I recently picked up this 1966 Raleigh RSW bicycle with 16” wheels. It is not a folding bike; rather it is a “compact” bike. I bought it from an elderly lady who was in the market for something a little easier to ride – and after taking it for a spin it's easy to understand her concern. As is the case with lots of bicycles from this era, the gears are way too tall. The front ring is like 48t matched up with a like an 13t rear cog. Even with the tiny wheels and 3 speed Sturmey it still rides like it was built for Eric Heiden (look him up, kids!). Fortunately, I have a 20t spare cog and I plan to switch it out later tonight.
The RSW was Raleigh’s answer to the Moulton’s Stowaway. The RSW came out in ’65 or ’66, a few years before the Raleigh Twenty made its debut. There were apparently two versions of the RSW. One with a dynamo hub and lights and the version I have. They originally came with white Dunlop tires, white pedals, grips and mattress saddle. This particular bicycle was purchased new from Hall Bicycle, a 100+ year-old shop up the road in Cedar Rapids.
I’m not sure what to do with it. I figure it'll make a great bike to loan out for short rides downtown, etc. I'd like to ride it too, which may be a tall order. So far, I’ve made a couple of changes to try to get it to accommodate my freakish 6’6” frame. I added a longer seatpost (400mm) and modified the handlebars to bring them up several inches. But it still seems a bit small.
Anyway, one of the more fascinating things about this diminutive survivor is the tartan bag (I guess it’s not surprising that I would find the bag interesting). This particular bag is pretty tattered; after all it’s 46 years old. But the design is really inspired. It’s huge, but nicely contoured to provide heel clearance. What’s really nice is the bag/rack integration. The bottom of the bag has brackets designed for the rack. And the rear of rack is spring loaded and draws back like a drawstring on a bow. You simply pull the rear of the rack back, drop the bag in place and let the rack snap shut around the brackets... very slick.
The RSW was Raleigh’s answer to the Moulton’s Stowaway. The RSW came out in ’65 or ’66, a few years before the Raleigh Twenty made its debut. There were apparently two versions of the RSW. One with a dynamo hub and lights and the version I have. They originally came with white Dunlop tires, white pedals, grips and mattress saddle. This particular bicycle was purchased new from Hall Bicycle, a 100+ year-old shop up the road in Cedar Rapids.
I’m not sure what to do with it. I figure it'll make a great bike to loan out for short rides downtown, etc. I'd like to ride it too, which may be a tall order. So far, I’ve made a couple of changes to try to get it to accommodate my freakish 6’6” frame. I added a longer seatpost (400mm) and modified the handlebars to bring them up several inches. But it still seems a bit small.
Anyway, one of the more fascinating things about this diminutive survivor is the tartan bag (I guess it’s not surprising that I would find the bag interesting). This particular bag is pretty tattered; after all it’s 46 years old. But the design is really inspired. It’s huge, but nicely contoured to provide heel clearance. What’s really nice is the bag/rack integration. The bottom of the bag has brackets designed for the rack. And the rear of rack is spring loaded and draws back like a drawstring on a bow. You simply pull the rear of the rack back, drop the bag in place and let the rack snap shut around the brackets... very slick.
British actor, Barbara Shelley, circa 1966
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