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)
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