In the photo above, Raleigh boss Frank Bowden is posing with a Raleigh X frame. As it’s fitted with a chaincase it is the ‘Superbe’ model. This photo was shown in order to introduce the model to the public. Professor Sharp’s comments from the CTC Gazette, quoted on its page, bear this out:
“The appearance of the X frame is sometimes objected to, as any departure from a standard pattern usually is; but, having become accustomed to it, I regard its appearance as more beautiful than that of the usual diamond frame.”
1900 Cross (X) Frame Raleigh Gent’s Light Roadster
Model 20D
24″ Frame
28″ Wheels
Frame No 71400
(Now sold)
A Raleigh X Frame from 1900 is extremely rare. (I think there is one other survivor). The model did not yet have a prominent position in the catalogue, but X frames proved popular with the public and, later in the 1900s, the Raleigh X Frame became the world’s most expensive bicycle.
Raleighs were normally fitted with a transfer (decal) on the steering head. However, to mark the centenary, a metal headbadge was used. It is unique to the Raleigh of 1900.
A feature of Raleighs in the early 20th century is an eccentric chain adjustment. The seat stay is removable and the rear dropout is closed. Instead of adjustment at the rear, a nut is turned at the bottom bracket to tighten or slacken the chain.
This example is in good rideable condition, but it has been well used in its lifetime: there are various small dents throughout the frame, and you can see where the frame was brazed in several places. It went back to the Raleigh factory to be updated, probably in the 1930s: the hubs, handlebar and front brake are later additions. There’s a tendency to restore bicycles, ensure every part is of original specification, and hide a bicycles’ bumps and bruises under a repaint. I prefer to see a frame unrestored even if there are imperfections, and in my opinion the update is part of its history.
It has recently been stripped and serviced. Though I’ve owned this unique X frame for the past 13 years, I now have another Raleigh X frame from 1904, so I’ve decided to let the 1900 model go.
DECEMBER 24th 1898: THE NEW RALEIGH FRAME:
This was first shown at the late National Show, but its merits were at once recognised by the critics, and there is every likelihood of quite a number of imitations being marketed next year – the usual fate of good things exhibited at the Shows…
The article, below, appearing in The Wheel in December 1898, dates the introduction of the Raleigh Cross frame from that year. The catalogue describes what was soon to be known as the Superbe X Frame as the ‘Patent Triangular Frame Raleigh.’
I enquired about the derivation of the term ‘X frame’ and marque enthusiast Andrew Millward explained to me:
In the 1901 Book of the Raleigh ie the complete catalogue, there is reference to “Superbe” models and X frame in it.
In the 1897 and 1898 catalogue the ladies’ X frame/superbe is described as the “Raleigh patent Lady’s safety frame” No 1 Nottingham made and No 2 Lenton made.
In 1900 they are collectively (the gents’ model was added in 1899) referred to as “Patent Triangular Frame Raleighs”, but the model name for gents No 20a and lady’s No 16 was “Modele Superbe”.
The term “X” frame was a term used to describe the various X- frame designs appearing around this time eg Referee, Centaur etc and was used in the cycling press and by technical writers such as Archibald Sharp.
HH THE KUMA RAJAH with his 1900 RALEIGH X FRAME
Many thanks to Andrew Millward for the 1901 Raleigh catalogue