Anyone heard of Rampar brand bikes?
 

*My bad! I put Raptar originally but I meant Rampar. Apologies!

Does anyone know anything about Rampar brand bikes? I just checked out a bike with that make at a used bike shop, and I can’t find a thing about them after searching on the internet. Whatever anyone could tell me about the make would be great!

Here’s more information if it helps: I was told it was made in the 70's. It has what I think is called a double top tub. The top bar of the bike is actually two bars side by side, and it’s drop down. I was told there’s the two bars because it was considered unisex that way in the 70’s. It also has down tube shifters. I was also told it used to have drop handlebars I believe, but they replaced them with raised handlebars.


About the bike in particular: It’s in good condition, the bike shop refurbishes the used bikes before selling. It’s priced at 225. I asked them about the make of the bike, but I was just told it was from the 70’s. I plan on asking more questions about it from them, but I would love to get more insight.

Sorry if this is a bit confusing, I’m a novice when it comes to bikes and just learning technical lingo. Thanks!

Are you sure it's not "Rampar"

From your description I am betting Rampar which was what Raleigh rebranded as around 1977. The model description sounds like a mixte frame, it could be anything from the entry level all the way up to a high end bike depending on the model and the type of components used on it. Link to a 1977 catalog.

Let us know what you come up with.

Aaron :)

For several years, Raleigh sold a few models of Rampar bikes, which were made in Japan and were in the middle of their product range. My wife had an R-10 (?) from about 1978. It wasn't a mixte, which is what the OP is obviously referring to.

Yes, what you're describing is a mixte frame. It wasn't considered unisex, it was definitely for women. My wife still has her old mixte 10-speed from 1975.

Only in the US is it considered for women. Much of the rest of the world could care less what the bike looks like as long as you can ride it. FWIW I ride step through, mixte and diamond framed bikes and to really add insult to injury I ride folders :eek:

Yes the mixte was marketed in the US as a women's bike, shame on us for believing it.

Aaron :)

The girls style bike, with the sloping top tube, was designed to allow wearing a dress/skirt while riding. So yes, while it is a "girls" style, I think it's stupid to let that limit you. Besides, I know lots of guys who wear kilts (utilikilts,specifically) often. And I know one guy who just likes to wear regular skirts, but only around the house apparently. Hey, they're comfortable.