If you are trying to determine the genealogy of your bicycle by it's features, go to our Vintage Bicycle Price Guide
which details bicycle features, wheel sizes, brake types, etc., as well as showing a price estimate for your old bicycle.
If you are trying to determine the make and model of your bicycle, go to our Vintage Bicycle Picture Database
which details bicycle features, wheel sizes, etc., as well as showing a price estimate for your vintage bicycle.
| OK so if I really want one, I can get a Guv'nor 3-speed... for $1895 + $75 S&H. That's a bit pricey... but for what it is, I suppose not utterly unwarranted. Thing is... as with many, I'm just now getting into the beginning of the "heating" season... and really... since there's no way of telling how much the cost will be... even if you estimate and DOUBLE the estimate... Well... let's just say that the Guv'nor would be better as a springtime purchase. HOWEVER.... I've been scheming... I have that Abley... never been assembled... and I think... with a little creative cobbling.... I could convert that into a "Path Racer"... Biggest challenge will be the brakes of course. Stay tuned...... Later! Larry "Boneman" Bone - Yeah... it just might work... by: 4.154.221.1 |
| Does anyone know when they switched from the older T-shaped seatposts to the newer "pillar" style? I see the older-style ones on machines from the 1930s and earlier. Why did they switch? Seems like the T-shape would be better as it allows you to adjust the horizontal position of the saddle. My 1931 Sunbeam has the modern "pillar" style. It appears to be original to the machine, but I could be wrong. by: 98.197.76.232 |
| I've always gone along with the 1934 to approximately 1940's theory simply because I have bikes of this age fitted with the "T" shaped pillar. The 30's bikes are geared and are theoretically supported by the S/A hub markings but the 40's bikes are pure guesswork as they are single speed Trade Bikes/Cycle Trucks and I'm guessing that they might just be 1940's machines (although they could quite possibly be 30's) ! "I used to be indicisive...but now I'm not so sure" etc springs to mind ! I've also often wondered if there is/was a definitive date when this style finally ceased. On a lighter note, I do find that large hairy scary spiders have a preference for the "T" style...it provides for a much more relaxed and secure life style and is far easier to build extensions without the need to apply for planning permission and specialist equipment ! Steve - it's on the web ! by: 93.96.36.127 |
| I bought an old Raleigh 3 speed at a moving sale. The bike has a decal on the rear fender - "NederlandsFabrik" and a dealer decal "Bruins Amsterdam". Is this a Raleigh made in Holland? It is a Raleigh Arizona, green, and the serial number was not on this sight. Any value? Let me know.-Ron C. by: 65.112.121.29 |
| "NederlandsFabrik" would be the number one clue here. An Holland built machine, unless of course there's a "Made In England" transfer on the top tube. I have a very nice LTD 3 in red in my collection... I forget what year it is but it's in excellent shape. You can check the rear hub for a date code stamped into the shell. Don't know if you're in the States or Europe... if you're here with us colonists, I daresay that bicycle, having been SOLD in Amsterdam, has come a long way in it's lifetime! Cheers! Larry "Boneman" Bone - I'm english too... well... somewhat. by: 4.154.221.1 |
| Uhhh... that red LTD-3... is of Holland manufcature... Later! Larry "Boneman" Bone - ADDD (Attention to Detail Defecit Disorder) by: 4.154.221.1 |
| Hi Folks, If you care to look at the Flickr group, Leonard Gundle (etc, etc) you will find discussion about a National (sorry UK) gathering of trade bikes (cycle trucks). A few like minded souls thought that a gathering together of these two wheeled leviathans would be a good idea. It would be interesting to hear your thoughts. The gathering would be under the title of the 'Fellowship of Trade Bicyclists' or FTB (full to bursting). Matthew - of the trade cycling. by: 82.3.83.171 |
| Anyone have an opinion based on personal experiences: when buying a modern clone of an English Roadster, which is your preference, an Indian or a Chinese model? I think both are currently in the marketplace, from what I read online. Thanks, Jon by: 69.91.87.99 |
| I've ridden both (a Hero and a Flying Pigeon) and I've seen a mechanic work on both in a shop. They are heavy, the plating is horrible, the fit and finish is generally poor. To be honest, there is no reason to buy either when the same money will get you a used english roadster of immeasureably greater quality. If you have to choose one, go with a political choice. Choose democracy. I'm fed up with chinese products. by: 24.215.86.150 |
| There was a time when we made things here. by: 207.69.137.39 |
| I'm with Warren on this one. There are plenty of real Raleighs, Humbers, Rudges, etc., if you're patient. I had a Mexican roadster once that was absolute crap -- I kept the wheels and rod brake parts, and junked everything else. by: 205.188.116.199 |
| A local shop told me they had located an old English roadster for me, a BSA to be specific, and I was very excited about another English bike in my collection. This BSA was worse than a Huffy. Made in Holland, it is called Classic and is the cheapest bike I've ever owned -but free. I will cut it up for the trash once I get the hubs off. Rear is a SA 3 spd with drum brake dated 02-88, not old. The rest is garbage but then what can you expect when competing with European wages against Chinese labor mills. This is why Huffy, Murray, Columbia etc all went out of business or overseas. I'll stick with REAL English bikes. by: 76.126.7.80 |
| I acquired a brand new "Abley" machine a while back. It's quality is dubious at best. Brand new in the original box from overseas... the frame was wrapped in this kraft paper stuff.... A nice idea to protect the finish.... execution could have been better... like maybe had they waited for the paint to DRY before affixing transfers and the tape.... It still sits unassembled in the garage. Mostly I had started to put it together... but there were things missing like appropriate nuts, etc. to allow for proper rod brake assembly and adjustments. Anyhow... my enthusiasm for putting it together waned considerably and it's now more like an albatross in the corner. Get an English machine by all means. They are out there and if you're patient you should be able to acquire one for a reasonable price. Later! Larry "Boneman" Bone - dis-ableyed.... by: 4.154.222.220 |
| Bought a late B.S.A. gents bike the other week for £20,have ridden it and it is ok,according to the 3 speed SA hub it is 1985.However I cannot believe how cheaply it was made!No brackets for a pump,no bracket for front light.Also very poor chrome work.I know Raleigh produced it using the B.S.A. name,I just wondered if they did this to produce a cheaper bike? by: 86.0.56.31 |
| There are European made bicycles that are of quality. I received as a gift a German made bicycle from Heidelmann of Hanover. This has a SA AW 1956 hub. The big difference is the 40mm thompson bottom bracket and the frame has drop outs like a track bike. I had my doubts about the bottom bracket but this was made well. Many good bikes are out there. I have owned Steyr of Austria that I think was far better than Raleigh. Sears bicycles that were made in Austria were high quality. I volunteer at a bicycle recycling shop called Buffalo Blue Bicycle. We often see many nice Roadsters not from the Nottingham plant. I should say my 1967 red Hercules is my best ride. The only bicycle in my garage that I can ride a no hands long distance. Ed by: 69.207.104.111 |