FS: 1972 Raleigh Sports, super original and in lovely condition - a bit special!

NOW SOLD - NOW SOLD - NOW SOLD - NOW SOLD - NOW SOLD - NOW SOLD

1972 Raleigh Sports 3 speed that I originally picked up on the forum after a tip off from @GA2G - original thread here:
https://www.lfgss.com/conversations/172004/#comment7409169

When I picked it up it was totally original - down to the tyres and inner tubes - and even came with the original documentation - including the unposted warranty card, users manual, assembly instructions and the tag that hung on it in the shop!

The story was that it belonged to an American who had imported it at some point, then brought it into Vaidas Bicycles in Forest Hill where he took it in part payment/exchange. This makes sense as the brake levers were the U.S. way round (I reversed them), it had an American bell and the warranty card is addressed to Raleigh North America.

The paintwork is a shade of metallic brown, but that description belies it's true beauty - it's an absolutely lovely colour and the kind of hard wearing paint that's no longer OK to make because environment.

It took a LOT of work to restore it, including countless hours of polishing with Brasso and Autosol, and the saddle bag needed some work so I took it to a saddler for restoration - Mia Sable (http://www.sabelsaddlery.co.uk/home.html) in Walthamstow, who did a lovely job.

Mechanically it's in great order and the Sturmey Archer hub works very well.

The only none original parts now are the Schwable Delta Cruiser tyres (which I reckon really suit it, the original tyres were paint damaged) and the pedals, which are as close to the (knackered) originals as I could get. Plus the brake pads have been upgraded to Kool Stop Salmon (so you can actually stop!) although they are 46 years old so they aren't all that - or self centering - so please bear that in mind.

It's a very cool bike which always get attention and admiration and gives a relaxed, comfortable and stylish ride: if not fast, as it's not light!

I'm actually very attached to it and am only selling because I need the space, but it's got to go, so I'm hoping to find a nice home for it...

It cost me £80 and I spent about £150 on restoring it, so how does £125 £115 sound?

NOW SOLD - NOW SOLD - NOW SOLD - NOW SOLD - NOW SOLD - NOW SOLD

It has a 56cm top tube, 56cm seat tube. Pick up from Clapton, E5.

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That's gorgeous!
Wish I had room for it .

Yeah proper gentleman's bike that. Glws!

Lovely. Not local, don't have the space for it even if I was but I want it anyway :)

Glwts!

Gorgeous!!

What. A. Beaut.

Very interested. I'll PM ya

Would have had this instantly for the wife, if only a little smaller

Lovely. I restored one of these a few years ago for a friend of mine, but not quite to your standard sadly as the mudguards on mine were a bit more tatty.
They're such fun to ride! Proper sedate way of life. GLWS

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Nice! Very similar to mine. They are very special to ride, I can't quite describe it, but riding this bike has always put me in a good mood...

Thanks all for the kind words, @AllSilver is coming to have a look on Wednesday.

Bump - still got this. Price drop to £120!

pm

Bump! This is still in my cellar and unfortunately has to go. Price drop to £115.

Oh man...

This is so rad, Still for sale?

PM'd!

@Fox have pm'd you if JvJ falls through