One feature on my Yahoo Group "Roll Britannia" that might be of interest to folks here is my little illustrated history of the Raleigh Clubman c. 1948-51.
This can be found in the FILES section of sister group Roll Britannia 2 used for overflow files and photos. Please note you need to join both groups to access files and photos.
http://groups.yahoo.com/
http://groups.yahoo.com/
I got my 1951 Clubman back from the cycle shop today with an NOS FC (four-speed close ratio) hub (1950 dated so close enough!) now fitted instead of the original (and boring!) AW. With a 16-tooth sprocket, she should be much livier and I look forward to running her in tomorrow on Hains Point here in Washington.
This is a remarkable machine being almost brand new and unused until I got her two months ago. Except for some shopworn paint, she's nearly mint. Remarkable. Even had the original Dunlop HP Roadracing tyres but these had to be replaced as they had perished to the rims.
These 1940s-50s club bikes are delightful to ride. In my humble opinion no other machine has quite manage to combine comfort, roadhandling, lightness and speed in one handsome, utterly British package. As ideal for a 70-mile day's run to Leesburg and back as for fast laps on Hains Point where they can best the newest and lightest machines ending in vowels from a certain Mediterranean peninsula.
P.C. Kohler
Washington, D.C.