[Classicrendezvous] Re: Raleigh Sprite questions: not a classic but may be info.

(Example: Racing)

Date: Sun, 15 Oct 2000 07:48:57 -0400
To: "walter skrzypek" <wspokes1@hotmail.com>, classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
From: "Harvey M Sachs" <sachs@erols.com>
In-Reply-To: <F267yT7f2VWxfWfXyjT00002584@hotmail.com>
Subject: [Classicrendezvous] Re: Raleigh Sprite questions: not a classic but may be info.

At 10:31 PM 10/14/2000 -0400, walter skrzypek wrote:
>My girlfriends mom, upon hearing that I like "old bikes", asked me to look
>at a bicycle she had from some years ago. It is a Raleigh Sprite. The
>derailleurs are both Huret Allvit, appears very similar to the ones listed
>in the Dancing Chain, page 172-173, 1960-61. This bicycle is remarkably
>great shape and sits in her garage collecting only a small amount of dust.
>Dry rotted tires of course. The bicycle uses 27 in wheelset. I didn't take
>a real close look at the brakes or other components other than to notice a
>cottered crankset with a very unusual little symbol ??? I didn't look
>closely at the back to see a name. It is a Sprite model (tubing sticker
>stated, I believe, Reynolds 20??), The headbadge says England with a very
>nice rivited badge. She wants to get rid of the bicycle and I was looking
>at taking it off her hands. I am not sure of the size, I doubt it is close
>to my size though. If anyone knows anymore about this particular model.
>Let me know. I can get more details from the bicycle next weekend. What
>does a model such as this go for in price? You can email me offlist if you
>wish. Thanks in advance.

I remember the sprites a bit from late 60s. What pierces the fog of decaying brain would be the following: It was sort of a 'tween bike. Aimed at 3-speed buyers who wanted an upgrade. Basic 3-speed frame. I believe that you will find that the rims are chromed steel, but if it has the Dunlop stainless rims, it is worth something. Don't think I ever saw that. My memory is steel hubs with Sturmey-type rear axle flats, and an narrow slot in the rear drop-outs. Track nuts, mattress saddle, but can't remember if they had the nice Weinmann alloy roadster brake levers or cheapo British steel. I'm sure there are collectors out there, but it sure ain't "classic" in my book!

harvey sachs
mclean va.