Cycling yesteryear

A cycle fest is being held at Sandringham (Norfolk UK) today, the riders are on modern lightweight bikes - titanium or carbon fibre. A few were showing off their classic bikes, sedate and weighty like this Raleigh made out of proper steel, the sort which my Dad had when I was about seven, circa 1953.

It boasted an integrated three speed gear and dynamo for the lights in the rear wheel hub, good sized saddle bags for your lunch and documents for work,  a chain guard to stop your smart pin stripe trousers getting damaged or oily, and finally a cylindrical battery holder for the battery to power the lights if you halted. A comfortable wide saddle was also part of the outfit, with level handle-bars so you proceeded in a sit up and beg position.

Compare it with the ultra-modern incarnation

https://www.blipfoto.com/entry/2314892363438231197

(Acknowledgements to blipper Simon Bradbury)