Raleigh 20
01-04-20, 09:22 AM
#1
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Raleigh 20
Local has one of these and wants $45 for it. It has cottered cranks so guessing 70's. Can see it needs work but might be fun.
Any thoughts on value and what they ride like? Always wondered if the trade off of having the convenience of a folder means a poor ride.
Any thoughts on value and what they ride like? Always wondered if the trade off of having the convenience of a folder means a poor ride.
01-04-20, 09:24 AM
#2
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Looks very complete (huge plus) And I am not seeing rust either. Still, they don't have a lot of value. But if you want one, go for it!
Mine as acquired, same split in the seat!
Since this picture, I swapped out the rims with alloy ones (from a kids bike at the co op) and replaced the saddle.
I think yours is a little older, notice it says Raleigh Folder instead of Raleigh Twenty. Somewhat "interesting" is the Raleigh Folder and the Raleigh Twenty started as two different models! The Twenty actually was not a folder then (1969). The model name changed back and forth, in 1976 it was back to a folder.
Raleigh Twenty Folder by wrk101, on Flickr
Mine as acquired, same split in the seat!
Since this picture, I swapped out the rims with alloy ones (from a kids bike at the co op) and replaced the saddle.
I think yours is a little older, notice it says Raleigh Folder instead of Raleigh Twenty. Somewhat "interesting" is the Raleigh Folder and the Raleigh Twenty started as two different models! The Twenty actually was not a folder then (1969). The model name changed back and forth, in 1976 it was back to a folder.
Raleigh Twenty Folder by wrk101, on Flickr
Last edited by wrk101; 01-04-20 at 09:37 AM.
01-04-20, 09:28 AM
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Bill
That's just it. Part of me wants it (at $45) I wouldn't go broke) but wondering how they are to ride, and if they suck as a rider are they hard to get rid of? There must be a market for them as i think they still make folders (?).
That's just it. Part of me wants it (at $45) I wouldn't go broke) but wondering how they are to ride, and if they suck as a rider are they hard to get rid of? There must be a market for them as i think they still make folders (?).
01-04-20, 09:32 AM
#4
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The Twenty was Raleigh's folding answer to the Moulton separable. Kinda heavy and clunky by today's standards.
Replacing some parts might not be easy, especially the BB: https://www.sheldonbrown.com/raleigh-twenty.html
Replacing some parts might not be easy, especially the BB: https://www.sheldonbrown.com/raleigh-twenty.html
01-04-20, 09:57 AM
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They suck in the ride quality department and they are not all that easy to sell (my opinion based on personal experience. All that said...
They were never great quality riders and will never be - that is not their focus. Utility, not speed, or handling or slowing down or anything that one could compare to a decent road or mountain bike (again, my opinion).
However...
For the few dollars asked, plus another fifty for refurbish and you will have a unique bike that rides OK, attracts attention and will prove good for short hops from here to there and back to here, again.
The last two to come my way, were donated to B4H and sold for about a hundred bucks, Canadian, when offered to the public.
They were never great quality riders and will never be - that is not their focus. Utility, not speed, or handling or slowing down or anything that one could compare to a decent road or mountain bike (again, my opinion).
However...
For the few dollars asked, plus another fifty for refurbish and you will have a unique bike that rides OK, attracts attention and will prove good for short hops from here to there and back to here, again.
The last two to come my way, were donated to B4H and sold for about a hundred bucks, Canadian, when offered to the public.
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01-04-20, 10:01 AM
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Thanks Randy and bargainguy. I have to finish my Super Course and my Super Grand Prix this week anyway so will see if it's still there next week
Wesley
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01-05-20, 11:09 AM
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I just sold one of these, it actually sold pretty fast within 2 weeks. Great shape all the chrome was intact, but was missing the chain guard. It sold for $100, down from $125(Seattle). Mine was unrestored with the original untorn saddle, tires and cables.
Last edited by Mr. 66; 01-05-20 at 11:15 AM.
