Cycling UK Forum

Hi,
I bought the below bike about 15 years ago, and think that it was about 10 years old - and hardly used. I have started to use it more frequently now since replacing the wheels after punctures and working within a nice bike ride distance. I like to cycle so much now I'm ordering a new hybrid for the commute through C2W.

Does my estimation of age seem correct? Can anyone tell from the geometry what the intended purpose was?
It now has a 7 speed cassette but originally came with a 6 speed. The SIS caused problems so now I just shift the gears without the clicks. The brakes are terrible but I think the old pads and new (ebay) rims are not a good combination.

The chain and gears could do with a service and I promise to get around to that soon!



DSC07178 by andy-ski, on Flickr

DSC07176 by andy-ski, on Flickr
Thanks for looking, and I look forward to joining in with the forum more in the future.

Andy

Hello there.I very much doubt that your bike is a genuine Rourke.It looks to me like a cheap frame resrayed and a set of Brian Rourke transfers applied.The majority of his frames have wrap over rear stays which yours doesn't,in fact they are in the style of a Raleigh.Sorry.G.

Hi Zoot,
Thanks for the reply, that would be a shame as the old guy I bought it from was very genuine, and bought it new from Harry Hall Cycles in Manchester - their sticker is still attached.
I have seen one or two other pictures on the Flickr site where the frame doesn't have the wrap over rear stays and looks like mine, so maybe there are a few Raleigh copies still in circulation.
The style is unusual these days anyway

Why not phone Rourkes and ask.

I have two Rourkes and my wife one and this is certainly not from the same stable. Look at the wheelbase,fork rake, lugs and seat stay wrap over - very non Rourke. BR transfers are readily available, hence the confusion. I would recommend a steel framed Rourke to anyone looking for a new bike. Mine have lasted thirty years of road racing, time trialling, club runs and touring and still look good. Will your carbon or aluminium framed bike last so long?

thanks for the interesting feedback,
I am just beginning to take a more serious interest in cycling, can anyone tell me what effect the longer wheelbase and fork angles should have? Would it point to a particular style or intended use of the bike? Or is it simply just the look.

thanks,

Andrew