Re: Latin 101 was Re: [CR]1937 Raliegh track bike on Ebay

(Example: Framebuilding:Tubing:Falck)

From: <"kohl57@starpower.net">
To: ternst1@cox.net, julians@optonline.net, emeneff@earthlink.net, classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Date: Mon, 12 Sep 2005 14:40:02 -0400
Subject: Re: Latin 101 was Re: [CR]1937 Raliegh track bike on Ebay


Well wait a sec guys, this machine is not as downmarket as one might believe.

Using the aforementioned 1938 Raleigh Catalogue (are these lovely to look at or what?!), what is on eBay sure isn't a Sport Model 31. It's rathe r most likely a Special Club Sports Model 37. Why? Chromed round section Russ forks (not offered as a stock or option on the no. 31). Detachable chainring (not offered on the no. 31). Low bottom bracket (10 1/2 clearance, the no. 31 had the older higher clearance). Saddle (what ap pears on the eBay machine jibes with the specs for the no. 37 , a Brooks not a

Terry racing mattress). Handlebars: the no. 31 had bakelite covered 'b ars, the no. 37 has the same set up as on the eBay machine. The front brake is indeed missing. Ditto the celluloid mudguards. Grips are not original.

Now... I don't think this is a 1938 no. 37. Why? Because it do esn't have brazed on pump pegs. These were new c. 1937-38 I think. Also the 193 8 machine is claimed to have 71 parallel angles (this is year when the frame s were tightened up from a 69 or so to 71) and this sure doesn't look like a

71 to me! So I am guessing she's a no. 37, c. 1936. The only headscr atcher is the coloured peak head.

So she sure ain't no RRA. And no Reynolds anything. But come on guys, how often do you find what is assuredly an all original mid 1930s Raleigh club

bike on eBay that's here in the USA?

Another eBay scam or "rip off". Neither. Heck, the guy's reserve might be $350 or $100.

So if a 21" frame fits, someone buy her, clean her up (trust me, she'll polish up like a new penny as these old British beauties do), get some classic "all black" cycling kit and run her from John O'Groats to Lands End. The Pathe newsreels camera won't be there to record it, but you'll have the time of your life on a sweet little British club bike.

Peter Kohler Washington DC USA

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