superfox121

My Dad has had this bike for going on 60 years now. The last 30-40 it has been hanging in one garage or another. I'd like to surprise him and get it restored for his upcoming birthday, however, I can't find much if any information about it. The bike is badged "Ramsey, made in England" with a lightening bolt going through the logo. It's got a 3-speed hub and from my initial research, I do not think it is a Raleigh clone. From what little information my Dad remembers, Ramsey was an English motorcycle company that made bicycles for a few years in the 1950's. My dad was born in 1946, and he claims to have gotten the bicycle when he was a kid but as it's a full size bicycle I would guess he either got it used or it was made in the late 50's early 60's.

I've got three questions I'm hoping you guys can help me out with:
1. Can anyone point me to more information about this bike?
2. Is there enough value in the bike to justify having a shop do a professional restoration or should I do it myself? I've got some experience working on bikes and restoring cars and it would mean a lot more to my Dad if I did it myself. But if it's a valuable bike, I'd rather have a pro go over it.
3. If it's worth having a shop do it, can anyone recommend a shop in Southern California?

Thanks for any help you can provide.

David Newton

The pictures are a bit rough for identification, but the rear drop-outs with the fender mounting holes above the axle are a good sign that it isn't a Raleigh brand. Could you get a clear picture of the seat-lug group, and a side close up of the head tube, lugs and fork crown.
It isn't a valuable bike, Ramsey is maybe a store brand, and I don't remember any Ramsey motorcycle in England, though I don't profess to know everything.

superfox121

Thanks for the quick reply. I'll see about getting some better close-up photos tonight.

rhm

That should clean up well!

The most distinctive thing I see is the fork crown, which looks like a Rudge fork crown:

in which case it might be a Raleigh product after all.

Finding a shop that is competent in old three speeds and is willing to do the job right is going to be difficult if not impossible. Do it yourself! Plenty of help to be found on this forum and other internet resources.