It is a 1969 Raleigh with rod brakes. It says “Made in England”. I am still researching the model, but I think it is either a Tourist or Superbe. I am leaning to it being a Tourist. I bought it off of eBay for $81, and am going to clean it up, and ship it to my dad.
He had bought a bike like this years ago, and gave it to me to clean up for him. I never had a chance to do much with it. It was still at my mom’s house when I moved out. When we later cleaned out my mom’s house, the bike was gone. I think one of my brothers may have sold it for beer money. But my dad still mentions the bike now and then. When I saw this on ebay being sold by a local seller, I bid and won it. It needs a little bit of work, but is in much better shape than the other bike.
The front brake pads are missing. But I can buy those. I have seen some pictures, and it looks like some similar bikes have some sort of extensions the project the front brakes slightly forward, but this bike doesn’t have them. Not sure if it didn’t have them, or they are missing. I don’t think I will need them.
nice looking bike. it is definatley a tourist. i have a 1979 tourist that i bought new that may.i still find it more comfortable, & quicker than anything built today. it really attracts attention as well . its been a long time since i’ve seen another one. take good care of her.
Comment by gary sharrard — September 21, 2007 @ 3:10 pm
grande bicicleta.
Comment by joao lima — September 25, 2007 @ 5:10 pm
Hello. I`m from Portugal an i love raleigh.This bicycle it`s very rare in my country.The bike on the photo is a great machine, very elegant, pure raleigh style
Comment by carlos lima — September 25, 2007 @ 5:19 pm
Nice looking bike, just like my 1976 tourist. I’m looking for a source for replacement brake pads. Did you replace your front pads yet?
Comment by enzo — December 30, 2007 @ 12:59 am
I have high hopes for some rod brakes from this shop in SW london
Comment by chris — January 3, 2008 @ 11:53 am
http://www.cyclesofyesteryear.com/cycleshop/sparepart.htm
Comment by chris — January 3, 2008 @ 11:54 am
If your bike is black and origional the model is a Dawn or Dawn Tourist but I think the Tourist had cable brakes and the Dawn had rod brakes. Green Raleighs were Superb models with the same distinction as to the brakes.
Comment by ian — March 6, 2008 @ 7:40 pm
Hello I have I raleigh my self which I bought while I lived in the uk. I brought it over to Norway and now I need part for the breaks. Would you happen to know where I can buy parts for it, in london?
Comment by R cortez — May 21, 2008 @ 12:45 pm
Hey R Cortez, not sure what brake parts you are looking for. I bought brake pads for it on Ebay.
Comment by Rob — May 22, 2008 @ 9:08 am
That is a neat old bike! Not sure what exact model it is, but really cool, almost vintage. I have an old bike too, a “Crescent”, made in Sweden.
I like those bikes, as posters, there’s a page about old bicycle posters on my site: http://www.theposterfinder.com
Comment by Vintage-bicycle Mike — July 2, 2008 @ 5:43 am
If the wheels are 28 inch diameter then is may be a DL-1 with the chain cover removed. I have found Raleigh parts through Harris Cyclery and Menoteny Cycles. Look on Oldroads.com or retroraleighs via google. good luck
Comment by Spencer — July 21, 2008 @ 2:13 pm
I have a wonderful 1979 Raleigh Tourist, which I ride to work each day in fair weather. I am looking for brake pads and would love to hear from anyone who has a source.
Thank you,
Bob
Comment by Robert Holt — July 27, 2008 @ 10:27 pm
I have a similar bike, given to me by my neighbor. The S-A 3 speed shifter needs replacing, as do the tires. The rod brakes are a marvel of simple engineering. When the tires on my bike were good, I took it out for a ride and it was a very interesting ride. Once I was underway, say over five to 10 mph, the bike performed well, but just starting out is an exercise in balance. If you look at the rake on the front fork, the center of steering is WAY out in front of the bike, sort of like a chopper motorcycle, making low speed maneuvers a challenge. However, it’s still a fun ride, albeit once in awhile. An interesting thing about Raleigh bikes is that the rear fender always had the white paint. It’s foggy in Great Britain, and they’ll use whatever “safety” measures they can to make a rider visible. You have a very nice ride. Keep it in the family.
Comment by David R — August 5, 2008 @ 6:05 pm