I have a question concerning a couple of old bikes. My Mom has a couple of old Raleigh 3 speeds with enclosed chains and generator lights from the early 50's. I spent a lot of time as a teenager trail riding and otherwise general beating on Dads, and it didn't miss a beat. They have become a bit dilapidated from being in a damp basement, but look like there is potential. Are they worth restoring? Are they worth anything? I'm looking for a project. TIA.

Your project today is to learn to mail large objects to me.


I'd check out Sheldon Brown's LINKS and LINK and LINK

According to this forum, ALL bikes are worth restoring so the first question is right out. The second question is a big maybe, you'll need to track down serial numbers.

Definitely worth the time and money to fix them up to whatever level you desire.

Now run go take some pics before East Hill gets here.

this is a joke right?! all old raleighs are worth restoring especially ones with a great history. i've got five or six raleighs and love them all especially the three-speeds. bbattle is right- not about sending them to him- but about checking out sheldon's sites.

then if you still decide to unload them, send them to me first and i'll be sure to pass them along...

Thank's. My dad passed away Memorial Day, and I've been going through all the old stuff. I'll rescue the bikes, clean them up a bit and post some pics. I'll check out Sheldon Brown's site too.

Edit: Checked out the 1st link. That is great! They are Roadsters for sure. I'll be loading up the van with bikes Sunday!

There is something to be said for having something that belonged to someone who has passed away. Even if it was not a Raleigh, it was your dad's bike, and every time you ride it, you'll think of him.

In some ways, I had two "dads" growing up. My dad was one, and my uncle (the one who owned the bike shop ) was the other. My uncle passed away at a very premature 41 years of age. I was fortunate enough to be given his Raleigh Superbe (that's what he rode). I use it occasionally, and it is definitely not for sale.

i'm sorry for you're father's passing, but it's EXCELLENT that you're going to save the bikes!! it's best for you to keep them and get them cleaned and oiled. they really are great bikes and the fact that they were your dad's makes them all the more important. yes please post pics once you get them. a lot of us on here really love the old raleighs!

Honestly, regardless of model, if they were built in the 50's they were built to last 2 or 3 lifetimes

dang. we gotta see 'em. put up some camera phone pictures or something. If we can get an idea of the state of disrepair we can help you work through the restoration...

Keep them in the family. I would simply add a new chain and overhaul, the older sturmey archer cables etc...You might get lucky and be able to ride it without tinkering with the internals of the hub. See the Sheldon Brown sturmey archer articles. They are good hubs. If the bikes came with stock Brooks leather saddles then you will be in great shape. Show us some photos ASAP. Thanks.

Will do. Mom lives 20 miles away and I'm going over there tomorrow (Sun) so will get some pics up shortly.

I picked up the bikes today, but got home too late for photos. I'll post them tomorrow. They need a bit of TLC and oil, but could be rideable in short order. Who knows about the magneto front hub, bulb numbers, etc? The lights worked way back when. The headlight and taillight are there, but need some attention. TIA.

forget the raleighs I want to see your Rhygin!!!
The raleighs are definitely sweet. check out the "Oxalic acid bath" thread. It will definitely come in handy. I'm currently refurbishing (no paint but rebuilding wheels, so nice) a raleigh sports and 2 matching Phillips 3 speeds. These bikes are amazing shorter distance commuters, bar bikes and grocery getters and are built to last 3 lifetimes.

Are they 3 speeds? edit: duh

you will love those bikes!

Bump. Posted pics above^

Your old Raleighs' are beautiful!

oh damn, i love the oldsters! you'll be amazed at what some cleaner wax on the paint, wd-40 and steel wool on the chrome, and oil on the chain and in the s/a will do for these old gals. hell if you lived near me, i'd come over and help you!

Beautiful bikes!

Well worth keeping...and thank you for the photos .

(and sorry to hear about your dad, but you do have some nice bikes to keep his memory alive).

East Hill

Those are about the oldest they made them without rod brakes. Definitely worth it to spruce them up a bit. PM cudak888 for some tips on making them nice and shiny.

What model Raleigh is that silver one in the first picture. I can't say I recognize it.

A his and hers pair!!
You've got to keep them, and tidy them up.
Not difficult at all.
You need advice, you'll get it here.

Bet they don't need a lot doing except some time and a bit of elbow grease!

+1 twice.

Thanks everyone for all that. I took pics of the bikes, untouched for 30+ years. I will clean them up a bit and repost the "after" pics. My mom's bike probably has less than 100 miles on the drivetrain. I don't remember ever seeing her ride it. Dad's was put through a rigorous testing program by me as a teen, and I couldn't kill it. I remember riding on the back as a 2-3 year old in the metal kids seat they had back then. Wish I still had that. Anyway, if I have any questions, and I'm sure I will, I'll be back. Cheers!

Ben

Those look familiar...





Looks like you have a pair of very salvageable examples there. Take some fine bronze wool to the chrome (you'll be quite surprised at the condition underneath - Raleigh's chroming of the '50s took the cake for being amongst the hardiest), and Meguiars Scratch X to the paint - but be careful over any remaining pinstriping or lettering. That should do you.

I'll leave it to the Brooks folks to argue over the best suggestions as to taking care of the saddles; if they're hard and dry, a VERY thin coat of neetsfoot oil might help, if still supple, just go over them with some saddle soap to brighten them up. That's what I do, but for everyone who does it this way, there'll be another who swears against it...

-Kurt

Some nice examples there! I have a tube of ScratchX I use on my Triumph, so will try that. I'll bring a bike in after Turkey Day and get to work.

Any results yet?
We still looking!