Since its introduction in the last few years of the 19th century, the X Frame became the best-known Raleigh. Until World War One, it was the company’s top-of-the-range model, and one of the world’s most expensive bicycles. After the War, bicycle prices were reduced to meet new demand from commuters, but the X Frame was retained throughout the 1920s and was one of the company’s most popular models.
However, the beginning of the 1930s presented cycle manufacturers with a different economic climate, and the expensive X Frame was no longer Raleigh’s prime seller. All companies needed to rationalise their production costs, so Raleigh introduced a new range of lightweight bicycles instead of the heavy duty roadsters they had previously advertised.
The X Frame’s sturdiness was ideal for unmade Irish roads, so Raleigh offloaded a large batch to Ireland for local assembly, and many were sold to the Irish Constabulary. As a result, in the British Raleigh catalogues of the 1930s it was renamed the ‘Police Model’ or the ‘Irish X Frame’ and advertised without chain case or gears at a reduced price. In similar fashion, in 1934, many of the remaining X Frames were sold to Holland for assembly and sale in that country. Within a few years it was completely dropped from Raleigh’s catalogues, though it was still available by special order, and was still in demand from customers around the world.
As you can see from its name on the transfer (decal) illustrated below, this example was a special order …and instead of being named a ‘Superbe’ it was called a ‘Standard’ even though the Standard illustrated in the 1934 Rasleigh catalogue was a normal diamond frame.
When bicycles have been overpainted during their lifetime, we often miss original details. It’s only because this X Frame is well-preserved with unrestored original paintwork that we are able to see this interesting detail in the history of Raleigh bicycles.
1934 Raleigh ‘Standard’ X Frame
26″ Frame
28″ Wheels
Raleigh (named) inflator pump, pedals and saddle
Frame No T50135
(Now sold)
Though there may be other examples of a ‘Standard’ X Frame rather than the usual ‘Superbe’ I have not seen one before. This is an excellent original example with unrestored paintwork, and the surviving original gold transfers (decals) are a testament to the quality of Raleigh bicycles built – in this case – 92 years ago. The handlebar grips are replacements (though very attractive), the saddle is a later one though it has the Raleigh name stamp on it so is a appropriate, and the wheel rims have been repainted at some time (though it would be hard to tell). All the components (apart from the grips) are original Raleigh items. It was serviced in our workshops last week and is ready to ride.
1934 RALEIGH CATALOGUE EXTRACTS
