Craigmount
Old School Hero
Greetings to all, thought I’d put pen to paper re my recent acquisition a 1956 Raleigh Super Lenton. I bought the bike last winter off the Bay, but only got possession in the summer when my nephew transported it up the road from the south of England. What I liked was its description as “one owner from new” and “very original.” In fact I bought it direct from the first owner Mike and he’s been great and provided a ton of history.
I’m still in contact with him via email. His father bought it new for him age 14 in October 1956. Mike also confirmed that he hadn’t changed anything on the bike over the decades other than disposing of the celluloid mudguards (which had disintegrated), and the addition of a 2-spd Cyclo Benelux derailleur in 1959 to help him up the hills in Wiltshire. This was fitted by the bike shop in Swindon which supplied the bike from new.
Must admit I didn’t know much about the Super Lenton other than it was the same family as the Raleigh Lenton sports, with butted frame 27” wheels and some alloy components. So it was a wee bonus to discover the fitted 27” Dunlop Special Lightweight wheels mounted on an alloy 4 speed FM hub. The saddle is a Brooks B15 champion Flyer which I’d never come across before. The brakes are GB Sport mk1 Hiduminium, again new to me.
it was a surprise to discover the fitted Raleigh chrome drop handlebars, and the Reynolds domed steel seat post – see all pics attached. The brochures at the time indicated these would be alloy items. Can anyone throw any light on this? Was this a case of availability at the time, or Raleigh cost-saving on the Super Lenton at the end of its line, in preparation for the launch of the RRA Moderne in 1957?
Any contributions on any of the above much appreciated !!
I’m still in contact with him via email. His father bought it new for him age 14 in October 1956. Mike also confirmed that he hadn’t changed anything on the bike over the decades other than disposing of the celluloid mudguards (which had disintegrated), and the addition of a 2-spd Cyclo Benelux derailleur in 1959 to help him up the hills in Wiltshire. This was fitted by the bike shop in Swindon which supplied the bike from new.
Must admit I didn’t know much about the Super Lenton other than it was the same family as the Raleigh Lenton sports, with butted frame 27” wheels and some alloy components. So it was a wee bonus to discover the fitted 27” Dunlop Special Lightweight wheels mounted on an alloy 4 speed FM hub. The saddle is a Brooks B15 champion Flyer which I’d never come across before. The brakes are GB Sport mk1 Hiduminium, again new to me.
it was a surprise to discover the fitted Raleigh chrome drop handlebars, and the Reynolds domed steel seat post – see all pics attached. The brochures at the time indicated these would be alloy items. Can anyone throw any light on this? Was this a case of availability at the time, or Raleigh cost-saving on the Super Lenton at the end of its line, in preparation for the launch of the RRA Moderne in 1957?
Any contributions on any of the above much appreciated !!
Attachments
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As it arrived.jpg174.9 KB · Views: 1,767
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Benelux.jpg164 KB · Views: 1,761
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Brooks Flyer.JPG261.9 KB · Views: 1,754
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Hub and double sprocket (1024x768).jpg127.4 KB · Views: 1,754
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Steel drop bars.JPG247.1 KB · Views: 1,752
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Reynolds dome post.jpg140.7 KB · Views: 1,752
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GB sport mk1.jpg145.1 KB · Views: 1,768