Chiltern Find

[KoffMixtures]

Picked an almost 'new' Raleigh Chiltern today; never been used, never been spannered and been stood at the back of a garage all its life (Dec 1991) collecting dust.
A short spin around the block confirmed all is well.
I was surprised how quick the steering is, yet a 'hands off' bike.
First impressions:- bowls along without effort, considering its 32.5lb weight, which compares favourably with my 'Twenties'.

 

[Cycleops]

You lucky bugger.

 

[biggs682]

Just goes to show the amount of bikes that get bought and don't get used.
I saw one this week bought 6 years ago and it did one ride and has not been used since.
Then another one bought during the London Olympics used about a dozen times then not used since such a shame.

 

[Chris S]

I was surprised how quick the steering is

That's because it's got a near vertical head tube.

First impressions:- bowls along without effort, considering its 32.5lb weight, which compares favourably with my 'Twenties'.

Try going up a steep hill in the 48 inch bottom gear. I have to resort to the reserve '24 inch gear' for some of mine.

 

[raleighnut]

Nice

 

[KoffMixtures]

Try going up a steep hill in the 48 inch bottom gear. I have to resort to the reserve '24 inch gear' for some of mine.

It's no big deal to change rear sprocket on the SA hub and also lengthen the chain.
5-10 mins work at negligible expense.
Being one of the last of Raleighs trad roadsters that hub is one of the sealed, grease lubed kind, without an oil port...a bit of disappointment there, but at nearly 70 years of age it should see me out comfortably.

 

[KoffMixtures]

Now I've had the opportunity to give this bike the once over I'm sharing a selection of photo's just to show what a remarkable machine this is ,,, hope you agree.

 

[Cycleops]

Very nice. I do find it very amusing that a bike called the Chiltern wouldn't perform particularly well it that very hilly area.

 

[KoffMixtures]

Very nice. I do find it very amusing that a bike called the Chiltern wouldn't perform particularly well it that very hilly area.

By today's standards I agree.
However, for most of the 20th century folks seemed to manage well enough.
We've just got spoiled and softer.

 

[Cycleops]

By today's standards I agree.
However, for most of the 20th century folks seemed to manage well enough.
We've just got spoiled and softer.

Rather like Walter the softee.

.

 

[KoffMixtures]

Any idea as to the styalised motif alongside the 'Chiltern' graphic is meant to represent?

 

[raleighnut]

Any idea as to the styalised motif alongside the 'Chiltern' graphic is meant to represent?

Dove ?

 

[Cycleops]

Looks like a leaf to me. I wonder what truck cyclist would make of our different interpretations?

 

[Chris S]

Very nice. I do find it very amusing that a bike called the Chiltern wouldn't perform particularly well it that very hilly area.

By today's standards I agree.
However, for most of the 20th century folks seemed to manage well enough.

They just used to get off and push like I do now. I'm not embarrassed about it, cyclo-cross racers do it if it's easier than pedalling.

 

[KoffMixtures]

This is a 21'' frame.
Somewhere (surely, baring in mind how long these machines were in production) someone must have tabulated the geometry of these frames, but I can't find anything online.
I'd find it interesting to know and see any differences between, say, the 'Chiltern' and 'Superbe' types, for example.
If there are differences, it would appeal to my curiosity to know which type equated to the different models (obviously the 'Chiltern' must have shared its geometry with a range of other named models, the names themselves being only marketing devices).
A pointer would be helpful.