Bertie got back…

Posted on December 7, 2009 by Dave Feucht

Since I found my 1952 Raleigh Sports (whom I named Bertram, thus the title of the post…), I’ve really enjoyed riding it, with the exception of the fact that it’s difficult to carry much on it, and not very comfortable to carry things in a bag on your back (in my opinion).

Well, I’ve made the first step toward a remedy, and Bertram now has a nice Pletscher rear rack.

Bertie got back...

I had the chance to test it out for the first time on the way to work this morning, and I’m happy to report it did perfectly well. Now to find some good panniers.

Happy Monday!

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  • Filigree

    Looking good! I dream of getting the Brooks roll-up panniers and I think those would look especially good on a vintage Raleigh.

  • Anonymous

    It – oops, I mean "he" – looks like a Bertie.

  • portlandize.com

    @Filigree: I know – Clever Cycles in town carries those Brooks panniers, but for $300, I have to consider something else first :) They are beautiful, but that's almost as much as I paid for the bike itself :)

  • Filigree

    Yeah, that's why I haven't bought them : )
    The Basil Kavan II seem nice as well, and those can be had for under $100.

  • portlandize.com

    I actually have those on my Electra Amsterdam (you can see them in the background of the picture) – but I don't think the wheelbase of the Raleigh is long enough for them to keep them out of the way of your heels while pedaling. I'm sure I'll find something, we'll see :)

  • Filigree

    Oh you're right, how did I miss that! Oops.
    I would love to know what you come up with, because I do not see a great many options out there for classic panniers that are suitable for these bikes.

  • portlandize.com

    I'm also kind of considering getting/making a bag that hangs on the top tube, with a handle on it, so I could carry my daily needs like a small lunch, some papers, a couple tools in there, and then just use the rack for big stuff like grocery bags and such. We'll see :)

  • Mark

    Oooh, nice bike – I've just brought a very similar bike, a bit older, and am doing it up as a new year's project – the simplicity of hub gears, pannier racks and mud guards have won me over completely. Sweet ride! Your Raleigh looks like it is in excellent condition.

  • portlandize.com

    Mark: the practicality of this stuff was proved again when we got some snow last week, and people were complaining about dérailleur gears getting jammed with snow, skinny tyres slipping, chains getting stiff from contact with snow…

    things that used to be standard on bicycles, and still are in places where they are used for everyday transportation, are extremely practical – internal gears, mud guards, chain case, wide tyres, some good heft (as opposed to super-light racing type bikes) all make riding in just about any weather conditions possible, and even simple. Just dress like you would if you were walking, and hop on and go.

    This Raleigh is really in amazing condition – for being nearly 60 years old, there is hardly any rust on the whole thing, it was in perfect working order when I got it, and even has a 4-speed Sturmey Archer hub (as opposed to the more common 3-speeds). The chrome is in almost perfect condition, and the hand-painted stripes and lettering are in great shape as well. The saddle is a little weathered, but still comfortable. It was a brilliant find, for sure.

    Good luck with your New Year's project!