vcballbat
Senior Retro Guru
A Raleigh SBDU frame popped up on eBay last week and caught my attention. It was listed as an SBDU Dynaflite frame and fork only though a Campagnolo chainset and Super Record headset were included. What really intrigued me was the final photo on the listing showing it built as a complete bike. With such a fine rare handcrafted frame surely it should be built up as a slick racing machine and not a mundane looking hub geared roadster more suited for the commute to work or Sunday pub ride. My gut feeling was this bike had been built by the Specialist Bicycle Development Unit at Ilkeston for someone very special at the Raleigh Factory and I couldn't let this opportunity pass by so after a few pints of Romsey Gold to loosen up my bidding finger I gave it a go..
Checking the seller's eBay the other components were not listed so I was really hoping that they would still be available. When the seller called later on Saturday I asked about the original components and he said I was welcome to take everything as part of the deal and arranged collection in Greenwich London for Sunday lunch time. Not been on a Motorcycle in London traffic for many years... speed cameras and 20mph speed limits everywhere it's easier and faster to get around cycling...I was glad to get out of there and hammer it down the A3 heading for home.☺
