THE RALEIGH TWENTY

Hello all.

I went to work at the Raleigh Industries design offices in Nottingham as a school leaver in 1970. I am lucky in that I was able to see every inch of this great company when it was still in full swing. I had a Raleigh Twenty to run around the factory on fetching and carrying prototype parts etc. I found it an excellent cycle and eventually had one on loan as a 'test bike' which I rode all the time . Unfortunately I am am unable to cycle anymore due to health issues but I still have a 100% original Raleigh 20 'Solitaire' together with a small collection of Raleigh's including several Raleigh lightweights from the 1950's and a pre war tandem which is the only non Raleigh I have. Although I do not ride them anymore I can't bare to part with them just yet. I was delighted to find this site and am so glad the Twenty has so many fans. I always felt it was a great machine, tough and well made and it is interesting to see how they can be modded. I am still in touch with the designer responsible for the Twenty folder who still had the original Twenty folder prototype which he kindly gave to me:D as it was just rotting away in his garage. It is safely stored away and is in pretty rough condition. For the time being I am leaving it as it is but would like to carefully restore it at some future date.