John Crump wrote:- I have been reading with interest the Raleigh build quality etc. In all the years that I rode and raced in Brit land I can not remember ANY mate that owned a Raleigh, OF COURSE Reg Harris was well know for his Raleigh track irons. Raleighs massed produced for the masses PROFIT the only conce rn. NOT the clubmans choice. I know this will bring lots of replys to the con trary, So lets hear it.
I have to support John in his contribution on Raleigh bikes .He's quite
correct in stating they were not the average clubman's choice of mount.
Any mass produced sports bike of the period as opposed to the true
lightweight was a non starter.
Along with John memories I also did not see a Raleigh used by
the serious cyclist in my 20 years as an active clubman. Neither am I
able to offer any reason why any of the household named bikes of the
period did not find their way into the club world. It was a fact of life !
It must be said they were bought in large numbers by members of the
ordinary public for their leisure and domestic purposes alike.
Doug Smith
North Dorset
UK