the next few days. No plans to get into the hub at this time.

Lynn, I know some people will disagree, but might you consider changing the rims to 590 (650A) or 584 (650B)? There are lots of good tires in those sizes. The selections are different. 650B is expensive and fancy. 650A is inexpensive and pedestrian but still good.

A 650A conversion makes excellent sense as the brakes should have enough adjustment to run the 590 which is only marginally smaller than the 597mm EA1.

My 1951 Raleigh has really average steel wheels and I built a set of 650A on vintage Mavic rims that I plan to test out on it.

You've probably seen this online. I don't see a Lenton Sports in the 47 catalogue.

But there is this.

http://bulgier.net/pics/bike/Catalogs/Raleigh47-48/p17_Lenton_Clubman.jpg

If you really want it all original, let me know and we can maybe find appropriate EA1 tires for you.

I thought the saddle might be salvageable until Ray pointed out the tear by the rivet.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8355/8384913616_de2a6096fc_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cv-6enterprises/8384913616/)
Lenton Sports 011 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cv-6enterprises/8384913616/) by CV6Enterprises (http://www.flickr.com/people/cv-6enterprises/), on Flickr

I would ride it like that until it ripped. You might get a few years out of it; you never know. If you really decide the leather is shot, talk to Rudy (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/867444-two-freshly-recovered-saddles-one-Ideale-one-Brooks), he re-covers saddles and does good work.

Regarding the rear derailleur: Definitely needs a Benelux Model 7 and the single downtube lever and clamp. Fortunately, while not common, neither are they rare (and expensive). I had no problem finding one on eBay for my Lenton Grand Prix and later managed to pick up a second set, both pairs in the under $50.00 category. And they work very well for their age and technology.

Lynn, I know some people will disagree, but might you consider changing the rims to 590 (650A) or 584 (650B)? There are lots of good tires in those sizes. The selections are different. 650B is expensive and fancy. 650A is inexpensive and pedestrian but still good.


A 650A conversion makes excellent sense as the brakes should have enough adjustment to run the 590 which is only marginally smaller than the 597mm EA1.

My 1951 Raleigh has really average steel wheels and I built a set of 650A on vintage Mavic rims that I plan to test out on it.

650A is a possibility down the road. It looks like I could even go "Sprinters". New tires come with the bike, so I will go with them for now.

Sixty-fiver and Clubman. Nice rides. I have been eyeballing them in previous posts before I got the Raleigh.




You've probably seen this online. I don't see a Lenton Sports in the 47 catalogue.

But there is this.

If you really want it all original, let me know and we can maybe find appropriate EA1 tires for you.

No desire to go all original. I did see the Clubman but I think they were also marked as such according to Peter Kohler in his "treatise". Peter also mentions a Sports model being made and withdrawn in early 1947. All that date is now is a starting point in my mind. Granted it does look a lot like the Clubman in the catalog and I will not be disappointed if it turns out to be one. Right now I am going with Sports since it is marked as such. In part, my dating is based on the LS shown below which the owner dates via anecdote as 1946. But he also ends up questioning the date. Link here to the original thread. (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/468420-My-1946-Raleigh-Lenton-Sports-%28pics-finally%29) Many of his details mirror mine and my serial is later than his. We will probably never be able to nail down the actual date. Would welcome any comments Kurt might have.

RE: the Herons. Peter Kohler mentions the removable heron rings as being in the mid-40s.

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f177/supergymnast/1945%20Raleigh%20Lenton/IMG_1525.jpg


Regarding the rear derailleur: Definitely needs a Benelux Model 7 and the single downtube lever and clamp. Fortunately, while not common, neither are they rare (and expensive). I had no problem finding one on eBay for my Lenton Grand Prix and later managed to pick up a second set, both pairs in the under $50.00 category. And they work very well for their age and technology.

I have no plans to change out that derailleur unless it fails. If it were to fail, I would likely replace it with the same type. I do need to replace a jockey wheel. One of the things I want to do with this bike is keep it as I found it and as it was ridden by the original owner. Which reminds me...I need to ask Ray if he knows when it was last ridden by the owner.

If you really want it all original, let me know and we can maybe find appropriate EA1 tires for you.

If you find a barn full of fresh Dunlops to fit Ea1 rims let me know... I am quite pleased that the Dunlops on my '55 are still in such fine shape and have some nice quality Japanese tyres for this size but they just are not the same.

This could be another reason to run 650A as there are some nice options out there, the Schwalbe Delta Cruisers I have on my Mavic wheelset are sharp looking.

According to Peter Kohler's article on the Raleigh Lentons (http://sheldonbrown.com/retroraleighs/lenton-kohler.html), the Lenton Sports wasn't introduced until 1949. The Raleigh catalog marked 1947-48 only shows the Lenton Clubman, not the Lenton Sports (same page as Clubman shared above). I haven't seen a 1949 catalog, but here are the pages from the 1950 catalog on the Lenton Sports:

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-u-P3MMPDi4A/UPaxDwv-h5I/AAAAAAAAOpI/f7erGbQZtgU/s800/Screen%2520Shot%25202013-01-16%2520at%25208.52.54%2520AM%252C%2520Jan%252016%252C%25202013.png

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OS2qH0AifHg/UPaxDzKRlBI/AAAAAAAAOpM/xkMeva59Pq4/s800/Screen%2520Shot%25202013-01-16%2520at%25208.53.17%2520AM%252C%2520Jan%252016%252C%25202013.png

I would ride it like that until it ripped. You might get a few years out of it; you never know. If you really decide the leather is shot, talk to Rudy (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/867444-two-freshly-recovered-saddles-one-Ideale-one-Brooks), he re-covers saddles and does good work.

I would give it 2 stitches in an X pattern, with as much area around the piercings as you could, a "field repair".

According to Peter Kohler's article on the Raleigh Lentons (http://sheldonbrown.com/retroraleighs/lenton-kohler.html), the Lenton Sports wasn't introduced until 1949. The Raleigh catalog marked 1947-48 only shows the Lenton Clubman, not the Lenton Sports (same page as Clubman shared above). I haven't seen a 1949 catalog, but here are the pages from the 1950 catalog on the Lenton Sports:



From that same article ...

Resurrected in Raleigh's post-war range, announced in March 1946, and now assigned no. 25, the Lenton Sports' frame (still 21" and with a 71° angle) was now constructed of Reynolds 531 tubing with a newly designed fork and new colour: Polychromatic Olive. Although Cycling magazine praised it as being "a sound machine at a moderate price," it was withdrawn in spring 1947 and superceded by the Clubman in 1948



Note also the lack of Herons on the chain rings. Granted catalogs are not always the best for determining what actually appears on a bike.

I do find Peter's article rather confusing. I did email him prior to outing the bike and did not get a response.

I would give it 2 stitches in an X pattern, with as much area around the piercings as you could, a "field repair".

I had that idea but did not know if it was realistic. What kind of thread would be used?

I had that idea but did not know if it was realistic. What kind of thread would be used?

I would use the heavy stuff used that used to come in Velox tubular repair kits or what came with my Speedy stitcher sewing awl.

http://www.speedystitcher.com/

(justifiable purchase as it is good for sewing up tubular tires too)

I would use the heavy stuff used that used to come in Velox tubular repair kits or what came with my Speedy stitcher sewing awl.

http://www.speedystitcher.com/

(justifiable purchase as it is good for sewing up tubular tires too)

Thanks. Will give it a shot.

From that same article ...

Resurrected in Raleigh's post-war range, announced in March 1946, and now assigned no. 25, the Lenton Sports' frame (still 21" and with a 71° angle) was now constructed of Reynolds 531 tubing with a newly designed fork and new colour: Polychromatic Olive. Although Cycling magazine praised it as being "a sound machine at a moderate price," it was withdrawn in spring 1947 and superceded by the Clubman in 1948



Note also the lack of Herons on the chain rings. Granted catalogs are not always the best for determining what actually appears on a bike.

I do find Peter's article rather confusing. I did email him prior to outing the bike and did not get a response.

Interesting stuff. Unfortunately, that missing link Lenton Sports doesn't seem to appear in any catalogs! I think it's more likely your bike is a '47 Lenton Clubman.

Interesting stuff. Unfortunately, that missing link Lenton Sports doesn't seem to appear in any catalogs! I think it's more likely your bike is a '47 Lenton Clubman.

I won't discount that it could be a Clubman, but aren't they marked as a Clubman? Won't be disappointed either way.

I would give it 2 stitches in an X pattern, with as much area around the piercings as you could, a "field repair".

Having dealt with an old, cracking Brooks, I wouldn't do anything to further compromise the leather.

Interesting stuff. Unfortunately, that missing link Lenton Sports doesn't seem to appear in any catalogs! I think it's more likely your bike is a '47 Lenton Clubman.

I was thinking the same thing but you can see that unmistakable outline of the big Lenton Sports decal on the seat tube. Tomato, Tomatoh...they were the same frame.

Yup, at least in that catalog page, it doesn't seem like that '47 Lenton Clubman had the "Clubman" decal on the seat tube! I've seen a '48 and own a '49. The '48 does have "Clubman" on the seat tube and "Lenton" in a small band on the top of that decal; the '49 has the word "Raleigh" instead of the word "Lenton" but otherwise has the same decal scheme.

I was thinking the same thing but you can see that unmistakable outline of the big Lenton Sports decal on the seat tube. Tomato, Tomatoh...they were the same frame.

But wasn't the Lenton Sports built with/for 26" wheels and the Clubman for 27" wheels? How different would they be in reality though?

Interesting stuff. Unfortunately, that missing link Lenton Sports doesn't seem to appear in any catalogs! I think it's more likely your bike is a '47 Lenton Clubman.

Did you see the decals on Lynn's bike:
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8231/8383826147_81a953b403_z.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8187/8383818461_fa2688a4cd_c.jpg
These are the same decals as on my Lenton Sports, which I consider to be a 1951 based on Kurt's research.
Mine is also the same color, and has the same lugs. Mine also has the same stem and handlebar. Based on all these things, I think it safe to conclude that his is the same model as mine.

Many of the components on Lynn's have been changed, so do not enter into the discussion. Lynn's has an earlier model of the crank than mine, but we can't be totally sure either one is original. But there are also some differences in the frames: mine has different mudguard mounts-- at the dropouts rather than on the fork blades or stays; and mine has a brazed on mount for the pulley at the seat lug. From these differences I think it safe to conclude that the two are from different model years.

I have of course heard of bizarre differences among Raleighs of the same model and year. Lenton Sports of the early fifties notably have two different lug styles. But given that Lynn's bike has Lenton Sports decals, Lenton Sports lugs, and some Lenton Sports components; and that it has no Clubman components; I think it safe to conclude that it is a Lenton Sports and not a Clubman.

For comparison's sake, some photos of mine:
http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6220/6344368884_255e1602c2_b.jpg
http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6229/6343626101_7e3fda216e_b.jpg
http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6101/6343623691_bbb4036d61_b.jpg

Regarding the saddle, I wouldn't worry about it. Either it gives or it doesn't. No telling how long it has been like that. I'd be more concerned if it was around the nose rivet like what happens on a B72. Also knowing the other nice bikes you have, I doubt that this will be your primary rider so it may take years for the saddle to fail.

I'm glad you got the bike.

This thread is what makes me appreciate this forum a great deal. I dont any bikes earlier than the 80s as I gave my oldest bike to a friend. It makes me want one for some reason.

But wasn't the Lenton Sports built with/for 26" wheels and the Clubman for 27" wheels? How different would they be in reality though?

I think the change to 27's happened around 1950 and I don't think they changed the geometry drastically...Neal might have a good answer for this.

I bought my Clubman from a messenger shop, all fixied with alu 700c wheels and flat bars...ugh. But it handled quite well on it's final ride home.. I consider it a rescue bike.

The 27" wheel size was introduced in the thirties and gained popularity slowly. By 1950 it was on some high end Raleighs but not on all. Lenton Sports kept 26 x 1 1/4 much longer, maybe because the factory still had them. I used to have a 1963 Lenton Sports, that still had 26" wheels.

Most English bikes of this period will fit any of these wheel sizes without even changing the brakes. The wheels on my Lenton shown above are 700c. But the brakes are original.

I had that idea but did not know if it was realistic. What kind of thread would be used?

I would use a piece of rawhide. like this

https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQxBTmPfNeMJMCNDprz7DRnkxlNRzYS7boHB5_POsoq0pg-aTwflw

you could probable find a thinner piece. and there may not be enough room for it, so maybe it won't work, but you can find thinner bits or make your own.

I would not view the tear in the saddle as a problem, so much as a symptom. If by some accident you get a gash in a new saddle, it might make sense to stitch it up as described. But the leather of this saddle is worn out, dried out, dry rotted, aged, whatever you want to call it. If you fix that tear, another one will develop right next to it. There are various extreme measures one could perform to hold it together a little longer, but you cannot make it as tough as a new saddle. It looks good, and if you leave the saddle alone, maybe give it some proofide etc, it will continue to look good. But if you ride it, it will fall apart. I don't know how quickly this will happen; but does it matter? If you are going to ride this bike much, ride it with another saddle. If you're going to display it at a bike show or something, put this saddle back on it.

I would not view the tear in the saddle as a problem, so much as a symptom. If by some accident you get a gash in a new saddle, it might make sense to stitch it up as described. But the leather of this saddle is worn out, dried out, dry rotted, aged, whatever you want to call it. If you fix that tear, another one will develop right next to it. There are various extreme measures one could perform to hold it together a little longer, but you cannot make it as tough as a new saddle. It looks good, and if you leave the saddle alone, maybe give it some proofide etc, it will continue to look good. But if you ride it, it will fall apart. I don't know how quickly this will happen; but does it matter? If you are going to ride this bike much, ride it with another saddle. If you're going to display it at a bike show or something, put this saddle back on it.

+1 That's great advice and is what I'm doing with the Norman Rapide (http://www.flickr.com/photos/threefamilyalbum/sets/72157629377648749/). I have the original one boxed up and sitting on the shelf, but I'm riding it with a modern Imperial Narrow. I've also pulled off the original fenders and put a set of Bluemels Airweight fenders (http://www.flickr.com/photos/threefamilyalbum/8232845036/) on it. Soon I'll be doing the same with the wheels. I'm building up a set of wheels based on 1953 SA FW Alloy (http://www.flickr.com/photos/threefamilyalbum/8356507358/) and BHC Defiance front hubs.

Yeah, Rudy explained that perfectly. I had an original (I believe) saddle (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/469230-A-good-old-Raleigh?p=7598697&viewfull=1#post7598697) on my '66 Raleigh DL-1. I rode it that way for two and a half years before I had to replace it (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/469230-A-good-old-Raleigh?p=12414590&viewfull=1#post12414590).

Did you see the decals on Lynn's bike:
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8231/8383826147_81a953b403_z.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8187/8383818461_fa2688a4cd_c.jpg


Well, I did see those decals, and then I looked at the decals on that 1947 catalog drawing of the Lenton Clubman, and they sure look the same to me! What I'm saying is I'm not sure there was anything Clubmanesque about those '47 models in the ways that later models were marked. Of course, I've never seen one in the flesh, so it's all speculation (isn't that what BF is for?!).

On wheel size, my '49 Clubman has EA1 wheels, my '50 Clubman 27 x 1 1/4, my '50 Lenton Tourist EA1. Don't expect consistency from Raleigh!

Well, I did see those decals, and then I looked at the decals on that 1947 catalog drawing of the Lenton Clubman, and they sure look the same to me! What I'm saying is I'm not sure there was anything Clubmanesque about those '47 models in the ways that later models were marked. Of course, I've never seen one in the flesh, so it's all speculation (isn't that what BF is for?!).

On wheel size, my '49 Clubman has EA1 wheels, my '50 Clubman 27 x 1 1/4, my '50 Lenton Tourist EA1. Don't expect consistency from Raleigh!

Here's speculation for you. That catalogue scan looks like they subbed in a Lenton Sports as if a Clubman illustration wasn't available when they went to print. Maybe there's the missing link, the '47 Lenton Sports made it to print as a faux Clubman picture only and hence got dropped as a model in the catalogue. And the wheel size change was correct and intended at that time. Kohler documented that and I think it's in the specs as well.

Pretty sure it should have looked like this.
293933

and I've got to change my BF name

I don't know if this will help or confuse things more. On Flickr, if you check out rebalrid's photostream, there are pictures of a 1946 lenton sports. It doesn't say if the lenton is original or restored so the details may not be written in stone but it is a very nice bike anyway. To add confusion some pf the pictures are labeled a 1948 lenton sports. Either way, the pictures show a different down tube decal and a fully chrome fork.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/74418119@N00/2850666037/in/photostream/

I don't know if this will help or confuse things more. On Flickr, if you check out rebalrid's photostream, there are pictures of a 1946 lenton sports. It doesn't say if the lenton is original or restored so the details may not be written in stone but it is a very nice bike anyway. To add confusion some pf the pictures are labeled a 1948 lenton sports. Either way, the pictures show a different down tube decal and a fully chrome fork.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/74418119@N00/2850666037/in/photostream/

I'd say it is definitely refinished. Markings appear to be under a clear coat.