DrRumack80
Cruisin' on my Bluebird
1911 Raleigh No. 5 roadster, just arrived this week from the UK. Unfortunately, it suffered some damage to the rear carrier and chaincase, but nothing that can't be repaired.
It's equipped with a Sturmey Archer FN Tricoaster hub, made from 1914-1918, and front roller lever/rod brakes. This bike likely started out life as a single-speed, and was most likely upgraded to a 3-speed some time during WW1. The roller levers are concealed in the handlebar, which was a one year feature for 1911 under license from Lea Francis. The rear rod brakes and controlling lever were likely removed when the SA Tricoaster was installed, as they would have been redundant.
I hope to have the bike rideable shortly, and will then do a sympathetic restoration of cleaning the paint and polishing the nickle plated parts. I want to preserve most of the 115 year-old patina.
Photos #1 - #4 and the catalog image are courtesy of the seller's website, The Online Bicycle Museum
It's equipped with a Sturmey Archer FN Tricoaster hub, made from 1914-1918, and front roller lever/rod brakes. This bike likely started out life as a single-speed, and was most likely upgraded to a 3-speed some time during WW1. The roller levers are concealed in the handlebar, which was a one year feature for 1911 under license from Lea Francis. The rear rod brakes and controlling lever were likely removed when the SA Tricoaster was installed, as they would have been redundant.
I hope to have the bike rideable shortly, and will then do a sympathetic restoration of cleaning the paint and polishing the nickle plated parts. I want to preserve most of the 115 year-old patina.
Photos #1 - #4 and the catalog image are courtesy of the seller's website, The Online Bicycle Museum
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. My son would not even try to ride it. Makes for a good wall hanger though.

