Raleigh Special (incl. Special X)

A · Seen in a catalogueRoadster / utilityIn confirmed sources: 1938

The 1938 catalogue lists the Special X, Model 27X, on 28 × 1½in wheels in 22, 24 and 26in frames, with stainless steel spokes, a 3-speed hub giving 51, 68 and 92in gears, and hub brakes, with rim brakes as an option. The Online Bicycle Museum lists surviving bicycles described as a 'Special Raleigh for Ladies' (1908) and a 'Gent's Special Raleigh' (1928); how they relate to the Special X has not been established.

Same name, different bikesRelationship between the early 'Special' examples and the 1938 Special X is not established.

Known components

Listed exactly as our confirmed sources give them, with the year and source for each. A part listed for one year or version may not apply to every bike, so check against yours.

Gears and drivetrain

3-speed (51/68/92in)1938 · 27X — Ebykr catalogue archive, p.25

Brakes

hub brakes, rim brakes optional1938 · 27X — Ebykr catalogue archive, p.25

Wheels and tyres

28 × 1½in wheels1938 · 27X — Ebykr catalogue archive, p.25
stainless steel spokes1938 · 27X — Ebykr catalogue archive, p.25

Catalogue appearances

Year	Name as printed · model no.	Details	Source
1938	SPECIAL X — MODEL 27X · 27X	22, 24 and 26in frames; 28 × 1½in wheels; stainless steel spokes; 3-speed (51/68/92in); hub brakes, rim brakes optional.	Ebykr catalogue archive, p.25

Specs are as printed in the catalogue. Years are when the model appears in a source, not exact production dates.

Unconfirmed mentions

These come from a single uncited or enthusiast source. They are not used for the dates, components or confidence above. If you can confirm one from a catalogue, please tell us.

Year	Name	What it says	Source
1908	Special Raleigh for Ladies		Online Bicycle Museum
1928	Gent's Special Raleigh		Online Bicycle Museum

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