Raleigh Royal Roadster, wrapped in leather

Machine Age Victim

Finally riding a big boys bike

• May 9, 2013

• #1

Just picked this up off Craigslist. I've done some research and I know that the SA 3-speed hub dates to 1980, it's the English model (full chain guard) and it has a Brooks B-72. Anyway, I can't find out if leather wrapping was an option on these bikes, it does look factory installed (it's even on the factory made frame pump and grips), it could be a dealer add on. I haven't found another.

 

SirMike1983

Riding a '38 Autocycle Deluxe

• May 9, 2013

• #2

I've seen a ton of different Raleighs, but I've never seen that before. I've seen a couple Royals but none had leather. My guess is a pretty well-executed homebrew, but that's just an educated guess in the end. Maybe it was someone trying to play up the "Rolls Royce of bicycles" thing with it.

 

Machine Age Victim

Finally riding a big boys bike

• May 10, 2013

• #3

Thanks for your feedback! It's definitely not like any other I've seen either.

 

S

sailorbenjamin

Finally riding a big boys bike

• May 10, 2013

• #4

Yeah, I've been surfing the web for years and never run across one like this. Unique and cool.

 

Machine Age Victim

Finally riding a big boys bike

• May 16, 2013

• #5

Well, while cleaning it today I came across a little piece of information that tells me who did the leather work

Here's the only other one I was able to find, from a 2010 auction: http://www.blouinartinfo.com/news/s...y-film-beauties-lead-a-12-million-paris-sale/

 

Last edited: May 16, 2013

Goldenrod1

Finally riding a big boys bike

• Dec 22, 2014

• #6

WOW! Made my day. What a find.

 

Iverider

Cruisin' on my Bluebird

• Dec 22, 2014

• #7

I remember seeing one of those for sale awhile back for crazy money. In the end it's a raleigh with leather tube covering. Cool find though! The new Hermes edition bikes are around $11K!!

http://usa.hermes.com/surprise/bicycle/m-flaneur-60951.html

Crazy crazy crazy considering you could have a really nice custom framed bike (or two) for the same money!!

*I thought I should add that I didn't see the earlier Raleigh actually sell!

 

Last edited: Dec 22, 2014