1934 Raleigh Record Ace (Model No 45)

Indelibly associated with Britain’s top record-breaking cyclists of the late 1930s– Sid Ferris, Bert James, Charles Holland and Tommy Godwin– and living up to its name as few cycles ever have, Raleigh’s Record Ace (RRA) was a cycling icon throughout its nine-year (1934-1942) production run and even today, remains one of the best known British cycles ever built. Indeed, it began a veritable dynasty of Record Ace models that featured prominently almost to the end of British-made Raleighs.

Beyond its redoubtable palmères in road record breaking (one of which remains unbroken after 80 years), the Record Ace was flagship of the Raleigh Cycle Co. during their heyday in terms of sales, profits and expansion as well as that of cycling in general in Britain, then enjoying enormous national popularity during a rediscovery of fitness, health and sport. Reflecting this, it and the Super Sports (Golden Arrow) both introduced in 1934, marked a new era of Raleigh racing and club cycles that would endure for the life of the company. That year also saw the introduction of a new parallel range of Humber branded cycles including the Super Club, their version of the RRA.

Coveted today by collectors to whom the Record Ace both evokes the charms of inter-war road cycling in Britain and continues to give pleasure awheel to those fortunate enough to own and ride one. The RRA remains a lasting credit to those who designed and crafted it in Lenton, Nottingham, England “to suit the speedman.”

– Peter C Kohler, see link at the bottom of the page to his original article

1934 Raleigh Record Ace

Model No 45

21″ Frame

26″ Wheels

Fixed wheel

Brooks Champion Model 17 saddle

Frame No M49342

(Now sold)

This rare early RRA was restored by my friend Dave. It’s in very good all round condition and ready to ride.

Its frame number starts with ‘M’ and there is some confusion over what year that makes it. Apparently metal Raleigh head badges came out soon after 1934. As this one has a head transfer I assume it to be from 1934.