19 May 2009

Perfect Green Raleigh

perfect green RaleighI think this bike may be perfect in every way. Beautiful old frame, gorgeous Brooks saddle, working headlight, great colors, Carradice bag, and those streamers. Those streamers get me every time. On whole, a perfect balance of practicality, classic aesthetics, and whimsy.

11 comments:

Christa said...

I have a similar blue Raleigh. I love it! :) Comfortable, durable, and sophisticated.

It's hard to believe that such old technology still works wonderfully.

Karl McCracken (twitter: @karlonsea) said...

Nice - especially the way the paintwork has aged to give that texture to the frame.

2whls3spds said...

Not a Raleigh...Rudge, that chain ring with the hand is a dead giveaway. Those are very much sought after. It is certainly a very similar bike to the Raleigh, and beautiful to boot.

I have a whole fleet of green Raleighs, now. ;-)

Aaron

Unknown said...

What a Beauty! Never heard of a Rudge before either. The streamers are such a fun touch:)

Jen said...

I am in love with your blog. I found it the other day and can't stop reading. Keep up the good work. ~ Jen

PJDodge said...

Want a Rudge of your own? Just found this on craigslist.

P-

Dottie said...

Streamers!!

Velouria said...

There is just something special about green bicycles. I plan to write an article on this!

PJDodge said...

Oops! Forgot the link:
http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/bik/1179787403.html

Velouria said...

Okay, this is uncanny. A week after I commented on this post, my father discovered this vintage green Raleigh in the basement of their house! Original parts and Brooks seat and all.

Coincidence? Or the universe encouraging my bicycle obsession?...

junket said...

It *used* to be perfect, until I hit a pedestrian on a hill and bent the original locking fork. Now it has an older Rudge replacement fork (a lovely blue). Also, I need to do some re-wiring to make the lights work again.
The Rudge chainring is a hand.