Raleigh Record Ace - 1948 (1)

Profile of a fine cycle  No  8

Machine:  Raleigh Record Ace 23 ½” 1948. Frame No 59938P. Complete & all original

Owned by:   Alexander von Tutschek & now with Tim Danforth

How long owned:  since 2006

How was it acquired: From a deceased estate in Bristol

The features that make it special: Without doubt the only Raleigh of merit during the Lightweight era was their post-war “top-of-range” Raleigh Record Ace which was in production between 1947-54. Uniquely among lightweight cycles only this model had a range of matching high quality cycle components. As it was possible to buy a RRA frame alone not all RRA’s had these now rare components. As many RRA’s were “up-dated” by cyclists over the years their original RRA components were lost, surely what makes an original RRA is it being with all these unique items. In my time as a collector I have only ever seen one other RRA as complete and in as good original condition as this one….but there is probably another (one or two) lurking out there somewhere!

Note the following items that are original to this machine:
1. RRA chain-set, RRA head clip and bb axle & cups, the wing nuts that hold the mudguard stays are unique to the RRA. Saddlebag support and lamp bracket (off machine in these photos). Brooks B37 saddle – this is the lightweight version of the B17 with an alloy cantle plate & stainless rails. Note the matching RRA stem and the only original Raleigh Industries leather saddle bag that I have ever seen.

Whoever ordered this machine new took the  trouble to specify Dunlop Special Lightweight stainless steel rims matched with an Airlite Continental front hub and a Sturmey Archer ASC (3-Fixed wheel). Both wheels have Raleigh wing nuts.