Raleigh RSW 16" Rehab, it's different
 

All,

I picked up a Raleigh RSW (Raleigh Small Wheel) from a non-profit bike shop that was forced to downsize. Shout out to Velocipede Bike Project. Also picked up four Dahon 16" folders, but that's another story.

Now to the RSW.

Unlike any RSW I've seen. Sideways fold. Carrying handle and SA three speed with coaster brake. And had signs of aging and neglect, cables rusted in place, tires flat, rust everywhere, no chain.


https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...90dab44219.jpg
This is a beauty.

For two days all I saw were problems. But I did squirt PB Blaster on the rusted stuff. Overnight I did research and my RSW was 'different'

Today I started by removing the busted bell. Then concentrated on the folding lever locking nut/bolt. They were rusted together, so heat (propane torch), PB Blaster and persuasion got that apart(sorry, no pictures).

Pictures.


https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...e3f5aff479.jpg
Head Badge
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...3585d95e25.jpg
Store sticker.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d5300147af.jpg
Carrying handle and rusty lock nuts
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...1939ca4219.jpg
Sideways fold.

End of the first page

More pictures
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...966aee0477.jpg
Used propane torch and PB Blaster, but it's apart and wire wheeled.


https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...4bdcd8d4d7.jpg
I hope this isn't a problem.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...10efda20e9.jpg
Sturmey-Archer THREE SPEED, I put a few drops of non-detergent 30 weight in it.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...7cacb58a0d.jpg
Three Speed with a Coaster brake.


My hands smell of solvent

wonderful example to work on! At least it’s all there. From the badge it’s not made in England. Wonder where? What is the date code on the hub?

I love my 79 R20!

3Speed,

Good call, not made in GB. Nuts are 14 and 15mm. Yes!

The Hub is a SA TCW III. And there is a widely spaced "7 1".

Sheldon Brown doesn't care for this hub, but others offer dissenting opinions. I like it.


https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...b852f500a3.jpg
TCW III, with widely spaced "7 1"

All,

A RSW owners group on facebook straightened me out on it's uniqueness. Thank you. It is the rare Japanese made model.

A seasoned mechanic at Velocipede worked on this bike for three hours and was duly impressed the quality of the parts. Then more impressed when he rode it around.

Now with new bearings and grease in the headset/bottom bracket/front hub, new chain, shifter and pedals, it is a nice riding bicycle. Solid. A bit too small for my 6', 260lbs. But it will make someone very happy. Just hope it's appreciated.




https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...01d09dacd1.jpg
Raleigh Small Wheel, Raleigh's answer to the Moulton.

Thanks for getting back and showing us the Raleigh folder.

Would be cool to find one of those around my neck of the woods!

I quite enjoy the ride of my 16” Brompton wheeled machine. How do the 14” handle the roads?

These are 16 x 1.75 and rated at 40 PSI. It was a solid, soft, and comfortable ride. But felt like the handlebars were at my knees.

A facebook group(owners/resource?) pointed me in direction of someone who had a Japanese one(like this).

My bad, don’t know where I got the wrong idea it had 14” hoops!

Just Googled Raleigh RSW 14, fairly rare. There is a "junior" model with 14" wheels. So they do exist.

Drexel Hill Cyclery - Owner's Biography
The original shop that sold your bike may still be in business. Before Raleigh went through their corporate convulsions, Drexel Hill Cyclery was a big Raleigh dealer. I bought a few Raleighs from them over the years and had a couple of vintage Raleighs serviced there. He may be able to help you some information. Frank’s father was the original owner of the shop.

Looks like they are open. Cool.

The badge which doesn't have Nottingham at the bottom simply means it was built elsewhere in the UK,
Raleigh had several 'satellite' factories. My guess on this one is Northern Ireland.

Found this (I don't know if this link will work, but here goes).

For sale fully restored 1970s Raleigh 16 (made in Japan) vintage folding bicycle!

Mine just went on it's first Baltimore Bike Party, Halloween edition. Got a lot of comments. (ridden by someone smaller that I)


https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d14acf74df.jpg
I kinda like the rusty old time look