The Cottered Crank

Raleigh Wayfarer

I’ve been looking for a ‘beater bike’ for a while. Something to nip into town and run to the shops on. A bike I don’t mind leaving locked up somewhere for an hour or two. I could totally do all this on my Kona Sutra, but I don’t like leaving it chained up – it’s still a bit shiny for that.

I wanted something a little rough around the edges that a thief wouldn’t look twice at, that I wouldn’t mind getting scratched in a bike rack or leaving out in the rain. Or maybe I just wanted another bike because I’m a weak-willed slave to consumerism?

Either way, when I saw this 1970’s Raleigh Wayfarer for sale just down the road, I had to go and take a look. I’m no expert, and despite the bike being far from in mint condition, the bike looked to be completely original.

Dynamo lighting, Brooks saddle, Raleigh Record tyres and Raleigh-branded raincheater brake blocks. It even had the hand stamped bell from the local shop from where it was originally purchased.

I’m a sucker for anything that carries the imperfection and personality of its maker like that. After a quick test ride down the street I was in love and soon parted with sixty English pounds – the proud owner of a three-speed Raleigh.

(Note: The eagle-eyed amongst you may have noted that the bike no longer appears to be completely original – I can assure you it was when I bought it, just that it wasnt by the time I got around to taking photos – more on that later)

Matt Martin

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6 responses to “Raleigh Wayfarer”

  1. adventurepdx Avatar
    adventurepdx

    Reblogged this on Society Of Three Speeds and commented:
    Look! A Raleigh Wayfarer! This is the same bike as my first British three speed that I got back in 2010.

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    1. Matt Martin Avatar
      Matt Martin

      Hey thanks for sharing Shawn. If you could see the bike now you would recognise quite a few of the aftermarket modifications I have made to it from your own superbe (left bank bars, grips, levers, carradice toptube panniers, B&M lighting, etc) – there’s still a couple bits left to finish off on it (needs a new rear rim pretty desperately) and then I will call it done (for now at least).

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  2. tallbikeman Avatar
    tallbikeman

    Keeping thieves from riding away on your transportation is a very real problem. I agree with your idea of perception about the worth of old English 3 speed Raleighs and the like. Use real good locks because if it is easy then it will be stolen. I’ve used a very similar strategy using a Worksman that has been deliberately aged. I have locked that bicycle for 9 hrs a day in my city’s downtown with excellent locks at a very public location and never lost it. This Raleigh looks perfect for that type of duty. Keep your costs down so that if anyone does manage to cut it free you’re not out a ton of money. Lately I’ve been thinking about secreting a tracker on my bicycles. They are cheap and hide easily. Have fun with your new bicycle.

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    1. Matt Martin Avatar
      Matt Martin

      Yeah – my initial plan was to keep the cost of modifications to a minimum and keep it as a beater bike, but I’m afraid it’s too late and that ship has sailed now – my desire to tinker got the better of me!

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  3. Paul Avatar
    Paul

    It’s a very lovely looking bike – not at all a beater bike to my eye. I always wonder if my three speeds – a conversion of a ’78 Schwinn touring bike, and a 1952 Raleigh Superbe – are less attractive to thieves. I know of only one other person in my city who rides a three speed but are thieves that discerning? I go back and forth between feeling very protective of my bikes and trying to treat them like transportation rather than precious jewels. That said, my ’52 Raleigh is right here beside my desk rather than locked up down by the library. We are usual a low-bike-theft city, but there’s been a run of thefts lately.

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    1. Matt Martin Avatar
      Matt Martin

      Thanks for stopping by Paul. I too try to view my bikes as tools for transport and recreation and I find it somewhat easier with bikes that have already been well worn. With brand new bikes there’s always a tendency to want to keep them looking pristine. Beater or not I’d be pretty sad if any of my bikes got stolen to be honest. Thankfully bike theft is pretty rare here too.

      Your Superbe is a real looker. I’d love one with a full chain case. I read your write up on your 3 speed century through the mountains too, congratulations on that achievement! I’m planning to do a 50km ride on mine this spring and I thought that would be enough of a challenge, your ride looks brutal by comparison to what I’m planning! Wowza.

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