I have never thought much of Raleigh bicycles until seeing 1973 Raleigh Superbe – this bike offers the most comfortable riding position imaginable. It is a true do-it-all bike that is fast enough on paved road, and sturdy enough off-road. These bikes were made in Nottingham, England. They were so universally comfortable, reliable, and well built, that they were nearly unchanged, from 1930x to 1980x. See “How a bicycle is made” (1945). These bikes were used as utility bikes by British Army and Police, known as “Bobby Bikes). Read more about the essence of English “All Steel Bikes”.

The 26″-wheeled versions used 26×1-3/8″ tires. The 28″-wheeled bikes (Raleigh Tourist) had langer wheelbase and used 28×1-1/2″ tires. In the 50x these bikes were equipped with Sturmey Archers 3-gears internal hubs.