There is a thin line between a hobby and your passion, and when it blurs… Life is Good! My Dad Mr. Pradeep Bhimrao Yadav’s journey into the cycling world was a culmination of retirement time, hobby and most prominently a different approach towards life!
A focused approach on acquiring vintage bicycles and that too mostly British is indeed a tough task. The journey into this world imbibed with lots of research, relentless search for original spares and skilled hands who can mend and put these pieces of history was no easy task.
Here are some of the bicycles that were painstakingly restored…believe me procuring them, sourcing the spares and restoring them was equally satisfying as riding them.
1. 1954 Raleigh Sports “Superbe” – Made in England
A 1954 21″ Raleigh Superbe was the deluxe version of the Sports. Originally a 4 speed bicycle but to avoid the loud clicking sound, it is fitted with Sturmey Archer three Speed Dynohub lightening system. The bike carries original yellow shifter and fork with lock. Everything on the bike is original except the oil bath and fenders. The front hub is made in France. The bike carries double Stainless Steel rims with SS diamond spokes and original aluminium center stand.The Raleigh logo on the back fender and letters are locally made. Most modern bicycles are designed with the primary intent to catch your eye on the sales floor, and persuade you to buy. That is not what a Raleigh Sports was about…these were designed to provide solid, dependable transportation for the British public, at a time when only the upper classes had motorcars. These bikes were built to last 100 years, with reasonable care.
2. 1926 BSA Bicycle – Made in England
An original 1926 BSA, 23″ bicycle with three speed Sturmey Archer hub with an original front BSA hub. It has Stainless Steel rims have diamond company spokes made of SS.The BSA crank has 44 teeth with an 18 teeth sprocket. The bike has original fenders with M-type handle and rod brakes. The Oil bath and stand are Indian. It is an excellently built bicycle which is smooth running.
3. 1956 Raleigh Humber Bicycle – Made in England
Made by Raleigh Industries 21″ frame with 4 speed Dynohub. It has SS double purpose rims and M-type original handle and rod brake. This is an all original Madein England bicycle except the center stand which is a modern Korean make.
The Wonder Years 