or Best Offer. Go a step down and you still get 10 speed Deore shifting via a traditional derailleur. [15] (Forest Road junctions with Russell Street at the opposite end from Raleigh Street.). Models produced there latterly were the Chopper and Triumph 20. Here's a look at some of the key models With each product is a Buy Now or Best Deal link. Heres how it works. Raleigh Bicycle Front Brake Cable NOS 1950's-60's Superbe Sports . Three serial conventions are used during this period: Convention #1 (1947-1955): You can also ask an expert from a bike shop for professional expertise or directly contact the British National Cycle Club or National Cycle Archive. >>> These are the best folding bikes on the market. Popular on mountain bikes, and more recently adventure road and gravel bikes, the wheel size can be coupled with wider tyres to smooth out bumps and lumps in the road or trail. >>> The best kids bike helmets: a buyers guide. By 1913, it was the largest bicycle manufacturing company in the world. It was reported that the reason for selling the business, after extracting the cash for the factory site, was to have Lenark declare it insolvent so that neither Derby nor Lenark would have to pay the redundancy costs. The Chopper featured a 3-speed Sturmey-Archer gear hub, shifted using a top-tube mounted gear lever reminiscent of the early Harley-Davidson suicide shifter one of its "cool" features. Serial location: $40.00. In-Depth Review of the Best Raleigh Bikes. She joined CW as an 'SEO Analyst', but couldn't keep her nose out of journalism and in the spreadsheets, eventually taking on the role of Tech Editor before her latest appointment as Digital Editor. 1908 Special Raleigh for Ladies View . To bring the vintage feeling, theres even a ding-dong bell and a kickstand for you to travel back in time. shows lightweight models only. BB photo courtesy "w1gfh" - Bikeforums.net. The fact is that collectors prefer some vintage Raleigh bicycle types more than others. ): Models: Road/Racing Criterium (United Kingdom) Maverick Militis Revenio Pioneer Clubman (USA) Grand Sport (USA) Addison (USA) Tamland (USA) Willard (USA) Amelia (USA) Merit (USA) Revere (USA) Hybrid/Town Strada Caprice Urban Roam Pioneer (United Kingdom) Venture Oakland Voyager Stowaway (United Kingdom) Strada (United Kingdom) Port Townsend (USA) In 1960, Raleigh was purchased by the Tube Investments Group - who already owned a number of bike brands. Raleigh Sizing Chart & List of Raleigh Bike Models The serials from this era, specifically for general production machines (Sports, Superbe, Sprite), will be located on the seat lug. [28][29] The Chopper was first available for sale in June 1969 in North America. Calling itself "fast enough to race, comfortable enough to ride all day" the endurance race geometry is relaxed enough for long sportives or commuting, where you often want to be able to stay 'heads up' without craning your neck. The company changed bicycle seat shapes several times over the years, so you can use this to determine your bike age. The first thing to look for when determining the Raleigh bike age is a serial number stamped during the production. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Vintage Raleigh Bikes Value (Identification & Price Guides), Antique German Beer Stein Value (Identification & Price Guides), Vintage English Tea Sets Value (Identification & Price Guides), Antique Dishes Value (Identification & Price Guides), What Makes a Vintage Raleigh Bicycle Valuable, Ways to Date Your Vintage Raleigh Bicycle, Places to Find the Vintage Raleigh Bicycle Value, Vintage Schwinn Bike Value (Identification & Price Guides), Vintage Rooster Cookie Jars Value (Identification & Price Guides), Antique China Patterns Value (Identification & Price Guides), Vintage Lighters Value (Identification & Price Guides), Antique Gumball Machine Value (Identification & Price Guides), Antique Dressing Table Value (identification & price guides), Benrus Watch Value (Identification & Price Guides), Antique Blue Willow China Value (Identification & Price Guides), Antique Car Blue Book (Car Value & Identificatiron), Old Buttons Value (Identification & Price Guides), Skeleton Key Value (Identification & Price Guides), 1899 Back peddling brake and silent freewheel hub, 1903 Three-speed hub under the name Sturmey-Archer, 1939 Folding bicycle initially designed for World War II paratroopers. Raleigh also produced a sister model to the RSW, the 'Twenty', which was more successful and which remained in production well into the 1980s. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. The first bikes with ten speeds appeared on the American market in the 1970s. Alternately, a photo registry of SBDU Team Professionals can be found at the TI Raleigh Team Professional Yahoo! Raleigh Bicycle Company - Wikipedia Whilst the brand used to produce a range of road bikes, it has now shifted its focus to hybrids, electric bikes and kids bikes. The weight is approximately 23kg, so this isn't a lightweight bike, but for it's affordable price it makes for an excellent entry level electric bike. By 1984, all Raleighs for the American market, except the top-of-the range Team Professional (made in Ilkeston) and Prestige road bikes (made in Nottingham), were produced in the Far East. While bicycle production had steadily risen through the mid-1950s, the British market began to decline with the increasing affordability and popularity of the motor car. In January 1889, it became the first of a series of limited liability companies with Raleigh in its name. Seat Shapes 5. Raleigh Serial Numbers & Charts - Kurt Kaminer SPONSORED . These cycles were considerably lighter and quicker than either the old heavy English utility roadster or the American "balloon-tire" cruiser bikes. Having a proper size chart is a blessing for anyone looking to own up a bike. All of the serial cutoffs are approximated. The company established by Bowden in December 1888 was still privately owned with unlimited public liability. Use in conjunction with Sturmey-Archer rear hubs and frameset decals as additional guides. To help you find the correct fit, I have given the Raleigh sizing charts for almost every bicycle type. These are some of the Raleigh bicycle models from USA, UK, and other countries. Headsets and bottom brackets use Raleigh exclusive 26 tpi threading (until 1974 when some models reverted to the standard 24 tpi.) This convention remains still largely unidentified, though it appears to follow an identical format to convention #2; e.g., "12345RA." By 1891, the company occupied not only Clarke's factory but also Woodroffe's Factory and Russell Street Mills. [citation needed] Meanwhile, in the home market, Raleigh had broken into the new UK BMX market with their Burner range, which was very successful. Raleigh is one of the oldest, most appreciated cycling brands globally and the leading bike manufacturer in the UK during the 1970s and the 1980s. 2-Hip 9zero7 Aegis Aero-Fast Airborne Airo-Series Alex Moulton All City Alliant Alpha Bicycles Alpine Designs Alpinestars 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993. This doesnt affect the amount you pay. There are two key Strada families: the basic Strada hybrid bike and the Strada Trail Sport bikes, the latter coming with 60mm travel suspension forks for more off-road action. 1970-1979 e.g. In 2012, Derby agreed to be acquired by Pon Holdings, a Dutch company, as part of their new bicycle group. Owning one of their older models is the ultimate experience for most bikers, so you should consider buying one if you enjoy this sport. Raleigh bikes as a brand have been producing quality bicycles since the year 1885 with a lot to offer to its loyal customers. The condition always significantly impacts vintage item value, including Raleigh bicycles. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Additionally, theres a wicker basket to provide a retro look to the bike. In the autumn of the latter year, happening to pass through Nottingham, and with the idea of, if possible, getting a still more up-to-date machine, I called upon Messrs. Woodhead and Angois, the originators and makers of the Raleigh [3], It is clear from Frank Bowden's own account that, although he bought a Raleigh Safety in 1887, he did not visit the Raleigh workshop until autumn 1888. URL: https://www.sheldonbrown.com/retroraleighs/models.html, Last Updated: Manufacture was transferred to Raleigh's Nottingham works. Catalogues | Raleigh Archive | Retrobike This system follows a similar pattern to Convention #2 above, and uses a prefix or suffic of "RA" or "RB," followed by 4 or 5 digits, but never exceeding 5. 1960-1969 All models feature aluminium frames with short travel suspension forks at the front to provide comfort. At present, I have insufficent information about the serial numbers from this era to construct a definite chart of every example used during this time period. Please allow for overlap. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. When folded, it is very compact, making it a perfect solution if space is tight. Raleigh Bikes: Best 5 Picks Reviewed & Buyer's Guide During the next few decades, this company perfected several crucial parts, including: These innovations made this brand the most respected in the UK. The frames were still made in the Far East. The story began in 1887 when Frank Bowden bought a small bicycle shop in Nottingham, England. Includes Lightweight Racing, Lightweight Touring, Technium,Sport Touring, Mountain Tour, Easy Ridin', BMX, and youth categories. Numbers will be duplicated between each system. [26] The Chopper was patented in the UK in 1967 and patented in the US in 1968. Tiagra groupset provides quality shifting, Ian Wilkinson's Raleigh Militis 2014 team bike, We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices. From the mid-1950s, Raleigh used the letter T. The only exception was bikes produced in 1948. Mudguards and a pannier rack come as standard, and reflective graphics on the side give added visibility. Some shares were made available to small investors and local businessmen, but take-up was minimal, and Bowden ended up buying most of the public shares. Cycling Weekly is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Previous to joining the Cycling Weekly team, Michelle was Editor at Total Women's Cycling. Alan Oakley, TI Raleigh design director, holds aloft the winning . As iconic a bike brand as any, Raleigh are also an icon of British engineering. List Of Raleigh Bike Models [2019] - MountainBikeReviewer.com Over the years, there's been a fair amount of interpretation and misinformation from these charts. Thanks to increased demand, he soon founded a factory and showed 23 beautiful new bike designs at the Stanley Cycle Show in 1890. Coming in at 20kg, it is a heavier choice but worth it if you need a little extra boost on rides. Later in the film, specialized bicycles are used for the race scenes in Colorado and training. We may be the definitive bicycle valuation authority, but we don't have everything. Men's models will have the stamping on the top of the lug, ladies' frames will have the serial stamped to the front of the lug. Please make all efforts to verify your . Additionally, the power-assisted pedals give a massive boost to your pedal power to let you have an incredibly fast biking experience. Model Year Reset 2022 () 2023 . Be aware that you need to set aside $200 to $500 for a reconditioned Raleigh bicycle. Raleigh cover front. It went on sale in the UK in 1970 and sold well, and was a key factor in reviving the company's fortunes. Plus, many men are nostalgic and want their kids to ride the same models they had when they were young. Raleigh Canada had a factory in Waterloo, Quebec from 1972 to 2013. Most Raleigh bikes have the production year and model on the bottom bracket, under the seat, on the seat lug front, or its side part. Required fields are marked *. However, some collectors look for these pieces, mainly when they come with original paint and decals. The Raleigh Motus bikes come available in a range of formats - from sporty crossbars to low step throughs to the compact electric sort. The Raleigh Bicycle Company began life in 1885, when Richard Woodhead and Paul Angois set up a small bike workshop on Raleigh Street, Nottingham. The original decision to continue at Worksop was reversed but the management decided to go with the original decision, and by the autumn production was moved to a Lightweights facility at Nottingham. This steel framed city slicker can be ridden fixed or as a singlespeed. Vintage Raleigh bicycles with historical significance always come with a higher price. Collectors like branded bicycles, so you can be sure they will appreciate models with a famous manufacturers mark. Sun branded bicycles were made in the Carlton factory at Worksop, England. Raleigh once again became the sole headline sponsor of the team in 2013 and the team re-paid the investment with high-profile wins in the Tour de Normandie, Tour of the Reservoir and Tour Series Rounds 1 and 2. 36cm. High-rise bicycles with U-shaped handlebars in a motorcycle style were trendy in the 1960s and the 1970s. Some examples may be stamped on the bottom bracket as on the right. [35] and buyout terms were agreed in 2012. ): The purchasers nationality often impacts the particular model and brands popularity. [7], During the Second World War, the Raleigh factory in Nottingham was used for the production of fuzes. This building was designed by Thomas Cecil Howitt and won a RIBA Bronze Medal. The data is based on literature, first-hand experience, various references, and very helpful contributions from fellow Raleigh enthusiasts . The season was notable for Team Raleigh's first victory in the Tour Series Round 6 and a succession of Premier Calendar wins, which resulted in team rider Graham Briggs finishing the season at the top of British Cycling's UK Elite Men's standings. Be careful when checking the model you are interested in since determining the Raleigh bicycle age can be challenging. Raleigh is one of the world's oldest and best-known bike brands. I got a white one, 5 speed. Bicycle Database; 2000; Raleigh; . Convention #3 (1954-? A series of sales eventually saw production move from Nottingham to Taiwan and Vietnam in the early 2000s, though the UK headquarters continues to make its home in the founding city. Sir Frank Bowden died in 1921 and his son Sir Harold Bowden, 2nd Baronet took over as chairman and chief executive, guiding the company through the next 17 years of expansion. The company also has an assortment of quality brand new bikes that can by purchased for under $500. BSA had itself acquired Triumph Cycle Co. Ltd. only five years previously. Some catalogs may not be available at this time, others are linked to other sites (no sense in duplicating data). Nearly two years later, the 11 April 1887 issue of The Nottingham Evening Post contained a display advertisement for the Raleigh Safety model under the new banner Woodhead, Angois, and Ellis. A notable feature across all models is the use of a650b wheel size. They were marked with 4 or 5 digits, followed by two random letters. A two-passenger version was followed by Raleigh's first three-wheel car, the Safety Seven. Two letters, followed by a series of six digits: All following digits: It continues to leave an indelible mark today, producing premium bikes that incorporate the latest innovations for the modern . Designed to be ridden in competitive environments, it provided the rider with a chassis that allows them to get long and low. The high-end framesets offered for sale in Raleigh catalogues together with the frames built for Team riders were produced in Ilkeston by the Special Bicycle Development Unit (SBDU) from 1974 onward under the guidance of Gerald O'Donovan; production was moved to the Lightweight Facility in Nottingham, albeit on a much reduced workforce, on closure of the Ilkeston factory in 1986. However, the first letter in the serial, "R," appears to remain for the entire run of this system. With the surge in scooter ownership in the UK, Raleigh built a small Italian scooter, the Bianchi Orsetto 80, under licence, sold as the Raleigh Roma, with production continuing until 1964. However, those in original condition without service work for decades are typically worth only $80. In 1965, Raleigh introduced the RSW 16, its long-awaited competitor to the hugely successful Moulton Bicycle. The hydraulic disc brakes will keep your bike in control along with a smooth ride, thanks to its Active Line Plus Motor. The entirety of the second serial chart is of our own research and are estimates - as accurate we can practically make them - of the serial numbers from the year and serial in question. Several scenes for the 1960 film adaptation starring Albert Finney were filmed on location at the factory itself. It comes with aluminium seatpost and bars, and a steel fork. We'd always suggest putting your focus on the weight of the bike.Children's bike designers in the past have been guilty of attempting to replicate adult bikes - adding suspension and lots of gears - elements that aren't always necessary on kids' bikes and can make learning to ride harder. Their high-quality bikes were practical, durable, and beautiful. Raleigh catalogue 1970s | The Vintage Toy Advertiser Thank you for reading 10 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access, Enjoy your first month for just 1 / $1 / 1, *Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription. The company changed a serial system once again, and you can find a series with seven digits at the bottom bracket. Grand Sports dropout photo courtesy "thumpic" - Bikeforums.net. Founders Richard Woodhead and Paul Angois commenced Raleigh in 1885, and in 1888 their Raleigh safety bicycles (an alternative to the Penny Farthing) attracted the interest of Frank Bowden - a long distance tricyclist looking to replace his own machine. Sister company Brooks was sold to Selle Royal of Italy. Strada hybrid bikes are all equipped with rim brakes, and range from the lower end Strada 1 with Shimano Tourney to the top end Strada 5 with a Shimano Deore single ring drivetrain which offers simplicity in shifting. A second 5-6 digit serial system was introduced in 1972, overlapped onto some early 1973 models with NO rhyme or reason, and died a quick death before 1973 was out. Most models from the 1960s and 1970s came with vibrant colors, including orange, rust red, and green. Shimano hydraulic disc brakes ensure quick stopping even in the wet and on the higher end Grand Tour option, Nexus hub gears keep shifting neat, tidy and reliable. TI . 1940-1949 Digits or letters in serial do NOT relate to month/year/day codes; only the serial in whole determines the year. This system INCLUDES the Grand Prix and Super Course, despite the seven-digit serials (as mentioned in the next system, below) running concurrently on these models. The vintage Raleigh bicycle value is what a collector or any other buyer is prepared to pay for it. Cannondale road bikes range: which model is right for you? The system consists of a seven-digit serial - beginning with #1000000 in 1963 - running up to the #4600000-#4800000 range by 1969, at which point, it was discontinued. Any idea how much is worth? Still sporting its appropriate red paint job, the Criterium is an aluminium racing frame designed to offer an entry into the world of road cycling. Additionally, there are three available wheel sizes in the form of 16-inch, 20, and 24 as well. . Model Rosaleen Murray wears a checked cycling outfit with lace-trimmed shorts. The success of the RSW took sales away from the Moulton and put that maker into financial difficulties. Both of these systems are often covered deep in paint - do not be surprised if you only find 5 or 6 digits! Presently Raleigh as a company owns the Diamondback Bike brand as well. Group, which may help to narrow down a given frame's era: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TI_RALEIGH_TEAM_PROS/. On the other hand, bikes painted in white, blue, and red were typical for the 1980s. Some pieces are a part of well-known riders collections, making them valuable. Raleigh739; Redline4233; Robinson981; S&M Bikes2212; Schwinn3246; SE Racing4313; Skyway1374; Specialized607 . The company continued to increase imports to the United States until 1955, when a rate increase in foreign bicycle tariffs caused a shift in imports in favour of bicycles from West Germany and the Netherlands. While no differentiation is made in the film, at least three different configurations are seen on Bacon's bike during the movie: fixed-gear, singlespeed, and outfitted with 0-degree trick forks during various scenes in Bacon's apartment. A Chronology of Raleigh Models - Sheldon Brown Michelle is a road racer who also enjoys track riding and the occasional time trial, though dabbles in off-road riding too (either on a mountain bike, or a 'gravel bike'). For instance, models created in the 1960s and 1970s featured elongated seats, while those from the 1980s were wider and cushioned. In 1930, the company acquired the rights to the Ivy Karryall, a motorcycle fitted with a cabin for cargo and a hood for the driver. I'm trying to find details or a pdf of Raleigh catalogs showing models between 1980 and 1985. Circa 1978. 1950-1959 1982-1987 (Raleigh U.K.), Truncated version of 1971 catalog, For instance, the photo shown above, to the left, bears the serial "NL9------," indicating a machine made in August 1979, at the Nottingham factory. The plant produced complete bicycles and Sturmey-Archer hubs, and remained in production until 1976, when the factory burned down. Lets go for it! Raleigh offers a very wide selection, consisting of sixteen different families. Raleigh also already owned the Robin Hood brand, and Three Spires with Triumph (cycles) also at their disposal. Serials stamped on rear of seatpost (both men's and ladies' models) near top on most models; sample shown at left. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Despite its simplicity, for its time, the Cambio Corsa was a masterpiece of engineering. 11 revolutionary road bikes that changed the world of cycling BLUE VISCOUNT H103 SEAT ORIGINAL 80's OLD SCHOOL RALEIGH BMX AERO GT HUTCH. Once the gear change is made, the riders weight moves the wheel back and re-tensions the chain. Raleigh Vintage Bicycles for Men for sale | eBay Burner: 12 inch wheels, 4.5kg; a mini balance bike in blue and yellow, Propaganda: 12 inch wheels, 5kg; a mini balance bike that mirrors the adult Propaganda bike, Sherwood: 12 inch wheels, 5kg; a mini balance bike in pink with tan coloured grips and matching wicker basket, Pop: 12-24 inch wheels, 6-12kg; light aluminium frame with playful pops of colour, Molli: 12-16 inch wheels, 8-10kg; aluminium frame, pink and purple with basket and 'Molli' doll. This convention might have been used in 1947 as well, however, we have not found any Raleigh examples from 1947 so far that exhibit this serial system. [5] Bowden described how this led to him visiting the Raleigh works: In the early part of 1887, while looking for a good specimen of the then new safety bicycle, I came across a Raleigh in London. . The Mk 2 Chopper was an improved version from 1972. : "12345AB," or "AB12345." Come 2012, Derby was acquired by Pon, a Dutch company which also owns Gazelle and Cervlo, then later that year a second change of hands saw it come under Accell, the current owner whose other brands include Lapierre and Ghost bicycles. Russell Street Cycle Works. William Ellis had recently joined the partnership and provided much-needed financial investment. These cycles were considerably lighter and quicker than either the old heavy English utility roadster or the American "balloon-tire" cruiser bikes. Indeed, the 1981 Raleigh Bomber had the original Raleigh 26 tpi threading despite the earlier Grifter model and Chopper (1974 on) having already reverted to 24 tpi. Whilst no longer a part of the line-up, Raleigh road bikes are still available second hand - so here's a look at the key models. The bike comes with a 42 tooth chainring and 16 tooth rear cog, this should be fine for most riders but you can swap them out once you learn what suits you best. Unit # in production run, A cycle manufactured in Nottingham, in the month of March of the year 1975, would feature the serial "ND5------.". Remember that Raleigh produced the first Chopper model for kids in 1969. Auburn Cycles392; Boss Bicycles342; Cook Bros. Racing211; CW Racing688; Cycle Pro252; Diamond Back2597; . This is the only explanation I can suggest regarding this issue. Raleigh Superbe, 1948-85. How to date & identify. Dawn - YouTube The old Lines Bros. factory at Handsworth, acquired in 1971, produced non Raleigh branded product well into the 1980s, together with Raleigh branded models such as the popular Raleigh Arena. The gravel/adventure road bike from Raleigh, the Mustang comes with wide 36c tyres, mechanical disc brakes and a gravel-specific carbon fork with a tapered steerer - the aim of the game being to offer precise handling and plenty of tyre clearance. With a history of supporting professional cycling - including sponsoring A.A. 'Zimmy' Zimmerman on his way to becoming World Champion in 1987 and taking Joop Zoetemelk to a Tour de France win in 1980 -Raleigh re-entered the realm of pro cycling by launching Team Raleigh in 2010. Under the terms of the agreement, Raleigh of England licensed Huffy to design and distribute Raleigh bicycles in the US,[30] and Huffy was given instant access to a nationwide network of bike shops. As a vertically integrated manufacturer in the mid-1960s, TIRaleigh owned Brooks (one of the oldest saddle makers in the world), Sturmey-Archer (pioneer of 3-speed hubs), and Reynolds (maker of 531 tubing). Twenty/Folders will have the serial marked on the outside of the left dropout, and some Grand Prix models have it in this location as well. Keep in mind that the serials used for Raleigh Choppers - while apparently a nearly identical 7-digit system - do not corrispond well with those of the larger bicycles. Many of the most popular Ralegh brands can be purchased used for $100 to $200. [16] It subsequently became very much bigger. In this period, Raleigh reintroduced the old serial system with 5 or 6 digits. TIRaleigh then acquired Carlton Cycles in Worksop, England that same year, at the time one of the largest semi-custom lightweight makers in the UK. Some examples may use one of the two systems listed above, or the later 1973+ variant. [36], In April 2012, Raleigh UK, Canada and USA were acquired by a separate Dutch group Accell for 62m (US$100m), whose portfolio included the Lapierre and Ghost bicycle brands.[37]. Widely known for the glory days of the 1900s which saw it produce bikes like the children's Chopper and Grifter, plus the Burner BMX bike. "T" serials replaced "P" serials sometime mid-year 1950. The exact specifics of this system remain a mystery. C1978. However, Ill first show you the list of 7 best Raleigh bike models that are very popular among the crowd right now. Since this company has existed for so long, the quickest way to determine your vintage Raleigh bikes age and value is to check the literature available online and offline. Mountain Bikes Under $2000; Fat Tire Bikes; what size bike do i need; Electric Bikes. The Chopper remained in production until 1982, when the rising popularity of the BMX bicycle caused sales to drop off. Raleigh Catalogue 1992 French Date: 03/06/13 Views: 16783 Keywords: 1992. The price was from approximately 32 for a standard Chopper to 55 for the deluxe.