I have never seen a Raleigh MTB like this before. Anyone see one of these?
06-23-10, 08:26 AM
#1
Still a newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Hamilton, Ontario
Posts: 186
Bikes: 1990 Miyata Trailrunner, 1983 Cannondale, benotto 800, Miyata 610, Miyata 912, Trek 850
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have never seen a Raleigh MTB like this before. Anyone see one of these?
I was given this bike and I have not seen anything like it.
I'm pretty sure the derailers and the aluminum rear wheel and cassette are not original. I think the steel front wheel may be original. Even to my newbie eyes it seems the rear derailer is on backwards. I would like to know more about this bike and frame. It has a foil head badge that says Raleigh Springs, South Africa. I checked the rear brake bridge and bottom bracket and I can't find a serial number.
Any information would be appreciated.
thanks!CIMG4683(web)..jpgCIMG4681(web)..jpgCIMG4684(web)..jpgCIMG4678(web)..jpgCIMG4685(web)..jpgCIMG4680(web)..jpgCIMG4682(web)..jpg
I'm pretty sure the derailers and the aluminum rear wheel and cassette are not original. I think the steel front wheel may be original. Even to my newbie eyes it seems the rear derailer is on backwards. I would like to know more about this bike and frame. It has a foil head badge that says Raleigh Springs, South Africa. I checked the rear brake bridge and bottom bracket and I can't find a serial number.
Any information would be appreciated.
thanks!CIMG4683(web)..jpgCIMG4681(web)..jpgCIMG4684(web)..jpgCIMG4678(web)..jpgCIMG4685(web)..jpgCIMG4680(web)..jpgCIMG4682(web)..jpg
06-23-10, 10:17 AM
#3
Randomhead
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Happy Valley, Pennsylvania
Posts: 24,396
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Liked 3,696 Times
in
2,517 Posts
that looks like a Huffy disguised as a Raleigh. Any bike where they crushed the stays and spot welded the dropouts in is not a collectors item. Can't really tell, looks like the chain is threaded through the derailleur wrong and the chain is too short. The serial number is probably stamped into the rear dropouts, but sometimes they would stamp them into arbitrary locations on the frame.
could be a trick of the camera
could be a trick of the camera
06-23-10, 10:28 AM
#4
missing in action
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,483
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 42 Post(s)
Liked 49 Times
in
29 Posts
I've seen a forum dedicated to Raleigh Bombers, possibly on retrobike.co.uk. Very cool and uncommon find (in the US anyway, don't know if there are many in Canada...) Top tube is supposed to look that way.
06-23-10, 10:51 AM
#5
Ride heavy metal.
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Teenage Wasteland, USA
Posts: 1,538
Bikes: '74 Raleigh LTD-3, '76 Motobecane Grand Jubile, '83 Fuji TSIII (customized commuter), '10 Mercier Kilo WT (fixed obsession), '83 Bianchi Alloro, '92 Bridgestone MB-1 (project), '83 Specialized Expedition (project), '79 Peugeot UO-8 (sold)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Looks reminiscent in design to the pre-war Schwinn Excelsior, which was the frame Gary Fisher rebuilt (using assorted road bike & Motorcycle parts) to make the very first "Mountain Bike" -
Photo of Fisher in the late '70s:
I'm not saying it's old or collectible or anything, but maybe the Raliegh Bomber is a sort of tribute/throwback to the design of the first Mountain "Bombers." Looks like it to me...
More photos of a souped up Excelsior copying Gary's design. Slightly off topic but nonetheless interesting: personal history of Gary Fisher.
Photo of Fisher in the late '70s:
I'm not saying it's old or collectible or anything, but maybe the Raliegh Bomber is a sort of tribute/throwback to the design of the first Mountain "Bombers." Looks like it to me...
More photos of a souped up Excelsior copying Gary's design. Slightly off topic but nonetheless interesting: personal history of Gary Fisher.
06-23-10, 11:11 AM
#6
Still a newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Hamilton, Ontario
Posts: 186
Bikes: 1990 Miyata Trailrunner, 1983 Cannondale, benotto 800, Miyata 610, Miyata 912, Trek 850
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
It does seem like it's not very good build quality. The top tube looks like it is that way on purpose and the headbadge refers to Springs, South Africa.
I wonder if it is worth restoring?
I wonder if it is worth restoring?
06-23-10, 11:27 AM
#7
Ride heavy metal.
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Teenage Wasteland, USA
Posts: 1,538
Bikes: '74 Raleigh LTD-3, '76 Motobecane Grand Jubile, '83 Fuji TSIII (customized commuter), '10 Mercier Kilo WT (fixed obsession), '83 Bianchi Alloro, '92 Bridgestone MB-1 (project), '83 Specialized Expedition (project), '79 Peugeot UO-8 (sold)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Definitely not stellar quality, but many things aren't. Is there a decal that says frame materials?
I still think it could make a really cool balloon/fat tire romper. If I ran across such a bike on my local CL, I'd be tempted to get it just for fun.
I still think it could make a really cool balloon/fat tire romper. If I ran across such a bike on my local CL, I'd be tempted to get it just for fun.
06-23-10, 12:11 PM
#8
Still a newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Hamilton, Ontario
Posts: 186
Bikes: 1990 Miyata Trailrunner, 1983 Cannondale, benotto 800, Miyata 610, Miyata 912, Trek 850
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I looked and could not find any decals that refers to the frame materials.
It looks like it could be a fun project. I wonder what the original look of it was. Single speed? internal 3 speed hub?
It looks like it could be a fun project. I wonder what the original look of it was. Single speed? internal 3 speed hub?
06-23-10, 12:12 PM
#9
Still a newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Hamilton, Ontario
Posts: 186
Bikes: 1990 Miyata Trailrunner, 1983 Cannondale, benotto 800, Miyata 610, Miyata 912, Trek 850
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Oh my goodness! I found a site deticated to them:
https://www.raleigh-bomber.co.uk/index.html
https://www.raleigh-bomber.co.uk/index.html
06-23-10, 12:22 PM
#10
missing in action
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,483
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 42 Post(s)
Liked 49 Times
in
29 Posts
Oh my goodness! I found a site deticated to them:
https://www.raleigh-bomber.co.uk/index.html
https://www.raleigh-bomber.co.uk/index.html
06-23-10, 12:28 PM
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: n.w. superdrome
Posts: 17,687
Bikes: 1 trek, serotta, rih, de Reus, Pogliaghi and finally a Zieleman! and got a DeRosa
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 15 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 9 Times
in
9 Posts
I've been to Springs, South Africa and to tell the truth, it ain't all that much. . .
__________________
Sono più lento di quel che sembra.
Odio la gente, tutti.
Want to upgrade your membership? Click Here.
Sono più lento di quel che sembra.
Odio la gente, tutti.
Want to upgrade your membership? Click Here.
06-23-10, 12:36 PM
#12
Ride heavy metal.
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Teenage Wasteland, USA
Posts: 1,538
Bikes: '74 Raleigh LTD-3, '76 Motobecane Grand Jubile, '83 Fuji TSIII (customized commuter), '10 Mercier Kilo WT (fixed obsession), '83 Bianchi Alloro, '92 Bridgestone MB-1 (project), '83 Specialized Expedition (project), '79 Peugeot UO-8 (sold)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Oh my goodness! I found a site deticated to them:
https://www.raleigh-bomber.co.uk/index.html
https://www.raleigh-bomber.co.uk/index.html
That's exactly what I'd go for.
06-24-10, 07:59 AM
#14
Still a newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Hamilton, Ontario
Posts: 186
Bikes: 1990 Miyata Trailrunner, 1983 Cannondale, benotto 800, Miyata 610, Miyata 912, Trek 850
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
06-24-10, 08:03 AM
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: South Jersey
Posts: 1,959
Bikes: Too many Bicycles to list
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 90 Post(s)
Liked 137 Times
in
45 Posts
Looks reminiscent in design to the pre-war Schwinn Excelsior, which was the frame Gary Fisher rebuilt (using assorted road bike & Motorcycle parts) to make the very first "Mountain Bike" -
Photo of Fisher in the late '70s:
I'm not saying it's old or collectible or anything, but maybe the Raliegh Bomber is a sort of tribute/throwback to the design of the first Mountain "Bombers." Looks like it to me...
More photos of a souped up Excelsior copying Gary's design. Slightly off topic but nonetheless interesting: personal history of Gary Fisher.
Photo of Fisher in the late '70s:
I'm not saying it's old or collectible or anything, but maybe the Raliegh Bomber is a sort of tribute/throwback to the design of the first Mountain "Bombers." Looks like it to me...
More photos of a souped up Excelsior copying Gary's design. Slightly off topic but nonetheless interesting: personal history of Gary Fisher.
05-29-13, 03:04 PM
#17
Bianchi Goddess
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Shady Pines Retirement Fort Wayne, In
Posts: 27,858
Bikes: Too many to list here check my signature.
Mentioned: 192 Post(s)
Tagged: 2 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2930 Post(s)
Liked 2,923 Times
in
1,491 Posts
I think it is a lowend mass market single speed (or 3 spd) raleigh that someone cobbled a RD onto for some reason. Whatever it is I wouldn't go near it for free.
__________________
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
05-29-13, 03:41 PM
#18
Still a newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Hamilton, Ontario
Posts: 186
Bikes: 1990 Miyata Trailrunner, 1983 Cannondale, benotto 800, Miyata 610, Miyata 912, Trek 850
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Yep, that sums it up nicely from one point of view. An other point of view is that it stands out from the crowd.
05-29-13, 03:49 PM
#19
Still a newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Hamilton, Ontario
Posts: 186
Bikes: 1990 Miyata Trailrunner, 1983 Cannondale, benotto 800, Miyata 610, Miyata 912, Trek 850
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The website dedicated to them is no more but I found another one maybe you can ask there? https://www.theraleighbomber.proboards.com/
05-29-13, 03:57 PM
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Fairplay Co
Posts: 9,517
Bikes: Current 79 Nishiki Custum Sport, Jeunet 620, notable previous bikes P.K. Ripper loop tail, Kawahara Laser Lite, Paramount Track full chrome, Raliegh Internatioanl, Motobecan Super Mirage. 59 Crown royak 3 speed
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 790 Post(s)
Liked 1,761 Times
in
634 Posts
Yes sorta I have seen several of these made by Raliegh in various places. It was there first attempt at a mountain bike in the early 80's they took a colt frame and tried to build up a mountain bike. While not super valuable these are a interesting part of bike history as they where one of the first attempts of a major manufacturer to make a mountain bike. I think it is a bit of bike history worth keeping and restoring just don't spend a lot. Being it is from South Africa I suspect it is one of the earliest test market commercial mountain bikes.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
hns55
Classic and Vintage Bicycles: Whats it Worth? Appraisals.
0
09-03-11 08:56 AM
