Raleigh Superbe Roadster Bike
Manufactured in 1975

The Raliegh Bicycle Company was founded by Frank Bowden in Nottingham England in 1888. This Superbe Roadster Bicycle is a great example of many of the products that Raleigh used in manufacturing this style of bicycle. The Roadsters were built for durability above all else, and were intended to be able to cope with dirt roads, cobblestones and unpaved footpaths, with a bare minimum of maintenance. No serious attempt was made to save weight in their design or construction. They are often pictured as the mounts of policemen and rural letter carriers. The tires were 28 x 1 1/2” with a westwood rim developed by Raleigh to be used with the unique rod style pull up brakes. It features the 3 speed Sturmey Archer internal geared hub which was patented and first offered by Raleigh as early as 1903. The Brooks leather saddle was from another Raleigh company and was considered the most comfortable saddle of it’s time (many long distance tourists still ride a well broken in Brooks leather saddle). And, of course, no really serious cyclists would ride without a good speedometer.