What to do about a Folder... (Raleigh content - lite!)
#1
自転車整備士
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Denver, Colorado USA
Posts: 898
Bikes: '86 Moots Mountaineer, '94 Salsa Ala Carte, '94 S-Works FSR, 1983 Trek 600 & 620
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
What to do about a Folder... (Raleigh content - lite!)
A few days ago, I picked up this Raleigh folder that was advertised on our local CL.
Now I know that this folder has the very undesirable vertical hinge rather than the horizontal hinge of the Twenty, which also makes it a near abomination in the eyes
of the C & V (and probably the Folder) membership. 16" wheels, too many threaded parts, etc. Looking at previous posts it was said that one '...should stay
away from this model, no matter what the price...'.
Here's the thing, though. After tuning and riding it around for the past few days, I'm finding that this little bike is quite enjoyable to ride! Being somewhat 'vertically challenged'
and way outside parameters for the 'average build' rider, the seat and h-bar adjustment works quite well. With all of the alloy components on the bike (rims, fenders, crank) the
bike is somewhat lightweight compared to its steel wheeled counterparts, and the alloy goodies are quality components (Araya, SR, etc.).
I'm going to be using this one for short errands close to home (< 10 mi. RT), small grocery and Slurpee runs, and when I need a change of pace from my other rigs. Speed and
efficiency aren't paramount, there are no space or 'compactness' concerns, and I don't plan to convert it over to a "HP" bike.
I know there are better designs out there, and that it's got a lot of drawbacks with the 16" wheels. But if the bike is comfortable to ride and it's well built with good
equipment on it, why not ride and enjoy it? Is it a bad thing?
Thanks for reading...
Now I know that this folder has the very undesirable vertical hinge rather than the horizontal hinge of the Twenty, which also makes it a near abomination in the eyes
of the C & V (and probably the Folder) membership. 16" wheels, too many threaded parts, etc. Looking at previous posts it was said that one '...should stay
away from this model, no matter what the price...'.
Here's the thing, though. After tuning and riding it around for the past few days, I'm finding that this little bike is quite enjoyable to ride! Being somewhat 'vertically challenged'
and way outside parameters for the 'average build' rider, the seat and h-bar adjustment works quite well. With all of the alloy components on the bike (rims, fenders, crank) the
bike is somewhat lightweight compared to its steel wheeled counterparts, and the alloy goodies are quality components (Araya, SR, etc.).
I'm going to be using this one for short errands close to home (< 10 mi. RT), small grocery and Slurpee runs, and when I need a change of pace from my other rigs. Speed and
efficiency aren't paramount, there are no space or 'compactness' concerns, and I don't plan to convert it over to a "HP" bike.
I know there are better designs out there, and that it's got a lot of drawbacks with the 16" wheels. But if the bike is comfortable to ride and it's well built with good
equipment on it, why not ride and enjoy it? Is it a bad thing?
Thanks for reading...
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 159
Bikes: Brompton H6L, DT Mini, DT 9FS, Dahon Ciao P8, Dahon Classic 3(x2), Dahon TR, R20, Raleigh Chopper III, Auto Mini Jr., Mercier Nano, Giant Anyroad2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I love small wheel bikes and your Raleigh looks cool. I would not mind having one of these to go with my Raleigh 20 Folder.
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Pacific Northwest
Posts: 3,097
Bikes: Too many....................
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times
in
5 Posts
I have owned a couple of these models. made in Japan. I think it is a cool folder.
__________________
Speed Uno
Dawes Kingpin 2speed
Speed Uno
Dawes Kingpin 2speed
#4
自転車整備士
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Denver, Colorado USA
Posts: 898
Bikes: '86 Moots Mountaineer, '94 Salsa Ala Carte, '94 S-Works FSR, 1983 Trek 600 & 620
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
@ Dynocoaster -- Is there a way to tell based on serial #? I was also wondering if there was a model name for this bike?
@ airwulf -- I think it's a pretty cool looking bike, too!
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Pacific Northwest
Posts: 3,097
Bikes: Too many....................
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times
in
5 Posts
I think they were known as a RSW Raleigh Small Wheel built in the mid eighties.
__________________
Speed Uno
Dawes Kingpin 2speed
Speed Uno
Dawes Kingpin 2speed
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Henrico, VA
Posts: 1,480
Bikes: Origami Gazelle, Origami Crane 8, Origami Cricket 7
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 452 Post(s)
Liked 405 Times
in
241 Posts
Don't underestimate the 16" wheels. If it performs well, the size of the wheel is of little consequence. Ok, I have to say it....size doesn't always matter.
#7
Junior Member
The Raleigh rsw has excellent geometry if you are 6 foot or over. Better than a Raleigh 20. I have a one piece frame RSW and the riding position is exactly like a full sized bike. New tyres made a big difference - a very underated bike!!!