1963 Raleigh Sports S22

[wrongway]

I finally got a 3 speed British bike after having sold the herd off a few years ago. I've missed them and finally found this one for less than $100. I had a '63 Raleigh Sports before so this one had me curious as it looked a little plain. It looks like it's the economy model for that year. That explains the wheels. I can't understand why it has the 'grip shifter'. I might change that. And why that strange piece of medal under the stem bolt head? I'll just clean, re-grease, add new blackwall tires/tubes and ride as is. This might have awakened the bike collector in me.....

 

[Schwinny]

Glad you finally found one.
We've been three speed poor at the shop over this winter. Donations have slowed quite a bit. We can almost see the floor.

 

[Muji]

I love British 3 speeds. I’ve got a ‘63 also, but have never heard that designation (S22), is that a 22” frame?

 

[wrongway]

I love British 3 speeds. I’ve got a ‘63 also, but have never heard that designation (S22), is that a 22” frame?

If you look at the picture of the rear rim on mine it has a smooth appearance. The fancier models have grooves in the wheels. (someone else will jump in here and call the wheels what they are; I can't recall) Also the word 'Sports' isn't on the downtube, the tires were originally black-wall and the saddle wouldn't have been a leather Brooks, but a vinyl. I'm not disappointed with my pick Saturday. It was a great price and I'm learning about another model of Raleigh I didn't have.

 

[Muji]

Thanks. Mine was in a little tougher shape, but has the B72 (in non salvageable condition), and the standard shifter; and in 21” frame. I’m very curious what that bracket is on the stem, I hope someone weighs in.

 

[SirMike1983]

The "22" denotes the model number. The pre-fix "S" or "DL" denotes whether a "standard" model or a "deluxe" model. This is some what misleading because the what we think of as the "classic" Raleigh Sports with its westrick rims, double-ended cables/calipers, and other features was being called a "deluxe" model. The "s" for "standard" was a more economy model in between the cheaper Phillips/Hercules offerings and the classic Sports.

The 1963 US price list sets the S22 with AW hub at $54.95. That would be a little over $570.00 in current money. At $64.95, the DL22 Sports was a more expensive bike (about $674 in today's money).

The S22 was a little cheaper all the way around: Endrick rims instead of Westrick, XPT kickstand instead of the better Raleigh stand, cheaper calipers, cheaper levers, cheaper saddle, cheaper tires, etc.

The cheapening program of the 1960s meant that Raleigh began to emphasize the classic Sports as a "deluxe" bike and this sort of cheaper bike as the "standard". In a sense, it was a debasing of the Raleigh currency - making the normal seem "deluxe" and the cheaper seem "standard". Raleigh also was increasingly in competition in the US market with cheaper imports under Sears, Royce Union, JC Penney, Steyr, etc.

The tab on the stem appears to be the broken-off remnant of an aftermarket stem-top lamp bracket.

From the 1963 Raleigh USA price list -

Edit: this is not to use the word "cheap" in a derogatory way. The S22 is a decent bike. It's more about Raleigh/TI trying to cut costs without taking as much of a hit to its premium reputation.

 

[wrongway]

The "22" denotes the model number. The pre-fix "S" or "DL" denotes whether a "standard" model or a "deluxe" model. This is some what misleading because the what we think of as the "classic" Raleigh Sports with its westrick rims, double-ended cables/calipers, and other features was being called a "deluxe" model. The "s" for "standard" was a more economy model in between the cheaper Phillips/Hercules offerings and the classic Sports.

The 1963 US price list sets the S22 with AW hub at $54.95. That would be a little over $570.00 in current money. At $64.95, the DL22 Sports was a more expensive bike (about $674 in today's money).

The S22 was a little cheaper all the way around: Endrick rims instead of Westrick, XPT kickstand instead of the better Raleigh stand, cheaper calipers, cheaper levers, cheaper saddle, cheaper tires, etc.

The cheapening program of the 1960s meant that Raleigh began to emphasize the classic Sports as a "deluxe" bike and this sort of cheaper bike as the "standard". In a sense, it was a debasing of the Raleigh currency - making the normal seem "deluxe" and the cheaper seem "standard". Raleigh also was increasingly in competition in the US market with cheaper imports under Sears, Royce Union, JC Penney, Steyr, etc.

The tab on the stem appears to be the broken-off remnant of an aftermarket stem-top lamp bracket.

From the 1963 Raleigh USA price list -

View attachment 2174810

Edit: this is not to use the word "cheap" in a derogatory way. The S22 is a decent bike. It's more about Raleigh/TI trying to cut costs without taking as much of a hit to its premium reputation.

Very good info! Thanks! I didn't think about the levers being different, too. Also, what of the 'grip shifter'? That isn't original, is it?

 

[SirMike1983]

The twist grip shifter was available in 1963. However, the grip pattern in the spares book was different than what yours has. Your grip pattern matches the US market notes for the part, so yours may well be original. The twist shifter was made with a straight line grip design, as well as the mixed design like yours. In any event, I would replace it with a flick shifter. The twist shifter was somewhat notoriously unreliable.

 

[Muji]

SirMike, you’re the best. I appreciate all your insights on lightweights. Thank you!!

 

[wrongway]

Yes, thanks SirMike! Very appreciated!