Beautiful 1985 Raleigh Superbe 3-speed bicycle. Factory original. First ride after recommissioning.

[@andywalker7582]

Your regular reminder that Rowan needs our help if this channel is to continue. Please become a Velocipedian to thank him and allow him to continue sharing his knowledge and passion with us.

[@doronron7323]

Lovely cycle Rowan and good to hear your voice again; always enjoy your commentareies. Often the later roadsters get disparaging opinions, comparing them to the 1940', 50's and 60's models. The remarkable thing is Raleigh managed to produce them as long as they did. Indeed, until the Nottingham factory went belly up. An unparalleled continuation of their staple product for well over a hundred years. In my view, they demand respect as survivors, even against eventual overwhelming overseas competition, with remarkably few compromises needed to retain functionality and keep prices competitive. Just read the 1975 book by Bowden, perhaps a little fawning, yet informative guide through the history of Raleigh. Who would have thought the British cycle industry (indeed all British manufacturing) would soon be long gone and lamented. The last of the Raleigh roadsters retained that discernible dignity until the bitter end.

[@unbalancedcrank]

Have you seen my other video about this frame design and it’s versatility? I really do consider the Raleigh type Light Roadster to be probably the best bicycle design ever.

[@elwynanderson9947]

You are spot on. This is like a time warp. Beautiful bicycle. I would find it very hard to give up. But you are correct. Restraint is called for. Otherwise like me you end up with twenty bikes that are very similar to each other. But it can be satisfying in a crazy sort of way. Thanks again for sharing. You are always a delight!

[@tonythetourist2025]

Fog ride in a Hammer film. Like it.

[@noble_wolf]

I like the quietness that sometimes accompanies the fog, like you say, a makes a ride very atmospheric.

[@sequincycles2854]

Your Superbs are nicer than my Superbs 😭

[@philhayes3148]

Hi Rowan I have just had the same issue with the chaincase on an 85 superbe i have refurbished for my cousin. I dont think these later ones are soldered but swaged together. It split like that when I tightened the clamp that fits it to the frame due to the U shaped clamp being distorted. I managed to pop the chaincase back together insitu and gently tapped the edge down with a hammer and piece of wood.

[@unbalancedcrank]

The job might be worth filming in the hat case. Adding to the Superbe knowledge base!

[@farouqomaro598]

Love this review and ride

[@FrancoDX]

That’s a beauty Rowan! Must be so difficult deciding which ones to keep. I find the old black Record tyres give a more ‘squishy’ feel to the ride than modern tyres, I have some on my Hercules and it certainly helps with the poor road surfaces 🙂

[@austinmaxi555]

That is Absolutely stunning 😍

[@damopope4664]

Very very nice indeed 😍👌

[@bobby3704]

i'm thinkin now all brakes on Raleigh squeak like that . i'm havin the same noise, ha. but i'm not goin to change the pad .. i'm usin that noise as a horn.

[@Blodwyn-RobA]

Blimey...I think you picked up a rather angry goose along the way 😆 Probably one of the most atmospheric episodes of the Velocipedium yet. It reminded me of those old Dr Who episodes; I kept expecting a hoard of sea devils to emerge from the mist at any moment. If they had that front brake would have put them to flight I think 😆 Anyway...putting the weirdness to one side...that Superbe is looking lovely. Sorry to see you're having further trouble with the chain case; I'm sure you'll get it sorted. These late Raleigh bikes have a certain charm of their own. To keep or not to keep. I can see it will be a difficult call given that both bikes are so similar. I guess there is also the Connoisseur, which is of a similar vintage, and will I suspect be a lovely bike if the planned upgrades go ahead. On the bright side, given that the bike is so similar to your other Superbe you won't have to redo your Raleigh Vs Gazelle comparison video. Thank you for the video. Looking forward to the fleet review.

[@unbalancedcrank]

I have emailed you about the various Young’s and grounds of bicycles between us.

[@marksmatchhoxmemories-xd6qp]

what are the later bikes like to ride, compared to the early ones, does the quality feel the same, tell you for why, I've just picked up a really nice 56 frame and forks and I don't know whether to go original with 40h 4speed hub, or pick up a later bikes and with a poor frame and swap the parts, with 36h 3 speed.

[@kervilou5905]

very nice vid ! bonjour man !

[@kyle8952]

Personally I'd sell it. It's in good nick but too obviously 80s with that plastic fork crown lamp and alloy cranks. For me a superbe should look bloody ancient.