Ok... yesterday I acquired a Raleigh of some sorts. It seems to have "Sports" geometry, 26in wheels, basic lugs, cottered cranks, chain-guard, thick cast dropouts. Strangely, it's a single speed with a coaster brake. It doesn't have the standard Raleigh single speed crank, it's more of a hollow 5-spoke design, it's good looking. In fact, the whole bike overall is good looking, though it needs to be cleaned up heavily. And I'm seriously thinking about making it my commuter. But, what makes me curious is that it says on the bottom of the seatube "Made in Czechoslovakia". I didn't know Raleigh's were ever made there. I'm likely wrong, as this states, but it's curious nonetheless. Were these of inferior quality to British or Dutch made Raleighs? About equal to the Taiwanese and American made ones? I'm mainly curious what model it is and about what age it is.
I'll have pictures and a serial number later today.
-Gene-

that does sound interesting. I don't recall ever hearing about any czech made raleighs. Or any czech made bikes of any kind, but that doesn't mean they don't exist.

Well... I have returned with pictures, a serial number, and more confusion.
I have deduced that it is NOT a Raleigh, as some may have already decided. The best I can figure out from the head badge is "Ra...dn" or "Ra...hn". Something like that. My quick glance at it yesterday just made me assume Raleigh, since I couldn't think of any other brands with a name like that.
The serial is 75 "eska" 041441. Of which I will assume it was made in 1975. I have no idea what "Eska" means. It may have been the builders name, since no Russian to English, or Czech to English dictionary turned up anything.
The rear coaster brake hub was made by Favorit, who I also believe was based in Czechoslovakia.
Overall, aside from the Wald basket on the front, this bike is very Soviet, and as such, very confusing. YAY!
I guess it's a good thing I like mysteries, and Soviet history.
Here are some pictures, hope they help solve this mystery.
-Gene-









And here's some links to a few more. Just to save some bandwidth.
https://lh3.ggpht.com/_Os80BGPtmH8/S9...0Something.jpg
https://lh3.ggpht.com/_Os80BGPtmH8/S9...0Something.jpg
https://lh4.ggpht.com/_Os80BGPtmH8/S9...0Something.jpg

In Soviet Russia, Bike rides YOU!


interesting lookin pedals.

Yeah, the pedals are Shimano 600's that the bearings are kinda locked up in.
And I found one Czech word that might fit that badge.
Rapidni = Rapid, fast
Perhaps, maybe?
-Gene-

Cool piece of historic steel. I does look pretty good, and bet it'll restore nicely, especially with an iron curtain theme.

Powdercoat it in the colors of the Czech flag: blue, white and red. Those are the pan-Slavic colors.

I think it needs Mucha-themed graphics:

Thats a Rapido I've has quite abit of those bikes, they ride nice, I didn't thing they where Raleighs though

Thta's absolutely NOT a Raleigh of any kind. Are you mis-reading the name? A better photo of the head badge would help.

Also the left crank arm is installed backwards.

how much does it weigh?

They likely aren't. As I said, just glancing at the name badge when I got it yesterday it's what I saw since I didn't know of any other "Ra....." bicycle brands. But thank you, clears up that mystery.

Thanks. I would've noticed when I disassembled it, but I hadn't noticed yet.

About 30 pounds. Not terribly light, but with some aluminum rims, stainless spokes, aluminum seatpost, stem, and handlebars it'll be a lot better.
Thinking about how I'll repaint it, I'll probably go with a copper powdercoat, offwhite headtube, gold lug lining, and silver components. It'll definitely get the Sturmey Archer AW I've got sitting on my desk.
Thanks everyone, I really appreciate the help clearing up this mystery.
-Gene-

I wouldn't spend any money restoring this bike. I'd slean it as best as possible, and just keep it around.

clean

You're right that Favorit is a Czech brand.

That rear hub says Favorit on it. That is the most popular marque from Czechoslovakia from that era. Perhaps the brand is a secondary one of the Favorit company.

What's that supposed to mean?
-Gene-

Its a Rapido I have the ladies version in the yard some were Ive had a half a dozen off them at different times. road bikes 3 speeds and kids bikes all poorly built and second grade parts.