Wambat

I've been interested in getting a cruising bike and found a Humber for sale. I don't know much about the marque. the seller isn't a bike person and didn't have a lot of information other than it's old but in good shape. Since he says there's a "basket on the back" I'm assuming it's a roadster?

I tried searching for information, but couldn't find much. How can I find out how old it is when I go to look at it? Is there any particular feature to look for? The guy is asking $100, but I don't think it's worth that much if it needs sprucing up... am I right?

thanks

frameteam2003

Look to see if it has the Humber double forks.Then dino-hub and lights.-It may be a real humber with the double forks or just a re-baged raleigh with out them---sam

apw55

You can find an informative history of English Three Speeds on Sheldon Brown’s website.

In brief, Humber was acquired by Raleigh in the 1930’s and was one of their three premium brands, Raleigh and Rudge being the other two.

The basket on the back doesn’t necessarily make a bicycle a “roadster”. This definition is more a matter of frame geometry and components rather than accessories. Roadsters never gained much popularity in the U.S. so it’s more probable that it’s a Sportster.

Assuming that the bicycle is a three speed, you may be able to find a date on the rear hub casing. Two digits will be stamped indicating the year and there may be one or two digits indicating the month. If the hub is original, you’ll know the approximate age of the bike.

As for the price, Humber’s don’t seem to be real common in the U.S. so $100 to someone specifically looking for one may be more than reasonable. On the other hand, if you’re looking for nice bike to ride and don’t care too much about brand, you might do better for the price (I’m saying this with no idea of the condition of this bike). As an example, many 70’s vintage Schwinn 3 speeds (and a fair number of Raleigh’s) in near mint condition are sold for significantly less.

Good luck,
Alan