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. The page below is from the 1907 catalogue.
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. Observe that the Superbe illustrated in this 1908 magazine has a front mudguard extension, while the model shown in the 1907 catalogue pictures still has the cut-off front mudguard. So I assume this must have been the changeover year.
The article says: Diamond frames now find a place beside the familiar Raleigh cross frame, only one machine of this latter type being now made. The highest grade model is the ‘Model Superbe’ at 15 guineas in gents’ and ladies’ pattern, fitted with the Sturmey Archer three-speed gear.
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1907 RALEIGH CATALOGUE
This catalogue can be viewed on the page for the 1907 Raleigh Cross-frame
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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.
