Found this Norman on CL about twenty minutes after it was posted and snapped it up. From what I can determine, based on the SA shifter and the bicycle license, the bike is a 1960-62 model, which would be after Norman was enshrouded by the almighty. In current form the bike is pretty bare, and in none-too-good of a condition. At least the frame isn't all rusty though, and the rust that is present, on the wheels and such, is fairly minor. The paint is rubbed off all over the place... I'm sort of amazed that it hasn't rusted up in those bare spots yet...

So, I'm pretty sure I want to paint it (as close to the original as I can manage of course), and would also like to figure out what model this is so I can outfit it appropriately. I plan on gifting it to someone when I'm all done with it, so I'm trying to stay under 200usd... We'll see how that goes...

Here's some photos:












Poor, poor paint...









So... thoughts, suggestions? Any and all comments welcome. (Sorry for all the pictures. )

Cool bike.........Looks like it needs a fork to me though.

Ya know... you might be right. I must look into this. If it's 531... I could bend it back maybe?

I really doubt that it is 531. Bent back? Maybe.......But if it is anything like a Raleigh fork (which it looks like) I wouldn't trust riding it after being bent and re-bent. I have seen 3 (1 posted here on C&V and 2 in person) that busted at the fork crown if that is what you call it on that style of fork. I'd take it to a shop or preferably a frame builder for advise on a course of action. Let them do the repair and assume liability. Or just buy a new fork....

+1 And that's a crimped end on that fork with a plain nut, not even a real stamped fork end with a wing nut. I'd bet money it's low-carbon steel.

Cool, I'll see what can be done about the bend. In the meantime... I suppose I'll try to find a fairly accurate replacement fork. Any suggestions?

Bent rearwards.

Cracked crown-to-fork blade joints on Raleigh forks are a fault of poor brazing, not from bending. A Raleigh fork with brazing issues will be unsafe to use whether bent or not, one that has been brazed correctly should be easily adjusted without any issue.

-Kurt

FYI, for your dating purposes, there should also be a year and month on the rear hub.