I have owned one just like that bike for over 40 years. Bought it at an auction for $15.
With that said, I will likely die with it. Mine came with a period correct rear rack, Wright saddle, and Dunlop tires, all of which are still on it today.
I also own a slightly newer Raleigh Sports, riding wise, I really see little difference. The frame is likely the same other than the decals.
Mine came with an original Lucas Cyclometer.
Robin Hood was a brand that was absorbed by Raleigh years ago, like so many other English brands brought into the fold they were essentially the same bike sold at a discount or as a way to better cover the market.
For instance, if Raleigh had a dealer selling their bikes, and the guy a block away wanted to compete, they set him up as a Robin Hood or other brand dealer. As a kid, we had two Raleigh dealers in town, one sold several English brands, plus a few other dealers who sold one or two of the sub-brands of Raleigh. There was Raleigh, then under that Rudge, Robin Hood, Hercules, Norman, Philips, Armstrong, Sunbeam, BSA, Triumph, and a few others were all brands that were eventually part of the same group and made very similar bikes, if not simply rebadged versions of the same bike. Headbadges, decals, and front sprockets, and sometimes saddles and accessories were all that differed between most of them.
These bikes were all well built, proven designs built to last a lifetime.
I currently own a half dozen or so in all, some have come and gone, but the Robin Hood has stayed and been my favorite over the years. I just recently tore it apart for a long overdue service and cleaning.
With that said, I will likely die with it. Mine came with a period correct rear rack, Wright saddle, and Dunlop tires, all of which are still on it today.
I also own a slightly newer Raleigh Sports, riding wise, I really see little difference. The frame is likely the same other than the decals.
Mine came with an original Lucas Cyclometer.
Robin Hood was a brand that was absorbed by Raleigh years ago, like so many other English brands brought into the fold they were essentially the same bike sold at a discount or as a way to better cover the market.
For instance, if Raleigh had a dealer selling their bikes, and the guy a block away wanted to compete, they set him up as a Robin Hood or other brand dealer. As a kid, we had two Raleigh dealers in town, one sold several English brands, plus a few other dealers who sold one or two of the sub-brands of Raleigh. There was Raleigh, then under that Rudge, Robin Hood, Hercules, Norman, Philips, Armstrong, Sunbeam, BSA, Triumph, and a few others were all brands that were eventually part of the same group and made very similar bikes, if not simply rebadged versions of the same bike. Headbadges, decals, and front sprockets, and sometimes saddles and accessories were all that differed between most of them.
These bikes were all well built, proven designs built to last a lifetime.
I currently own a half dozen or so in all, some have come and gone, but the Robin Hood has stayed and been my favorite over the years. I just recently tore it apart for a long overdue service and cleaning.