adventurepdx

Well, it's more "spot one in the wild" than actually own one right now, I don't need another bike.
Plus, the price is a little too rich for my tastes.
Double plus, it's too big.
Triple plus: The post is from two years ago.

jackbombay

He did post recently and still has 2 for sale though, but, yea, too big is a deal breaker no matter what.

vintagebicycle

There was one just like this, only in much nicer condition on CL here all last summer for $40 with no takers. I finally emailed the guy and got it for $20. It was 6 miles away from my house.
Its been converted to twin trigger shifters but came with the original SA levers like on this bike as well.
I only bought it for the rims, figuring I could use a minty set of Raleigh rims on something else, but never got around to it. I've actually started to use it on occasion because mine came with folding rear saddle baskets and a small basket in the front. For some reason it fits me better than my Sports, its a 21" frame but it sits taller and I get better leg extension somehow.
Mine came with a Brooks saddle, which I promptly sold online. Its got a Messinger cruiser saddle on it now but I have a period correct padded Brooks to put on it.
I've been meaning to dig it out and go through it real well but never have. I've just been using it as found for the last 15 or so years. I'm sure the BB and hubs could use some fresh grease by now. Its likely just going to become my loaner bike if I ever get around to going over it properly. I think its even still got its original tires on it.

cudak888 

I've found that ladies' pre-27", IGH S5 Sprites - especially in rough shape - do not pull a premium over a similar ladies' Sports.

In fact, they may run cheaper because of the likeliness of the plastic S5 shifters (if not replaced with the metal versions) to crack and the lack of documentation and name recognition vs. the 3-speeds.

I'm not sure if this also applies to the men's models. They're basically identical to a later 1970's 5-speed Superbe, but again - without the name recognition.

That is a gorgeous burgundy Raleigh Sprite. Got a picture of that whole beauty?

-Kurt

dweenk

That's about one hour away from me. If I bought them, my wife would shoot me and be justified for doing so.

thumpism 

Pick 'em and bring 'em to me. I won't tell my wife and everyone will be happy.

gster

This bike originally had the plastic shifters that I replaced.

cudak888 

I figured it was a plastic-shifter substitute - I wouldn't be surprised if most steel-shifter early Sprites out there didn't start out as such.

She's an absolute beaut. Kudos for keeping her up so nicely. I'm a sucker for Rudge Maroon on a Raleigh.

-Kurt

gster

Thanks
It doesn't get out that much..
It's a "show" bike...

cudak888 

Fifty-buck Raleigh Sports and Sprites in New Hampshire:

https://nh.craigslist.org/bik/d/tilt...308529370.html



-Kurt

jamesdak 

Well, after years and years of not finding an old school Guv'nor with rod brakes and all I finally broke down several months ago and bought a new one. Totally not C&V but still based on the original 1930's design. Surprised when it showed up without a round tube crowned fork and wondered if Pashley made a mistake. Emailed an inquiry and they said that they've updated to fork but with all the COVID mess hadn't updated the specs on the webpage. Seriously relaxed angles. I have the Brooks pushed all the way forward on the seatpost and it's still farther back off the BB then any of my bikes. The wheelbase is more than 5" longer than the one on the 56cm De Rosa I just took in.

Beautiful bike and the first 9 mile shakedown was a joy. Hopefully it's ok to share it here as I spend most of my time on the C&V forum.


Saddle has been moved forward since this picture was taken.

Pretty place to lay your hands.

Pinstriping on the rims, cool!

cudak888 

Can't tell from the picture, but it's different from this crown? Would love to see a pic.




-Kurt

BFisher

@jamesdak, so cool. It may not be vintage, but I'd call that a classic. And with those drum brakes you don't have to worry about marring up those nice pinstriped rims.

These slack old roadsters have style and comfort for miles. Enjoy that beauty.

jamesdak 

Yep, here's what it came with. Looking at their site it looks like the fork they are using on the more expensive Morgan 3. I guess this will be the new norm for the Guv'nor. Sorry for the crappy cellphone shots, these are what i grabbed las night to send to Pashley when I was asking them about this. They were quick to respond as the reply was waiting when I woke up this morning.


Totally blown out exposure but it shows the difference.

Oop, looks like missed some wax there when I buffed it out, LOL!

cudak888 

I like it - it looks like a proper crown from an early turn-of-the-century machine and not another Raleigh ripoff.

-Kurt

jamesdak 

Yep,I got this for those days I just want to meander along and enjoy the ride vs working out on one of my road bikes.

Some more pics to show the details.


Bolted on seat stays

S/A 3 speed

I think it's a pretty crank

Drum Brakes

Surprised how light the titanium B17 felt compared to all my normal Brooks.

Now that's a Name!

Beefy lugs

Simple but I do like the looks. May play with the angle of the bars to get optimum comfort

Gotta have the bell.

Guess I am "stepping back" a bit with this and my other new purchase. I've sold off close to 20 of the road bikes and on top of this I have a sweet Azor step through Dutch bike on order to be my utility type ride. Big departure from all my steel racers but I've been missing what my old AMF Hercules gave me in terms of carrying capacity in an upright position. The Azor will fill that need and more.

jamesdak 

i do too. In fact I was digging the fork the first day as I put the bike together and it didn't dawn on me until last night that it wasn't what the bike was advertised as coming with. This crown is drilled so that gives some fender/rack capability and looks like it's setup for and internal wire from a dyno hub to a light.

vintagebicycle

The Raleigh Nottingham England 5 Speed





This popped up a little while ago, about a half hour from Philly.
Looks like a small, 20.5" frame

gster

I always wanted a Guv'nor but could never justify the cost...
I'm a bit jealous...
just sayin'

BFisher

Dunelt Roadster in NJ: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...tory_type=post

jamesdak 

I wouldn't have done it if I hadn't freed up so much cash selling off a bunch of bikes. And of course, a year of Covid keeping me more at home sure helped the bank account. Just had it back out after making some fit adjustments and it's even better now.

vintagebicycle

Another one in NJ:

Raleigh Sports - 3 speed - 23" frame





23" frame and pretty clean looking going by the one pic.
Looks like later 70's model.

Ballenxj

Curious, where did you find this in the U.S.? Link would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

jamesdak 

Ordered it from Loring at

https://www.britishbicycle.com/


Pashley is quoting a longer time for delivery on their site than mine actually took. It was like 3 1/2 months from when I ordered to when the bike was delivered.

Ballenxj

Thanks for the rapid response. WOW! They aren't cheap are they?