1950's Raleigh Clubman?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: UK
Posts: 166
Bikes: 1952 Rudge Pathfinder / 1950's Raleigh Lenton Sports
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
1950's Raleigh Clubman?
I just bought this. I'm pretty certain it's a 50's Raleigh Clubman but I'd like a second opinion. Sorry for the bad pictures, I haven't collected it yet, these were the pictures on the eBay listing. I have suspicions that the brake calipers, levers, mudguards and the gear lever and pulley wheel are all later additions/replacements. Does anyone know what the correct brakes and guards would be? I've got thoughts of a full respray and re-chrome going round my head but I know I just can't afford it.
If anyone could help with a rough date and model that would be a big help.
If anyone could help with a rough date and model that would be a big help.
Last edited by shadaboot28; 03-10-16 at 09:40 AM.
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 3,240
Mentioned: 103 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1299 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 103 Times
in
85 Posts
I'm always interested in the type of bike that is beyond preservation. I've been doing this for years, but they were never the more exotic models like this one. If you do decide on a full bore restoration, I hope you'll take the time to post your progress. A very interesting project.
__________________
Inflate Hard
Inflate Hard
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: AZ/WA
Posts: 2,462
Bikes: Yes
Mentioned: 36 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 460 Post(s)
Liked 54 Times
in
30 Posts
It looks to be a Clubman and possibly RRA. This will be a beauty and can't wait for one of the pro's to chime in. I have some ideas but will keep my mouth shut for now. I recently picked up a Clubman that appears 51'.
Mine was a frankenbuild, but the guy I bought from recently contacted me as he had some other parts he found that went with it and he forgot to include. So I now have calipers and crank for a Clubman. I can look at/post the calipers later if no one has ID'd.
Mine was a frankenbuild, but the guy I bought from recently contacted me as he had some other parts he found that went with it and he forgot to include. So I now have calipers and crank for a Clubman. I can look at/post the calipers later if no one has ID'd.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 17,127
Mentioned: 480 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3788 Post(s)
Liked 6,574 Times
in
2,580 Posts
Looks like a reasonable guess. There's a hint of that '50-51 Clubman "electric flamboyant blue," and the seat cluster lug looks right. Can't tell much else from those pics.
I've owned a '50 and a '51 Clubman (and that's the last year they were made). They only came in 22" frames, with 27" wheels in both of those years (I still have a '49 Clubman with EA1 wheels), only in blue. Here's my '51:
I've owned a '50 and a '51 Clubman (and that's the last year they were made). They only came in 22" frames, with 27" wheels in both of those years (I still have a '49 Clubman with EA1 wheels), only in blue. Here's my '51:
#5
Señor Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Hardy, VA
Posts: 17,935
Bikes: Mostly English - predominantly Raleighs
Mentioned: 70 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1491 Post(s)
Liked 1,072 Times
in
634 Posts
Differences between Clubman, Lentons and RRA can be tough from pictures, and I don't yet know what exactly to look for yet (coming up to speed after purchasing a '49 Clubman).
Most helpful online resource I've found is here.
edit: also, a full on drive-side picture, and closer pictures of the head and seat lugs would be helpful, as would the serial number. Thanks, and congrats.
Most helpful online resource I've found is here.
edit: also, a full on drive-side picture, and closer pictures of the head and seat lugs would be helpful, as would the serial number. Thanks, and congrats.
__________________
In search of what to search for.
In search of what to search for.
Last edited by USAZorro; 03-10-16 at 12:15 PM.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: AZ/WA
Posts: 2,462
Bikes: Yes
Mentioned: 36 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 460 Post(s)
Liked 54 Times
in
30 Posts
From what I recently recall, Clubmans and RRA's have chrome socks on the forks and stays. One point made to me is the RRA usually has the cable guide on the seat tube (not under tt). That would make this an even better find. And the lugs on the Clubman are the type you have here, the same as mine. I don't think the Lentons had that type, but RRA may have. Basically an RRA is a custom order version of the Clubman and could take 6 months to a year to obtain. You could choose to have things added or subtracted and moved around. The slots in the dropout support the 50's, maybe older, not sure on that part but newer has a triangle there.
Both seem quite difficult to find and I think are chromoly.
Paging @rhm
edit: I would not do anything but do a complete overhaul and cleanup first, then decide if you want to paint, you may like the outcome and more value is retained IMO.
Last edited by Bikerider007; 03-10-16 at 12:49 PM.
#7
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: UK
Posts: 166
Bikes: 1952 Rudge Pathfinder / 1950's Raleigh Lenton Sports
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Until I collect the bike and gets some better pics all I can give is some more info on the parts.
It has alloy EA rims
brooks b17 saddle
alloy seat post
alloy handlebars
pinch bolt head set
cranks similar to lenton cranks but with the Raleigh heron on them
Sturmey Archer wing nuts
Braised on mudguard brackets (half way up the forks)
Lugs similar to lentons.
I don't think it is a RRA , but I wish it was!
When I get some better pictures I will post them up. And I will check the rear hub for a date.
It has alloy EA rims
brooks b17 saddle
alloy seat post
alloy handlebars
pinch bolt head set
cranks similar to lenton cranks but with the Raleigh heron on them
Sturmey Archer wing nuts
Braised on mudguard brackets (half way up the forks)
Lugs similar to lentons.
I don't think it is a RRA , but I wish it was!
When I get some better pictures I will post them up. And I will check the rear hub for a date.
#8
Señor Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Hardy, VA
Posts: 17,935
Bikes: Mostly English - predominantly Raleighs
Mentioned: 70 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1491 Post(s)
Liked 1,072 Times
in
634 Posts
Are the wheels 27" or 26"? (Could narrow it down to '49 or later)
__________________
In search of what to search for.
In search of what to search for.
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 3,240
Mentioned: 103 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1299 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 103 Times
in
85 Posts
Just a personal opinion here, but I believe that the condition of a bike can deteriorate to a point where a well researched and executed restoration is preferable to preservation. True, the expense of a quality restoration usually exceeds the value of the finished product, but to me, they are a joy to see if done well.
__________________
Inflate Hard
Inflate Hard
#10
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: UK
Posts: 166
Bikes: 1952 Rudge Pathfinder / 1950's Raleigh Lenton Sports
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Looks like a reasonable guess. There's a hint of that '50-51 Clubman "electric flamboyant blue," and the seat cluster lug looks right. Can't tell much else from those pics.
I've owned a '50 and a '51 Clubman (and that's the last year they were made). They only came in 22" frames, with 27" wheels in both of those years (I still have a '49 Clubman with EA1 wheels), only in blue. Here's my '51:
I've owned a '50 and a '51 Clubman (and that's the last year they were made). They only came in 22" frames, with 27" wheels in both of those years (I still have a '49 Clubman with EA1 wheels), only in blue. Here's my '51:
That's a stunning bike! I'd love to get my hands on one in that sort of condition!
did they ever make Clubmans with 23'' frames?
#11
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: UK
Posts: 166
Bikes: 1952 Rudge Pathfinder / 1950's Raleigh Lenton Sports
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#12
Señor Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Hardy, VA
Posts: 17,935
Bikes: Mostly English - predominantly Raleighs
Mentioned: 70 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1491 Post(s)
Liked 1,072 Times
in
634 Posts
__________________
In search of what to search for.
In search of what to search for.
#13
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: UK
Posts: 166
Bikes: 1952 Rudge Pathfinder / 1950's Raleigh Lenton Sports
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Just a personal opinion here, but I believe that the condition of a bike can deteriorate to a point where a well researched and executed restoration is preferable to preservation. True, the expense of a quality restoration usually exceeds the value of the finished product, but to me, they are a joy to see if done well.
#14
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: UK
Posts: 166
Bikes: 1952 Rudge Pathfinder / 1950's Raleigh Lenton Sports
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#15
Senior Member
and some Raleigh catalogues at Veteran-Cycle Club Online Library
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 17,127
Mentioned: 480 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3788 Post(s)
Liked 6,574 Times
in
2,580 Posts
#17
Senior Member
#18
Phyllo-buster
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Nova Scotia
Posts: 8,831
Bikes: roadsters, club bikes, fixed and classic
Mentioned: 133 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2287 Post(s)
Liked 2,032 Times
in
1,245 Posts
I think it's a Clubman, '49 or '50. I think later models had braze-on pulley wheels?.
#19
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: UK
Posts: 166
Bikes: 1952 Rudge Pathfinder / 1950's Raleigh Lenton Sports
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Thanks! I'm going to keep an eye on that!
#20
Senior Member
In the table on Retro Raleighs: The Raleigh Clubman by Peter C. Kohler it has olive green available for 1948 and 1949, but electric blue became available in 1950. To me, both the OP photos and the ebay one show provision for the pulley mount associated with the lug.
#21
Phyllo-buster
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Nova Scotia
Posts: 8,831
Bikes: roadsters, club bikes, fixed and classic
Mentioned: 133 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2287 Post(s)
Liked 2,032 Times
in
1,245 Posts
the OP bike or the one on ebay?
In the table on Retro Raleighs: The Raleigh Clubman by Peter C. Kohler it has olive green available for 1948 and 1949, but electric blue became available in 1950. To me, both the OP photos and the ebay one show provision for the pulley mount associated with the lug.
In the table on Retro Raleighs: The Raleigh Clubman by Peter C. Kohler it has olive green available for 1948 and 1949, but electric blue became available in 1950. To me, both the OP photos and the ebay one show provision for the pulley mount associated with the lug.
Last edited by clubman; 03-11-16 at 07:00 AM.
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 17,127
Mentioned: 480 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3788 Post(s)
Liked 6,574 Times
in
2,580 Posts
My '49 is green and has EA1 wheels. '50 and '51 are blue with 27" wheels.
#23
Phyllo-buster
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Nova Scotia
Posts: 8,831
Bikes: roadsters, club bikes, fixed and classic
Mentioned: 133 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2287 Post(s)
Liked 2,032 Times
in
1,245 Posts
Sorry I miss read Post 10. This one will just have to wait for better pictures
#24
Phyllo-buster
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Nova Scotia
Posts: 8,831
Bikes: roadsters, club bikes, fixed and classic
Mentioned: 133 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2287 Post(s)
Liked 2,032 Times
in
1,245 Posts
It's a bike I would be cautious about if only because it is in such por condition. It's have the brakes swapped out so who knows maybe it's been painted as well but it's obviously been left outside for a period of time
#25
multimodal commuter
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: NJ, NYC, LI
Posts: 19,852
Bikes: 1940s Fothergill, 1959 Allegro Special, 1963? Claud Butler Olympic Sprint, Lambert 'Clubman', 1974 Fuji "the Ace", 1976 Holdsworth 650b conversion rando bike, 1983 Trek 720 tourer, 1984 Counterpoint Opus II, 1993 Basso Gap, 2010 Downtube 8h, and...
Mentioned: 584 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1908 Post(s)
Liked 574 Times
in
339 Posts
The RRA frame has a few extra features that I'm not seeing here: little nipples on the inner side of the seat stays above the brake bridge (for a bag support); similar nipples on the inner side of the fork blades (for light mounts); brazed on pulley mount at the top of the seat tube (not under the corner like on the Lenton Sports); and brake cable guides (not stops) on the right side of the top tube. These being absent, I don't think its an RRA. Of course you knew that, but I'm just adding the few details I know.
__________________
www.rhmsaddles.com.
www.rhmsaddles.com.