1989 CZECH "FAVORIT" RACER...

I always enjoy coming across a bike brand I've never heard of before. "Favorit" was one of them. A company with it's roots over a hundred years old, it is a symbol of quality Czechoslovakian bicycle production.

This model that I got my hands on features a beautifully lugged steel frame and cleanly styled decals that seem modern before their time.

It is your standard 10-speed-racer set up but I was amazed to find that most of the components, from the brake levers right down to the chain, were all "Favorit" branded.

The rear derailleur was also made by Favorit but was replaced due to damage. (as was the Favorit cottered crankset and bottom bracket). The front derailleur is branded "Romet", an Eastern European cycle manufacturer but also, interestingly, bears the Favorit logo.

It features an unusual piston style design.

For a company to produce not only it's own handbuilt frames but also everything else on it's bikes clearly indicates a level of skill and passion that not many manufacturers can boast.

The attention to detail, design and workmanship definitely make "Favorit" a favourite of mine.

Bike available for sale now!

KEEP FLOWING

Retro Raleigh Lizard Rebuild

Following on from the Retro Raleigh post, I got my hands on this c1989/1990 classic -

1989/1990 Womens Raleigh Lizard

In amazing condition for it's age, it deserved some sprucing up. The original steel wheels were ditched for an aluminium set, modern crankset fitted, riser handlebars and some colour coded tyres, grips and cables - Very green. Very Lizardy.

Even came with the original neon orange bottle cage and lizard-skin effect saddle.

Overall a cool bike. Still see a few of them about today (stand out a mile away).

For sale now!

Restyling Retro Raleigh Bangers

...Bangers is a bit harsh but it's common for a 25 year old (or older) Raleigh to be chucked out in favour of a more modern lightweight aluminium machine. Quite a shame really as their rugged steel frames and iconic paint jobs - particularly from the late 80's/early 90's era - make for great runabouts.

I've grown up with the same respect for Raleigh as many people did back in the day. A household name synonymous with "reliable British-made bicycles". I recall marveling at the the "Handbuilt In Nottingham" slogan that Raleigh proudly slapped on their older 80's and 90's models.

In fact, a c1992 Raleigh Draken, just like this one, was one of the first bikes I ever worked on.

The thing I love most about these retro Raleighs is their funky paint jobs and decals. They really reflect a unique era in bicycle design with their mismatched colour schemes, wacky patterns and general emphasis on trying to stand out from the rest. By today's standards, you might be left asking "What the hell were they thinking?"

Here's a higher-end (for it's time) 1990 Raleigh Mirage, complete with Reynolds 501 steel tubing, restyled into a modern commuter.

And this early 90's Raleigh Outland (available now in the shop)

Some other notable retro Raleigh bangers include the Montage, Mustang, Maverick, Lizard, Highlander, Blueridge and Mantis.

I hope more of them find their way into the workshop.