1908 Raleigh ‘Model Superbe’ Gents X-Frame No 20A
You don’t see so many early cross-frames any more. This ‘08, with frame number 208697, is ripe for a mechanical restoration.
Note that 10% discount was given for cash purchase – which meant it would cost only 13 guineas instead of £17 10/-
The original green paintwork, with its gold lining, is surprisingly well-preserved for a 100-year-old bike, and this will remain untouched. I much prefer oily rags to fresh paint.
It even has a Raleigh head transfer that’s still clearly discernible despite the ravages of time.
Quite a few vintage bicycle fans were after this one, and I was very lucky to have spotted it, made contact, and immediately concluded the transaction before anyone else.
In fact, I did not even see clear pictures of it before paying for it. But you have to move fast when something like this comes up. I was obviously delighted when I did eventually see it for the first time.
It retains its original saddle, with the Raleigh emblem stamped in.
The gearing is a Sturmey Archer V17379
I’ll update this page as its restoration progresses
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Here it is featured at the 1908 Stanley Show. Price was 15 guineas.
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1907 RALEIGH CATALOGUE
UPDATE AUGUST 2009: This wonderful x-frame has now gone off to my friend Tony’s house to be mechanically restored in his spare time.
