Pedalling softly along the pavement, the well-oiled tick-tock of the rear hub mixing with the sound of the crisp autumn leaves rushing beneath the tires, I admire the smooth and efficient progress of this 1953 Raleigh. Every mechanical action feels solid, as smooth and precise as the day it left the factory in Nottingham, England.
1953 was a special time for the bicycle, and particularly for Raleigh. Their popular Sports and Roadsters models had become the premier form of human-powered transportation, being considerably lighter and quicker than either the old heavy English utility roadster or the American "balloon-tire" cruiser bikes. In 1946, Raleigh and other English bicycle manufacturers accounted for 95% of the bicycles imported into the United States. Moreover, Raleigh's dominance in the transport Bicycle market during the 1950s came at a time when automobile ownership in Europe was limited and the Bicycle was considered a primary means of transport.
This 1953 Raleigh Sports, with it's 3 speed Sturmey Archer 'pre-selector' gears, dynamo lighting, caliper brakes and all-steel construction, showcases all of the qualities that made Raleigh the top choice for bicycling in the 1950s. Since it's formation in 1887 was a manufacturer that put quality above any concern of cost. The Raleigh Bicycle was compared to the Rolls-Royce Motor Car, both companies famously striving to produce the best without sacrifice, and all of it's 66 years of technical innovation and knowledge is evident in this cycle.
The 57 year old paint is deep and lustrous, the surprising lack of scratches testament to the durability of the original workmanship. Every nut and bolt turns with the precision that comes from precisely machined tolerances and expensive materials.
Whether you are pedalling or coasting, a flick of the thumb selects the next gear, and when you briefly stop and resume pedalling, the hub moves silently into the selected gear. There are 3 ratios available, being 70%, 100% and 130% of the chosen ratios. The ratios can be fine tuned by selecting different size cogs for the rear hub, which are of the common type easily available today. On my hilly test route I found only the direct and 30% lower gears to be useful, although they were well judged.
The geometry of the bike is not as slack as you would imagine, and the handling is surprisingly contemporary. The low speed maneuverability is outstanding, and although there is a slight loss in high speed stability, that trait is compensated for by the gyroscopic effect of the steel wheels. Beyond the modernity of the handling, what really surprises with the ride of this machine, is the pedalling efficiency. The bike pedals extremely well, mostly because of the quality of the mechanicals but also because the geometry produces a powerful cycling form. The upright riding position can be tailored to match any rider or preference, with a broad range of adjustment.
Handlebar set an inch below the saddle for a six foot rider.The 1950s design hides its bulk well. With the lighting system and mudguards, the bike weighs approximately 40 lbs, but somehow the weight is never an issue. Compared to my 16 lb Merlin Extralight Road bike, it is heavier, but it also has more momentum. It is surprising how little the weight matters, and when you consider that the bike is intended to be loaded with 200 pounds of rider and cargo, it becomes even less of an issue. I would not hesitate to take this '53 for a 10 mile trip.
The full chaincase is incredible. When riding or handling the cycle, you don't have to worry at all about chain grease staining clothes, which is liberating in a way that I hadn't expected. No longer does a bike ride require a change of clothes, a tuck of trouser into sock - just hop on and off you go. The system is also completely quiet, and has an appealing early aerodynamic style to it. There is no doubt that it is an added complexity when it comes time to change the chain or tire, but this is a rare event.
By the mid 1950s, Bicycle sales began to decline in Europe as automobile ownership became increasingly common. As the market shrank many of the English manufacturers were acquired by Tube Investments to form the British Cycle Corporation, and in 1957 they also acquired Raleigh Cycles, consolidating production at the Raleigh Factory in Nottingham, which then began producing not just Raleigh, but Humber, Phillips, Hercules, Rudge BSA and Sun. Thus began the dilution of the Raleigh brand, and the Raleigh product.
The 1952-57 Raleigh's therefore represent the product of an independent company at it's height of manufacturing ability. It shows everywhere you look and touch on this machine, from the quality of the chrome to the smoothness of the bearings. These are fantastic vintage bicycles that are a joy to use.
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