1961 Raleigh superbe (Helio)

[karinexmachina]

Recently acquired original front cable, fully intact original chaincase and LED bulbs. once i sorted out the wiring for correct polarity these lights are now extremely bright for such a bike.. i like it. shame the front bulb is brilliant white instead of a warmer color

 

[karinexmachina]

All i need now is replacement Mudguards and then i can look into getting it repainted. Cotter pins giving me trouble as the non crank side wobbles.. apart from that my test rides were pleasant

 

[karinexmachina]

 

[JimP]

Re:

I've just bought one of these today, not sure what year it is but it's very similar to yours, except it has rod-operated brakes.
I'm about to post a thread on it to gather any info I can about it's history and availability of parts.
I'm a little daunted by it due to it's age but one thing's for sure, it had to be saved

I'm not sure if it is the most accurate indicator of age, but the SA hub gears have the year of manufacture stamped into the outer body - so if the hub is original it might give a clue.

 

[DM]

Re:

I've just bought one of these today, not sure what year it is but it's very similar to yours, except it has rod-operated brakes.
I'm about to post a thread on it to gather any info I can about it's history and availability of parts.
I'm a little daunted by it due to it's age but one thing's for sure, it had to be saved

It's nice to see a thread on here about these bikes.
I also have one (196x?, based on the Dynohub date). Rod brakes, too.
I haven't seen it in ages; it's stored at a friend's house. But it's on my "must save" list for the future.

 

[karinexmachina]

Currently working on the Heron badge so I was gonna use black and red Humbrol enamel in metallic to restore it. my dad suggested giving it a coat of clear lacquer after it had been restored. Was just wanting peoples opinions

 

[karinexmachina]

Also need to redo the gold lining on the frame and other parts

 

[Mark south wales]

Been working on a Raleigh superbe from 1961 lately just wanted to show progress... frankly the bike could do with full refurbishment.

hiya, I've got a 61 superbe sports as well, any idea on the length on the ns crank arm on yours? mines ok, but needs a re chrome. will be cheaper just to swap it out
mark

 

[karinexmachina]

I have picked up this project again and acquired a larger frame since it's a bit small. It's a rod brake frame but I could probably mask it over. I have marked and measured the faded lining on it and started sanding it down. Gonna get a color match from a unworn part