1965 Raleigh Dawn Rod and Drum Roadster

[SirMike1983]

Here's a true oddity in the US: a 26 inch wheel bike with rod brakes powering dual drums. It's a 1965 Raleigh 3 speed that was original exported to Denmark as a commuter and then imported into the US.

Presently I have some stuff done on it (de-rust, preliminary brake mock-up, brake testing, some paint re-work). I'll be using this thread like the New World one and showing progress on the bike.

Entries for it:


http://bikeshedva.blogspot.com/2013/02/matching-bicycle-paint.html

http://bikeshedva.blogspot.com/2012/10/current-project.html

http://bikeshedva.blogspot.com/2012/10/removing-rust-from-fenders-hybrid-method.html

http://bikeshedva.blogspot.com/2012/11/making-your-own-bicycle-parts.html

 

[Wayne Adam]

1965 Raleigh

Hi,
Are you sure it is a '65?
Thety stopped using the enclosed chainguard in the 50's did'nt they?
I have a '52 Superbe with the same chainguard...Just wondering...............Wayne

 

[SirMike1983]

Hi,
Are you sure it is a '65?
Thety stopped using the enclosed chainguard in the 50's did'nt they?
I have a '52 Superbe with the same chainguard...Just wondering...............Wayne

For the standard Sports model in the US market, yes. Raleigh made different bikes for other markets though, and this Danish market bike has earlier features on a later bike because that's what was popular in that country. In fact, chain case Raleighs (including the Raleigh Sports type) are still being sold in Denmark today.

http://www.raleighbikes.dk/tourist/

Here's this year's Raleigh Sports Tourist model

 

[Wayne Adam]

SirMike 1983

Hi Mike,
Thanks for the info. I really like the bike. I presently have 12 Raleigh 3 speeds dating from 1952 through 1972, and two vintage Raleigh 10 speeds.
Raleigh made the best bikes period. Absolutely the highest quality & the easiest & most comfortable to ride.
Good luck with the project.....................Wayne

 

[bricycle]

12???????????

 

[Wayne Adam]

Brian

Hi Brian,,, Not really sure, it could be 14..........Wayne

 

[SirMike1983]

Hi Mike,
Thanks for the info. I really like the bike. I presently have 12 Raleigh 3 speeds dating from 1952 through 1972, and two vintage Raleigh 10 speeds.
Raleigh made the best bikes period. Absolutely the highest quality & the easiest & most comfortable to ride.
Good luck with the project.....................Wayne

The Raleigh Sports 3 Speed is the most practical and, I think, the best place to get started in vintage bikes. They're not all that expensive usually, they ride really nicely, they're built well, and you can get parts for them pretty easily. They're really, really comfortable to ride. I had a 23 inch frame Sports out today for a short trip, and every time I ride it, I'm reminded why I like the bike so much.

 

[SirMike1983]

I've done some cleaning and patching of the finish on the frame and fork. Looking improved a bit here, but still a ways to go for everything else.

http://bikeshedva.blogspot.com/2013/02/matching-bicycle-paint.html

http://bikeshedva.blogspot.com/2013/02/raleigh-dawn-tourist-progress-painting.html

 

[SirMike1983]

Cleaned up the handlebars and grips some this weekend. I also started on de-rusting the insides of the rims.

http://bikeshedva.blogspot.com/2013/02/cleaning-rusty-handle-bars-raleigh-dawn.html

 

[OldRider]

Hey Mike..........heres some of the 3 speed Raleighs I've owned over the years, mostly ladies models 50s to early 70s. Greatest British bike ever built