Tuesday, January 5, 2010

My New Old Raleigh Folder

For some time now I've been thinking about carrying a bike with me to work. I would be nice to be able to ride during my lunch hour. Aaron's blog (2whls3spds) opened my eyes to the Raleigh Twenty, a sturdy, Sheldon Brown approved, vintage 3 speed folding bike. A folding bike would work perfectly for me.

A nice 1970's Raleigh Folder (a.k.a. Twenty) appeared on Craigslist the other day. After conferring with Aaron I decided to buy it.

This is one of Aaron's bikes folded up and headed to the job site.

Here are two of Aaron's folders. The bike on the left has received a few upgrades.


This is the newest member of the family. I haven't done anything to it yet other than remove the front reflector.




Both fenders are in good shape.

The brakes are terrible! Aluminum rims and decent brakes will be my first upgrades.

These are the only numbers that I could see on the hub. Could 77 be the year of manufacture?

The bike is equipped with pump pegs.


I have lots of plans for this bike. Stay tuned.

21 comments:

  1. Okay, that does it. I'm going ask you to become my cool, obscure bike broker. You have a skill that should be used to help people with my illness.

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  2. Or enable it.


    Whichever. ;-)

    I spied that bike myself; the wife said no.

    Of course, I don't know that someone 6'-2" could ride that bike and look good doing it.

    ;-P

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  3. Regarding the hub, yes, the 77 refers to the year of manufacture of the hub, and most likely, the bike itself.

    Nice score! I keep thinking I should get a Twenty to add to my stable, but it seems a little silly when I have as many bikes as I do, and two of them are folders... one Brompton and one Dahon Hon Solo. Sheesh. I have a collecting gene.

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  4. I notice that some folders have been fitted with V brakes. Very nice acquisition!

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  5. I've been carrying a cheap chinaman folder for a couple of years now in my 23 year old jalopy as a lifeboat. Gives me piece of mind.

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  6. That is a cool bike. It'll take you on some great adventures, I'm sure.

    Keep us updated on your progress.

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  7. Congrats on the new bike! It's super cool, I'm looking forward to seeing where you take it, and more importantly, where it takes you.

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  8. Good Score!

    The hub date is 77 6 which translates to June 1977 making it a 1977 model bike, the fenders, brakes and chain ring confirm it. I believe Tektro makes a nice side pull long reach brake that will work with the 451 wheels. Here is a website with the most information available in one place for Twentys, has links to many different types of builds.

    BTW I may have a 3 one...

    Aaron

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  9. that looks good condition..my dad had a blue raliegh folder when we were kids,look like that but single speed called a stowaway,good old raleighs..cant beat them!

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  10. Thanks for the compliments guys. I need to upgrade the brakes before I'll consider taking it our for a real ride. I'll be posting my progress.

    Everybody keep warm.

    Myles

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  11. Very nice. I've always liked the Raleigh folder, and it looks like you scored one in pretty good condition.
    Man...I skip a few days of perusing the D/FW Craigslist and look what I miss! :)

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  12. Hey, how much did you pay for it? I am looking for a folder like this and have found one but I want to know what others are paying.

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  14. @ Adrienne

    For one in good condition $200+ is not out of line. I paid ~$90 for my first one and ~$150 for my second one. The first one had a severely rusted rim that I was planning on replacing anyway. The second one was in near perfect condition just filthy.

    I have seen them go as high at $350 on Ebay for a really nice one.

    Aaron

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  15. Thanks, Aaron! I just found one on CL for $300 with a vintage, plaid rack bag and a Brooks saddle. Looks to be in great shape. I will see if I can talk him down a bit.

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  16. Chuck-This bike just happened to come up for sale at just the right time, when I actually had the money to buy it. The planets aligned etc...

    Adrienne-Sounds like you just heard from the Twenty expert. I paid $140 but I'm going to spend more money for rims, brakes and a Brooks saddle. I guess $300 for an upgraded Twenty would be reasonable. I'll keep watching your blog to see if you get it. That would be cool!

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  17. Turns out it is a mid 60's 16in RSW with the original bags! I am going to try hard to talk the guy down! Keep your eyes open! (like I need another bike : )

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  19. @Adrienne that RSW is a whole 'nother beast. I just happen to have one of those too. They are not as common as the Twenty and I don't think they are as nice a bike to ride as the Twenty. I have mine as a curiosity piece more than anything else. The prices on those are all over the map. Mine was in decent condition but not completely original, paid ~$100. You may want to ride it first and make sure it is what you want. They fold from the bottom bracket and have a folding handlebar.

    Aaron

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  20. And of course Sheldon Brown has some wisdom to impart on the Compact RSW...Excellent set of pictures.

    Aaron

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