Raleigh will celebrate 125 years in the bicycle making business in 2012, making them one of oldest and best known manufacturers on the planet.
Their recently revived Clubman bike has roots in the post-war 1940s, where it was used for all manner of riding, from multi-day tours to road racing and time trialling. The modern Clubman has changed remarkably little, and with its geometry, Reynolds steel frame and distinct fork shape intact, Raleigh look to have worked hard to maintain its original characteristics.
The 2012 version, which will retail for £950 when it's made available next spring, is built from Reynolds 520 butted steel, with a lugged steel fork. It's predominantly fitted with Shimano Tiagra components, with a compact 50/34T crankset, 10-speed shifters and a 12-30T cassette.
The wheelset combines Tiagra hubs with Weinmann TR18 rims, while braking is taken care of by Tektro dual-pivots. A Brooks Swift saddle and leather pedal straps keep the classic look, while the steel mudguards look like they've been pinched straight from the first Clubman in 1946. For more information, visit the Raleigh website.
