Arthur Metcalfe's 1964 Tour of Britain Bike

[Old Ned]

Re: Re:

I remember being at a race finish in Hull at a time after Arthur Metcalfe had won the ToB, still 1964, and thinking for the time it was unusual for a successful rider to be using a Raleigh frame. I was stood near him after the race and the frame he rode on that day was a metallic dark blue colour.
John.

Thanks John for that reminiscense. I suppose it was the 'Raleigh Racing Blue' as per the brochure although I reckon they used a very similar shade for several models and called it different names such as 'Midnight Blue'. Seems you had the same feelings as me about top riders using a 'commercial' brand frame in that period rather than a specialist builder. Apart from Ray Booty (and possibly Gavin (?) Wilson the hillclimber) who rode RRA frames there didn't seem to be many in use.

 

[torqueless]

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I thought I'd ask this question on this thread, since bagpuss and Old Ned seem to have an archive of research material: What is the first instance of the capitalised italicised 'RALEIGH' logo appearing on an actual bike, rather than just in publicity material? And for that matter, when did it first appear in publicity material?

 

[bagpuss]

I reckon the H Lloyds web site should give a good idea for a time line for decals fonts .
For publicity material that will take a bit of research.

 

[torqueless]

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In publicity material it seems to date back to the early sixties, but I can't find it on a bike before 1974.

 

[bagpuss]

The earliest I have so far for this font style is a 1960 publication .
IMG_1466 by rebalrid, on Flickr
My collection of Raleigh post cards covering an earlier period for their adverts,have block capitial font only .

I set up The Raleigh Bicycle Nottingham photo group on flickr,about 13 year ago. It may be worth a look through .There are only 3,000 pictures !
I passed the admin of the group on,some time back .

 

[torqueless]

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Thanks bagpuss.
I shouldn't have missed this... 1973:

 

[bagpuss]

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I bought a number of NOS Raleigh frames from a now closed LBS back in 2008 .
The frame on this dated from the ealry 70's i think . I have no record of the frame number . Bog standard tubing.

Raleigh by rebalrid, on Flickr