1950s/60s English Racer - Armstrong Tourmalet
09-09-12, 06:18 PM
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1950s/60s English Racer - Armstrong Tourmalet
So unfortunately, googling "armstrong tourmalet" results in about 1000 pictures of Lance Armstrong and nothing about my bike. It is OLD SCHOOL. All English components including Benelux derailleurs, the rear one has a chain and the front is just a rod/lever mounted to the seat tube!! Just wondering if anyone had any info on this bike and if it has any collector's value. Has a Brooks B72 saddle so I figure there's gotta be something there.
09-09-12, 06:35 PM
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Totally cool and collectable...very similar to the Raleigh Lenton Grand Prix from around '59. Strangley, your sports the Raleigh-esque fork dimples but the frame looks pre Raleigh. The crankset looks like a Williams 1200 double...there should be a date code on the back of the arms and rings. Great condition to boot.
Did Raleigh ever take over Armstrong? I don't think so.
Did Raleigh ever take over Armstrong? I don't think so.
09-09-12, 06:38 PM
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Armstrong was one of the Birmingham bicycle manufacturers that ended up a Raleigh marque as a result of the industry consolidation of the 50's and early 60's. I am not certain, but I am thinking yours is from the early 60's, after the consolidation (so, made by Raleigh). Does it say Nottingham anywhere? Or Birmingham?
Odd that you have a lever-operated front derailleur but shift levers for two cable-operated ones. I'd guess it came with a Cyclo-Benelux cable operated derailleur and the original owner retrofitted it to the rod-operated one. If you're used to the rod-operated one, it's actually easier to shift than a cable op one, because with the rod-op one there are no springs, so the action is very light. So this would put the bike's date around 1962-3. But that is just a guess.
What are the rims? Dunlop Special Lightweights? Or just regular Dunlop? What size tires?
It's in great shape. Probably not a high end bike, but very cool.
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edit...
Haha, Clubman beat me to it! Good point about the cranks. Better photos are required.
Yes, Raleigh definitely took over Armstrong, but I can't remember why I know this. If it's a real Birmingham Armstrong, you should find the motto "The Better Bicycle" on it somewhere.
Odd that you have a lever-operated front derailleur but shift levers for two cable-operated ones. I'd guess it came with a Cyclo-Benelux cable operated derailleur and the original owner retrofitted it to the rod-operated one. If you're used to the rod-operated one, it's actually easier to shift than a cable op one, because with the rod-op one there are no springs, so the action is very light. So this would put the bike's date around 1962-3. But that is just a guess.
What are the rims? Dunlop Special Lightweights? Or just regular Dunlop? What size tires?
It's in great shape. Probably not a high end bike, but very cool.
__________
edit...
Haha, Clubman beat me to it! Good point about the cranks. Better photos are required.
Yes, Raleigh definitely took over Armstrong, but I can't remember why I know this. If it's a real Birmingham Armstrong, you should find the motto "The Better Bicycle" on it somewhere.
09-09-12, 07:16 PM
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Nice to see another Armstrong. I've run across a couple of 3 speeds on CL and I seem to remember another gold 10 speed here on the forum a year or two ago but I can't find it. I don't know what mine is, it's got a half step crankset but a 3 speed rear hub. Definately not as nice as yours, probably entry level but how do you tell?
09-09-12, 08:23 PM
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rhm
Odd that you have a lever-operated front derailleur but shift levers for two cable-operated ones.
Odd that you have a lever-operated front derailleur but shift levers for two cable-operated ones.
really nice condition and would be a fun Sunday afternoon around the park ride for sure!
09-09-12, 08:35 PM
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Yeah, looks like a pump peg to me. There is a lower one at the bottom bracket in the first picture.Really nice find, I hope it cleans up so you can ride it.
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"When I hear another express an opinion, which is not mine, I say to myself, He has a right to his opinion, as I to mine; why should I question it. His error does me no injury, and shall I become a Don Quixot to bring all men by force of argument, to one opinion? If a fact be misstated, it is probable he is gratified by a belief of it, and I have no right to deprive him of the gratification."
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09-10-12, 02:41 AM
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I found it in a 1956 Armstrong catalog. A mid-level road model. Available with Benelux or Simplex. Nice score!
09-10-12, 06:11 AM
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09-10-12, 06:24 AM
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Nice looking Armstrong you have there. The lever op FD is a good find, IMHO. Me likes a lot!!!
Bill
Bill
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