Looks like a pretty basic commuter bike. Three speed hub, which should need little maintenance over time (it might not be a bad idea to service it though). It wasn’t built for speed, but rather, in-town commuting, so has an upright riding position. It’ll also be quite heavy, and having just three speeds, might not have a huge range, such as mountain bikes usually have for steep hills, but it should cover most situations.
The wheels are probably intended for 27″ tires, which are a bit limited. I also can’t tell what they are made from- I think aluminum? Aluminum wheels brake ok in the wet, steel wheels brakes poorly in the wet.
Also, this bike looks quite large, you should probably be over 6′ to ride it
draiggoch83 on
Lovely English 3 speed bike c. 1970s. The year of manufacture should be stamped on the rear Sturmy Archer hub. These utility bikes are bulletproof and super fun and comfortable to ride. This appears to be the larger and more uncommon 23” frame. $70 is a good deal if there are no issues.
Legitimate-Source-61 on
It’s a Sports Light Roadster. They made many of these calling them different names and come in different colours. But fundamentally, they are the same frame.
The ride position is very unique and upright. Your knees are close to the handle bars. The fork rake is a lot. If you ride a road bike and then this, it takes some getting used to, but you’ll prefer it around town.
Mine is motorised.
The wheels are probably steel. I upgraded mine to aluminium rims, which are lighter and make the bike more responsive. If you do the same, then you’ll need to file the axle mounts as they are too narrow for modern axles.
The wheels are 26″ 1 3/8 but they don’t take mountain bike or hybrid tyres. So check carefully if you want to replace them. 26″ mountain bike inner tubes will fit OK.
BitterStatus9 on
I have a ‘73 Raleigh Sport. Very similar geometry. It’s a tank. If the brakes and hub are working then you got a deal. Keep it oiled up. The chain can get a little loose so it will strike the inside of the chain guard when you’re pedaling, but under normal use it should still be ok. And people will hear you coming 🙂
It’s really for flat/almost flat terrain. Lowest gear is no help at all on the slightest hill.
Pattern_Is_Movement on
These are solid, if you are looking for a daily cruiser as long as the hills around you are not too steep. They are heavy, but they are a pleasure to ride, with that bouncy seat and upright riding position.
Look for “made in England” it looks like this is one of the earlier ones still made there before it got shipped out.
Darnocpdx on
LTD is a smaller (youth) version of the Sports. But 70s Raleigh models did a few weird things here and there, so depends. So if your tall it’s likely too small for you, and off my head not sure of the limits.
This one looks like it 70s, check the rear hub, should be Sturmey/Archer, most likely an AW model. The month and year it was built is usually there.
It’s set up for mostly flat riding, so pedaling might be a bit much for many. This is easily fixed by changing the 18 tooth rear cog to a 20+ tooth one (I prefer 20). The modern Shimano cogs fit (up to 24 or 26), and cost about $10-$15. Might also need to add a link to the chain, or better yet, replace the chain (the wider standard one, not one for derailleurs.
To change the cog, remove the tire, remove the snap ring, replace cog, add snap ring, mount wheel.
For maintenance, a drop or two of straight (non synthetic) 30 weight motor oil in the hub every couple months, a tablespoon or so once a year down the seat tube for lubing the bottom bracket. (Park it where it can drain without damaging the floor for a couple days when doing the bottom bracket, I like to do this in the late fall so everything is good and coated for over the winter
26″ wheels, not compatible with Schwinn 26″ tires/tube. Most likely steel rims, but they did transition to aluminum on some 70s bikes.
Odds are shifter needs adjustment, easiest way to check is that it should free spin when the shifter is held between 1st and 2nd gear while obviously working on all three gear positions.
Great bike, I got a couple similar models in my barn dating back to 1938/9 and they all run smoothly.
One post mentioned gear range, it’s roughly the equivalent of 70s ten speeds, you just have gear 1, 5, and 10 instead of 1-10.
Great comfortable slow roller. If you want to sniff all the flowers and pet all the dogs…..and perhaps grab a few beers or groceries this bike will do it.
(Added: some might disagree but it’s a fair price, but you can probably knock em down to $40 or 50. Especially if the shifter needs adjustment).
I have two Dunelts, a Rudge and three Raleighs made between 56 and 72. All basically the exact same bike but in different colors. The Dunelts say “Ride awheel on Sheffield steel” on the top tube. Great bikes for sure. I call them townies. I have this same Raleigh in a rod brake set up and it’s one of my favorites to just leisurely cruise on. I’d gladly pay $70 for a functional example.
jsp612 on
Check out the Society of 3 speeds and the Gentlman Cyclist. Also 3speedtour.com. also the ABCE (all British cycling event) in Minneapolis. These bikes have a great following. They’re workhorses made to last as reliable transportation. Oh yeah, also check Sheldon Brown. They were built in the days when things were serviced and spare parts will be available for a long time still. It doesn’t have to be your only bike, but for hopping on to go a couple miles (or the 80 mile Lake Pepin ride), they’re comfortable and carefree. They’re also geared for Britain, and changing the cog on the hub from an 18 to a 22 tooth is a good idea.
blackdvck on
Good score ,great bike .
R J The bike guy on YouTube is the go for a tutorial on how to look after the Sturmey archer 3 speed hub .
These hubs just need a little love and they Will run forever.
9 Comments
Looks like a pretty basic commuter bike. Three speed hub, which should need little maintenance over time (it might not be a bad idea to service it though). It wasn’t built for speed, but rather, in-town commuting, so has an upright riding position. It’ll also be quite heavy, and having just three speeds, might not have a huge range, such as mountain bikes usually have for steep hills, but it should cover most situations.
The wheels are probably intended for 27″ tires, which are a bit limited. I also can’t tell what they are made from- I think aluminum? Aluminum wheels brake ok in the wet, steel wheels brakes poorly in the wet.
Also, this bike looks quite large, you should probably be over 6′ to ride it
Lovely English 3 speed bike c. 1970s. The year of manufacture should be stamped on the rear Sturmy Archer hub. These utility bikes are bulletproof and super fun and comfortable to ride. This appears to be the larger and more uncommon 23” frame. $70 is a good deal if there are no issues.
It’s a Sports Light Roadster. They made many of these calling them different names and come in different colours. But fundamentally, they are the same frame.
The ride position is very unique and upright. Your knees are close to the handle bars. The fork rake is a lot. If you ride a road bike and then this, it takes some getting used to, but you’ll prefer it around town.
Mine is motorised.
The wheels are probably steel. I upgraded mine to aluminium rims, which are lighter and make the bike more responsive. If you do the same, then you’ll need to file the axle mounts as they are too narrow for modern axles.
The wheels are 26″ 1 3/8 but they don’t take mountain bike or hybrid tyres. So check carefully if you want to replace them. 26″ mountain bike inner tubes will fit OK.
I have a ‘73 Raleigh Sport. Very similar geometry. It’s a tank. If the brakes and hub are working then you got a deal. Keep it oiled up. The chain can get a little loose so it will strike the inside of the chain guard when you’re pedaling, but under normal use it should still be ok. And people will hear you coming 🙂
It’s really for flat/almost flat terrain. Lowest gear is no help at all on the slightest hill.
These are solid, if you are looking for a daily cruiser as long as the hills around you are not too steep. They are heavy, but they are a pleasure to ride, with that bouncy seat and upright riding position.
Look for “made in England” it looks like this is one of the earlier ones still made there before it got shipped out.
LTD is a smaller (youth) version of the Sports. But 70s Raleigh models did a few weird things here and there, so depends. So if your tall it’s likely too small for you, and off my head not sure of the limits.
This one looks like it 70s, check the rear hub, should be Sturmey/Archer, most likely an AW model. The month and year it was built is usually there.
It’s set up for mostly flat riding, so pedaling might be a bit much for many. This is easily fixed by changing the 18 tooth rear cog to a 20+ tooth one (I prefer 20). The modern Shimano cogs fit (up to 24 or 26), and cost about $10-$15. Might also need to add a link to the chain, or better yet, replace the chain (the wider standard one, not one for derailleurs.
To change the cog, remove the tire, remove the snap ring, replace cog, add snap ring, mount wheel.
For maintenance, a drop or two of straight (non synthetic) 30 weight motor oil in the hub every couple months, a tablespoon or so once a year down the seat tube for lubing the bottom bracket. (Park it where it can drain without damaging the floor for a couple days when doing the bottom bracket, I like to do this in the late fall so everything is good and coated for over the winter
26″ wheels, not compatible with Schwinn 26″ tires/tube. Most likely steel rims, but they did transition to aluminum on some 70s bikes.
Odds are shifter needs adjustment, easiest way to check is that it should free spin when the shifter is held between 1st and 2nd gear while obviously working on all three gear positions.
Great bike, I got a couple similar models in my barn dating back to 1938/9 and they all run smoothly.
One post mentioned gear range, it’s roughly the equivalent of 70s ten speeds, you just have gear 1, 5, and 10 instead of 1-10.
Great comfortable slow roller. If you want to sniff all the flowers and pet all the dogs…..and perhaps grab a few beers or groceries this bike will do it.
(Added: some might disagree but it’s a fair price, but you can probably knock em down to $40 or 50. Especially if the shifter needs adjustment).
You’ll want this link too.
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/english-3.html
I have two Dunelts, a Rudge and three Raleighs made between 56 and 72. All basically the exact same bike but in different colors. The Dunelts say “Ride awheel on Sheffield steel” on the top tube. Great bikes for sure. I call them townies. I have this same Raleigh in a rod brake set up and it’s one of my favorites to just leisurely cruise on. I’d gladly pay $70 for a functional example.
Check out the Society of 3 speeds and the Gentlman Cyclist. Also 3speedtour.com. also the ABCE (all British cycling event) in Minneapolis. These bikes have a great following. They’re workhorses made to last as reliable transportation. Oh yeah, also check Sheldon Brown. They were built in the days when things were serviced and spare parts will be available for a long time still. It doesn’t have to be your only bike, but for hopping on to go a couple miles (or the 80 mile Lake Pepin ride), they’re comfortable and carefree. They’re also geared for Britain, and changing the cog on the hub from an 18 to a 22 tooth is a good idea.
Good score ,great bike .
R J The bike guy on YouTube is the go for a tutorial on how to look after the Sturmey archer 3 speed hub .
These hubs just need a little love and they Will run forever.