Raleigh child's bike, 1959-60, request for info

[RichardB]

Having found and bought a model of bike that I rode in my 20s (Carlton Corsair) and found adverts and an illustrated catalogue/spec sheet for the bike I owned in my teens (Viking Conquest), I am trying to find a bit of info about the bike (my first two-wheeler) that I rode before that. If it rings any bells with anyone, I would be grateful for any information. It was bought probably from Halfords in c. 1959-60 when I was 6-7 years old. I'm 99% certain that it was a Raleigh, and 90% certain the model was called a Pathfinder, although I have found reference to an adult bike of the same name so I could be mistaken. It was a junior-sized frame in royal blue with matching metal mudguards. I'm pretty sure the front mudguard had a kind of peak at the front with a chromed bobble - common with many steel guards of the era, I think. Bars, cranks etc were all chromed steel, the bar grips and brake cables were white plastic and the saddle a white, sprung affair. Single speed with chrome side-pull brakes.

I have happy memories of it, not only because it was my first bike of any kind and I learned to ride on it, but because it was the means of my Great Escape when I was about 8 years old. After a row with my parents, I left home on it (home was in Darlington) and got to the A1 and headed south. I got to the sign saying I was in Yorkshire, thought I had probably made my point, and cycled home. Total distance about 8 miles. I told Mum I had been with friends, and she never knew what I had done. You could do that in 1961 - today it's the A1M

I know there are some really knowledgeable people here, and just wondering if anyone knew anything. It would be great to find out a bit more, although I appreciate a child's bike from 60-odd years ago is hardly Classic or Vintage. There must have been plenty about, though.

 

[RichardB]

Similar to this one, but without the stand, gears, lights and chainguard, and with white saddle and flat bars. And obviously about half the size.

But THOSE mudguards!

 

[RichardB]

Second thoughts ... did Halfords ever do a brand of their own, late 50s/early 60s? Could it have been a Halfords Pathfinder?

Think I'm talking to myself here

 

[MichaelW2]

My first proper bike was a Raleigh Rodeo. It seems to have been in production way before my 1973 model.

https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/vintage-raleigh-rodeo-childs-bicycle-474578186

They were very nicely made but I have only ever seen one in current usage.

 

[RichardB]

My first proper bike was a Raleigh Rodeo. It seems to have been in production way before my 1973 model.

https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/vintage-raleigh-rodeo-childs-bicycle-474578186

They were very nicely made but I have only ever seen one in current usage.

That looks fairly similar to mine in its general 'feel'. Colour was a single blue (not far off that shade) and it was a gents/boys frame. Bars were straighter and I think the chainguard was rounded rather than that aero shape. But it's a loooong time ago. The name 'Rodeo' rings no bells at all, but the overall 'look' is right. Perhaps that's just the age. Thanks for posting, nice little bike.