Raleigh Family Bicycles – Some Unique Biking Advantages
The Raleigh family bicycles came into existence when the Moulton bicycles were at the height of popularity in the England of the 60’s. The initiative taken by Raleigh paid off when the Raleigh Twenty or Raleigh Shopper bikes were introduced. Although it did not have the full suspension that classified Moulton bicycles, it was inexpensive and comfortable to ride even one a rough terrain.
Raleigh bikes were similar to the other European 20 inch folders of that age but its frame and hinge were more durable that most of these. A regular Raleigh Twenty bicycle is as efficient as a 26 inch wheel 3-speed racing bike. If these are fitted with upgraded components, the bikes can perform as beautifully as a Bike Friday. The purchase price is much lower and you can get tires for the 20-inch wheels easily.
How to customize your Raleigh bicycles
Apart from their low costs and durability, Raleigh Twenty bicycles present you a proprietary 26 tpi size. You will find the shells measuring 76 mm wider than in the normal bicycles. You can get the 406 mm wheel models with long-reach Weinmann sidepull brake calipers that can function in the same manner as the calipters on full-sized Raleigh 3-speeds.
However, if you can upgrade your old Raleigh bike by re-threading it with an ISO standard 24 tpi bottom bracket. Alternately, you could re-use the original 26 tpi cups with a long cotterless axle or use a cartridge bottom bracket with Phil Wood 26 tpi retaining rings. A Phil Wood bottom bracket should be accompanied by a long-barrel bracket to ensure the mounting rings are tightened properly.
