The Raleigh is a 3-speed bicycle, built in 1969 in England. I refer to the color as Root Beer Brown, but I’m sure it had another name. The tires are Schwalbe Delta Cruisers in cream, and it now has leather grips (the ones in the photo are shellacked cork, but they met with an unfortunate demise). The little bag is from Velo Orange. The front light is a Cateye, and the rear blinky is a Planet Bike. I throw a pair of Basil baskets on it when I ride it any distance.
I purchased The Raleigh off eBay, after much deliberation and a hatred of my modern bike (long since sold). It arrived with yucky black foam grips and dying gumwall tires, but has otherwise seen few real aesthetic changes. That is about to change, however, as I acquire new aluminum rims for it, and have recently switched out the saddle from a vintage Brooks B17 to a new Brooks B66 with springs. I am also going to lower the gearing on the bicycle to make it easier to ride up hills.
This bike is a sweet brown workhorse. Yes, it’s heavy. Very, very heavy. A bit more heavy than that, even. I would say it weighs, fully loaded, in the nature of 40lbs. This does not make it a good bike for the urban commuter who has to ride up big hills or carry it up fifteen flights of stairs. It’s a great paved trail bike. I can crank it up short, steep hills in the lowest gear (sometimes I have to stand up, like a ten year-old), and on long, straight, flat stretches, that third gear is a marvel. Get it going, and it just doesn’t stop!
Um, literally. Yes, the brakes sort of stink. They work, don’t get me wrong, but even with new salmon KoolStop pads, the steel rims make for an object lesson in the power of momentum. And they shriek, even when adjusted. I don’t know… I remind myself of a steam train. That’s not a bad thing, you know. Steam trains are elegant and exciting. That said, I’m done with this problem. Hopefully, the new aluminum rims will make the difference needed here.
The bike has zero suspension, compared to a modern bike. It rattles and shakes its way through life, like an elderly Charo. That’s okay with me, however, because unlike my previous modern bike, it’s actually fun to ride! The Sports has fairly zippy handling, and positions my body in a very comfortable way. It’s a trade off. I can curse all the ways in which it isn’t a modern bike, or I can appreciate all those same ways. I choose to appreciate. I certainly ride it more, and further, than I ever did my so-called “comfort hybrid.”
I had the same horrible screeching when I put Kool Stops on my Sports. The guy at the bike shop bent the brake calipers inward a bit and they work great now. The Kool Stops are very sensitive to incorrect toe-in. That’s what he said anyway.
Hi Rob. We tried that, and it didn’t help. The KoolStops kept screaming. The caliper is just dead, I think, but we’ll see.
Hi, I really enjoy your blogs. I was wondering when you changed over to aluminum rims, did you get a new rear hub, or continue to use the original? I have a 74 Superbe and am trying to decide which to do. Were you well pleased with the change? Thanks for giving us a peek into your life in beautiful corner of the world.
Hi Hope, I didn’t get a new rear hub, just kept the original. I geared things up slightly as well. It worked out beautifully, and it’s lighter, so that’s a huge plus.
Who sold you, and what brand is the new set of aluminum rims for your Sports?
I’m just starting on my green 1971.
I believe the were Sun CR-18s, and I got them off Amazon, believe it or not! Well worth it.
Where’d you get the rear rack? It looked like it fit well. I have a 1974 Sports of the same color, and I found an old advert on Sheldon Brown’s website that called it ‘coffee.’ I think Root Beer suits it better.
Hi Toby. My Sports came with the rack, but Pletscher still makes them and you can find them online for under $30. I don’t like coffee, so I’m sticking with “root beer”
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Hi I have one male and one female Raleigh Sports bikes from I believe 1969. They are both in root beer brown. They belonged to our grandparents and are in excellent shape. The tires need to be replaced tho. Any idea where I can start as far as finding the value of these bikes.?
Tim, the best way to price your bike is to check out similar listings on your area’s Craigslist, and see which ones disappear within a few days (a sign that they aren’t overpriced). If the bikes are in good shape, you should leave the tires, as some folks like to have the originals. Or replace them, but save the originals for sale.
The bikes require a lot of work to be really modernized, but for just fun, they are great bikes to ride just as they were made!
“Love consists in this – that two solitudes protect and touch and greet each other.” – Rainer Maria Rilke
I just got one of these from the bike shop around the corner. I already love riding it even before I’ve fixed it up. Love what you’ve done with yours. And thanks for posting, I was trying to figure out what year mine was and now I know!
I have recently obtained I believe a 1969 root beer Raleigh Sport, 26′ with gum band tires, ladies bike, what can I sell it for? Please help. It has run but all original parts from Nottingham England.
That depends on where you live, Victor. I suggest cruising Craigslist for a few weeks to see what they go for in the condition yours is in. It’s anywhere from $50 to $300, depending on condition and market, like any antique.
If you are not satisfied with your bike’s climbing ability, you may want to consider changing your stock 18 tooth cog for a 22. Also Panaracer Col De La Vie tires will give your bike a plush ride. I have a 1970 Raleigh Sports and made both of these modifications. I bought my parts from Harris.
I’ve already done that, Terry, but thanks! I have a 20 tooth now, and it’s better.