Tourist in World War 3

Here's a snapshot of a DL-1 style bicycle that I found in the Paris campaign of Modern Warfare 3 (a video game)!

125th Anniversary Roadster

Available in Germany and a limited edition at 125 bikes.

Rear coaster brake and front drum brake are upgrades over the rod brakes for sure. The Brooks saddle and grips are a nice touch. The orange Sturmey Archer crank is a curious decision, but it certainly does make the bike stand out. Things that I would have done differently in a limited edition roadster include: starting out with a larger frame, choosing a less conspicuous crank, more of an antique "heritage" typeography on the tubes, and utilizing a chainguard that covers the entire top of the chain. Despite these minor annoyances, I think it's a nice tribute to the brand.

More here.


(The bike looks tiny... is that a 21" frame?)

Chrome DL-1

Apparently, in 1980, Raleigh released a Special Edition Chrome DL-1. Not only is it chrome, but it appears to have come with a Brooks B33, nicer fender stays, front and rear powered lights, a full chain case, a Raleigh logo bell, and a front mud flap. Was that rear rack stock? It's a real looker!




Images from The Public Blog

If anyone has any information or literature on this Special Edition bike, I'd love to learn more! If anyone has one of these bikes for sale, please contact me :D

Tom Ward, in Brooklyn, owns one (found on Flickr):

DL-1 Clone Sighting

It's unusual for me to come across a rod-brake bike in the wild, but when I do, it certainly sticks out. I spotted this DL-1 clone today, an India-made "Hero Jet," in front of San Francisco General Hospital:


It appears to have the same geometry as my 24" Tourist. The double top tube was the only difference that I really noticed. The owner of this bike upgraded the saddle to a Brooks B67.




That chain ring design is reminiscent of brass knuckles, no?




Stock cargo rack.

Follow the manly man for more info about Hero Cycles Ltd.'s "Roadsterz"
(warning: it's like traveling back to 1995):

John Lennon on a rod brake Raleigh

I love these photos of John Lennon riding a rod brake Raleigh bike:





While I am not certain that this bike is a Raleigh DL-1, it certainly appears to be one... or two. These are two different bikes! One has blackout handlebars that are set higher than the chrome handlebars in the other photo. Same photoshoot though? rising70's Photostream on flickr is where I found them, and it is indicated there that these images were from the making of Magical Mystery Tour.

Unrelated to these photos, here's a scene from Help!, in which The Beatles ride rod brake bikes, and John nearly causes Paul to crash into him:

Raleigh's 2011 Tourist DeLuxe lineup

While this blog will mostly be concerned with restoring, maintaining, admiring, and customizing the classic Raleigh Tourist DL-1 Rod Brake bikes, I thought that I'd take this opportunity to mention that, in Denmark, you can still buy a brand new Raleigh bike based on the same classic frame geometry and styling today, in 2011!

Check out the 2011 Raleigh Tourist DeLuxe Lineup! They're available in both men's and women's frames in a variety of colors, several trim options, with your choice of brakes! Starting at a mere 5.099 kroner!

Tourist DeLuxe Brooks (Herre)

Tourist DeLuxe (Damme)

Tourist Sport (Herre)



'Mr Colostomy,' of the Manchester Cycling blog, wrote up an article about his own Tourist DeLuxe. Check out his article here:
http://manchestercycling.blogspot.com/2010/06/raleigh-tourist-dl-1.html

Now to figure out where I can purchase those racks and chaincases...

1981 Raleigh Catalog Page

In 1981, ride-up antique stores were commonplace and bicycle helmets were still just a dream. How times have changed!

In this photo, you can clearly see how the rear reflector is now mounted way up on the seat stay, replacing the saddlebag. The rear fender is now all black and reflectorless. This is how I believe my DL-1 was outfitted when it was new, way back in '76.




Found at http://www.jaysmarine.com/TH_raleigh_catdata.html

Proper cycling attire for a Raleigh Tourist?

Check out these classy and timeless fashions from the 1973 catalog:



Found at http://www.jaysmarine.com/TH_raleigh_catdata.html

My 1976 Raleigh Tourist DL-1

Before and after restoration of my 1976 DL-1:


And here is how it is outfitted today:


It is mostly stock with a few upgrades:
- New bearings and lube
- New Schwalbe Delta Cruiser Cream Tires (and tubes and rim tape)
- New Brooks B66 Honey Saddle (the old B66 went onto my 1976 Raleigh Sprite)
- New Sunlite 16" Frame Pump
- NOS Sturmey Archer Shifter
- Rivendell Portuguese Cork Grips finished with Amber Shellac
- 'Upgraded' the plastic fulcrum sleeve and cable pulley to the older metal versions
- Black Acorn roll bag (which is actually full of tools)
- New Fibrax brake pads.
- New Black Izumi Chain (original chain broke on my first ride and shortening wasn't an option)
- Used Raleigh Pedals (from a 1978 Raleigh Sports)
- 22-Tooth Sturmey Archer Rear Sprocket
- SOMA Torpedo 1-Watt LED headlamp and headlamp bracket clamp
- Crane Suzu Brass Bell
- Catseye Aluminum Fender Reflector (NOS)

Lovely Bicycle's Customized DL-1 "Velouria"

Before:


After:


The cream tires, full chaincase, skirtguard, and Brooks B18 saddle really set this DL-1 apart. The idea of putting the Schwalbe Delta Cruiser Cream tires on my DL-1 came from seeing this bike. Lovely bicycle indeed!

Check out her blog, Lovely Bicycle, Velouria's photo set on Flickr, and photo set of LovelyBike's cohabitant's DL-1 as well!