Raleigh Lenton Marque III

[funk2monk]

Just acquired this bike in a poor state - hand painted in gold and left to rust away.
It’s solid and a nice frame. Original bars, seat, headset and bottom bracket.
Thinking of putting a set of Cyclo Benelux gears on it as the gear lug is there - rather than the sturmey archer hub gears.
Not sure of history or age.
Any pointers from the experts greatly appreciated.

 

[biggs682]

@funk2monk the only pointer i can give you is to enjoy it AND DO NOT PAINT IT .
Word of warning if it's on 26 x 11/4 wheels look at buying 4 as they are hard to find

 

[Cycleops]

Very nice. But surely it's a Mark lll not Marque lll, that's poncy French and this is a Raleigh.

 

[funk2monk]

@funk2monk the only pointer i can give you is to enjoy it AND DO NOT PAINT IT .
Word of warning if it's on 26 x 11/4 wheels look at buying 4 as they are hard to find

Hi Cycleops,
Thank you for the heads up on the wheels. I intended to get as much gold paint off as possible and then lacquer the frame to protect what’s left.
I work in the recycling industry and I should hopefully find some wheels. Yes, this was in the scrap pile too!!!

 

[funk2monk]

Very nice. But surely it's a Mark lll not Marque lll, that's poncy French and this is a Raleigh.

Hahah🤣🇳🇱🇳🇱🇳🇱

 

[midlife]

Isn't there a website for the Lenton, by the guy who writes "on the drops"?

 

[netman]

Isn't there a website for the Lenton, by the guy who writes "on the drops"?

Yep - excellent it is too... https://on-the-drops.blogspot.com/2016/12/the-raleigh-lentons-1948-1960.html 1957 to 1959 by the looks for the III

 

[raleighnut]

There used to be one hanging up in John's shop.



Quite a famous bike

View: https://youtu.be/I56m7KF7Erc