GENT’S ROADSTER … ROUTIERE POUR HOMMES … HEEREN ROADSTER … BICICLETA PARA CABALLEROS
LOS TALLERES DE LA ‘RALEIGH CYCLE COMPANY LIMITED’ estan situados en Lenton, Nottingham (Inglaterra). Hace mas de 30 anos los establecieron unos hombres laboriosos que dedicaron sus vidas a la production de no solamente bicicletas se alta calidad, sino de bicicletas que siempre reunen las ultimas mejores. Ano tras ano, con adelantos siempre en aumento, la compania ha ensanchado sus talleres hasta que, desde un modestisimo taller, estos se han transformado en una fabrica gigantesca llena de maquinaria, que cubre mas de 7 hectareas y da emplo a mas de 2,500 operarios.
– Raleigh Catalogue
‘This is the Age of Steel!’ proclaimed Raleigh in their advertising brochure, pointing out that their ‘All-Steel Bicycle’ describes the fundamental difference between the Raleigh and other bicycles. It is a testament to the quality of manufacturing of that time that this machine is still in good running order nearly nine decades later.
In 1923, Great Britain was the world’s leading industrial nation, and bicycles one of its leading exports, so Raleigh’s catalogue was printed in a variety of languages. Given his record in the wars between Spain and England, I’m not sure how the Spanish version was received when accompanied by the reference, below, to Sir Walter Raleigh.
1923 Raleigh All-Steel ‘Modele Superbe’ X Frame
Frame No 893610
26″ Frame
28″ Wheels
Roman Aluminium Non-rusting Rims
Sturmey-Archer 3-Speed (‘Model K’) Gears
Raleigh Patent detachable oilbath Gear case
Original Green Enamel Finish with 22ct Gold leaf Lining
Amazing Original Condition, with all Transfers (Decals) Intact.
Fully Serviced and Ready to Ride
Raleigh’s Lifetime Guarantee!
(Now sold)
An original vintage bicycle of this quality rarely comes onto the general market. Enthusiasts find out about them before they are advertised and they simply move from one collection to another. I would never have managed to prise this particular example out of my friend’s garage had it not been for the fact that I’d recently bought a bicycle that he craved (a Lea Francis). I definitely did not want to sell the LF, but he persuaded me by offering this beauty in part-exchange. I already own an older Raleigh X-frame of similar quality (not for sale). So this fabulous 1923 Superbe X Frame is now available for a fellow enthusiast to own, ride and enjoy.
Top quality vintage machines are very viable investments in these times of economic duress. When you put your money into a wonderfully preserved and original 89-year-old bicycle such as this – at £16 10/- the most expensive bicycle you could buy in 1923 – you will be rewarded with an appreciating asset that also provides excellent daily transport, healthy exercise, and is a fabulous conversation piece wherever it goes…
