In a message dated 4/21/03 10:34:54 PM, classicrendezvous-request@bikelist.org writes:
<< Date: Mon, 21 Apr 2003 18:45:28 EDT
From: Jnlnjack@aol.com
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: [CR]1972 Raleigh 3-Speed Info wanted
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There was a Raleigh 3-Speed Sturmy Archer with pedal brake made in the early
1970s. I was told by Greg Honn at the recent T-town swap that this model was
partially designed by Papa Masi. Evidently he was consulted on appropriate
rake and so forth. Can someone direct me to info regarding this bike? I had
use of one as a teenager during my visits to the Island of St.Croix in the
USVI. It was a beautiful Gold color with white trim. It was a very elegant
ride.
Thank you in advance.
Jason Carpenter
Greenwich Village, Manhattan, NY >>
Hello Jason,
I have had very good dealings with Greg Hon over the years and I have found him to be entertaining and knowledgeable.
I don't know which Papa Masi he is referring to but I think this idea is likely to be more entertainment by him or on him that he has passed along. I have studied these bikes over many year models and can find little if any change in the geometry (other than production variance) going back to the early 1950's.
The geometry on the Sports class Raleigh 3 speeds may have been well established twenty years before that. The real classic Raleigh DL-1 Tourist with 28 inch wheels and rod brakes has been essentially the same since 1930 or so it seems and certainly have a different road manners form the Sports types.
I have had some gold Raleigh's in our shop from this era and the geometry would seem identical to the black, green and other common colors. Most of the Nottingham built bikes of this type had geometry that was so out of line that any consulting offered was wasted in production it would seem. Having said this a patient and experienced fellow with a good fork jig can make remarkable transformations in ride quality. Also, if you go after the frame and wheels with care and diligence one can make a silk purse from a sow's ear.
I think as Raleigh had a large in house design team and management that was inclined not to mess with successful and popular models (sometimes for decades) had little reason to acquired outside help and had a track record of refusing it if Alex Moulton's experience was the norm.
Perhaps Tony Hadland or Hilary Stone could chime in as they are closer to the source.
I think Greg was pulling your leg, then again I heard Ernesto Colnago worked on the Raleigh Chopper so who is to say?
Gilbert Anderson
North Road Bicycle Company
519 W. North St.
Raleigh, NC 27603
USA
Toll Free Ph: 800\u2022321\u20225511
Local Ph: 919\u2022828\u20228999
E-mail: cyclestore@aol.com