Some examples may be stamped on the bottom bracket as on the right. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Both of these systems are often covered deep in paint - do not be surprised if you only find 5 or 6 digits! This current serial system for bikes produced in Raleighs Ilkeston factory comes with an SB letter and four digits. They can be a valuable source of original parts. 1908 Raleigh All-Steel Military Model View . Location is on the side of the seat lug, as with the earlier serials above. Of a similar nature is the Raleigh Sherwood which instead comes with a steel frame. Raleigh bikes as a brand have been producing quality bicycles since the year 1885 with a lot to offer to its loyal customers. The factory closed in 1994. 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. 1970-1979 The Raleigh (Ireland) business expanded and moved to 811 Hanover Quay, Dublin in 1943. The company also has an assortment of quality brand new bikes that can by purchased for under $500. Raleigh also already owned the Robin Hood brand, and Three Spires with Triumph (cycles) also at their disposal. . [26] The Chopper was patented in the UK in 1967 and patented in the US in 1968. 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. Some catalogs may not be available at this time, others are linked to other sites (no sense in duplicating data). Known to be a fine product of British engineering, Raleigh bikes have started to focus more on electric and hybrid bikes in the recent past. As you can guess, this nostalgic generation typically looks for bikes produced in the 1970s and 1980s. This database is a work in progress. BLUE VISCOUNT H103 SEAT ORIGINAL 80's OLD SCHOOL RALEIGH BMX AERO GT HUTCH. For instance, models created in the 1960s and 1970s featured elongated seats, while those from the 1980s were wider and cushioned. All of the serial cutoffs are approximated. The most appreciated Raleighs vintage models are working bikes with adult-sized frames and multiple speeds, regardless of the budget. [28][29] The Chopper was first available for sale in June 1969 in North America. Top Companies View All Companies View All Models. Raleigh experimented with a number of product groups; for example motorcycles in 1899 and the three wheeled Raleighette in 1903. 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) Remember that models with all-original parts almost always cost more than repaired ones. In 1987, the leading German bicycle manufacturer Derby Cycle bought Raleigh from Ti and Raleigh USA from Huffy. However, there are a few other options, such as: You can also look for help on bike forums, like: Finally, sales sites are a relevant source of information, including the most popular: Becoming a vintage Raleigh bike owner is an ultimate experience because of its history and unique story that goes with each one. 100 of the best vintage mountain bikes | Vintage Steel Rider 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. Apr 13, 2005. In 1984, riding Raleigh-badged bicycles, Team USA scored several impressive victories at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles. [10] In recent years, the Raleigh company has cited 1887 as a foundation date but, whilst this pre-dates Bowden's involvement, the Raleigh brand name was created by Woodhead and Angois and the enterprise can, as demonstrated above, be traced back to 1885. Adventure and gravel bikes,Cyclocross bikes, SUBSCRIBE TO CYCLING WEEKLY FROM AS LITTLE AS 3*, Improve your performance with our expert practical, nutritional and training tips, Every week get exclusive interviews, fitness tips and product reviews. Raleigh Canada had a factory in Waterloo, Quebec from 1972 to 2013. YOUR HEIGHT. Raleighs of any model may be seen with either serial number type during this era. Many of the most popular Ralegh brands can be purchased used for $100 to $200. BikeSized is supported by its readers so we may earn an affiliate commission without it ever affecting the price you pay. This doesnt affect the amount you pay. BB photo courtesy "w1gfh" - Bikeforums.net. Michelle Arthurs-Brennan is a traditional journalist by trade, having begun her career working for a local newspaper, where highlights included interviewing a very irate Freddie Star (and an even more irate theatre owner), as well as 'the one about the stolen chickens'. Find out more about how we test. 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. Designed to be ridden in competitive environments, it provided the rider with a chassis that allows them to get long and low. In 1957, Raleigh bought the BSA Cycles Ltd., BSA's bicycle division, which gave them exclusive use of the former brand names New Hudson and Sunbeam. As always, the most expensive are models in working order and with all original components. By many criteria, their bikes were the best in the world in the 1970s and 1980s. Old school BMX Viscount SEAT ORIGINAL 80's RALEIGH. 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'). Raleigh decided to withdraw from supporting a road team at the end of the 2017 season [40]. 1982-1987 (Raleigh U.K.), Truncated version of 1971 catalog, Here we have assembled or price guide for used Raleigh bicycles. Or to complete commuting or winter bike duties for the kind of rider who has several bikes in the stable. Raleigh bikes hold a long-standing reputation for excellence among cycling enthusiasts. This electric bike is known to let you pass through the city at an impressive pace that you wouldnt have imagined. Gone is the top tube shifter and long integrated seat, but the look and feel of the bike remain. Find Raleigh Bicycles stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. Bath Created to be the ultimate commuter, each comes with built in pannier racks, mudguards, disc brakes and tyres that will roll well on the road whilst remaining resilient. I was under the impression that if u have to ask someone about the worth & value then ur not a serious collector of the bike therefore seen as rookies. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Free shipping. 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. It also included the letter N for Nottingham, a region of bike manufacturing. Michelle is on maternity leave from July 8 2022, until April 2023. When it comes to its weight, it is super light and the dual-hand brakes are very responsive for the little one to enjoy the ride. The company established by Bowden in December 1888 was still privately owned with unlimited public liability. It had the option of five-speed derailleur gears in the United States, but all UK bikes had the 3 speed hub, with the exception of a model introduced in 1973 and only available in a bizarre shade of pink. In 1980 Joop Zoetemelk won the Tour de France on a Raleigh. This ride is perfect for riders who care about aesthetics have flat roads to roll into the city, but if there are any significant inclines you may be craving a smaller gear or more gears to choose from. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 1950-1959 The excellent thing is that Raleigh has a specific way of putting serial numbers on their bikes. The bikes feature an aluminium frame with a triple chainring and seven or eight rear gears to ensure there's enough range for any journey. In the spring of that year, they started advertising in the local press. Raleigh Bicycle Front Brake Cable NOS 1950's-60's Superbe Sports . Paradoxically, a perfectly restored model often costs like the same bike in original condition with scratches, meaning you will lose the money spent on the material. There is one more thing! The new serial system got a prefix RB or RA followed by 4 to 5 digits. Thus, Raleigh's 30th anniversary was celebrated in 1918. Use in conjunction with Sturmey-Archer rear hubs and frameset decals as additional guides. Best Raleigh bikes in 2023 Reviewed 1) Raleigh Alysa Womens Urban Fitness Bike 2) Cadent Hybrid 3) MXR 12"/16"/20" Bike 4) Jazzi Kids Bikes . 1960-1969 Westminster Abbey. The brakes are discs to ensure good stopping in the wet, and frame is aluminium. Also, they have one-size-fit frame, like the HOPPA HYBRID BIKE with 24-inch wheel and 45cm frame size. This model featured unsprung front forks and a cycle type calliper front brake which made it a very affordable mode of transport. Our range of women's Raleigh bikes offers a variety of styles and models, including the classical Willow and commuter friendly Strada and Pioneer hybrid models. All models feature aluminium frames with short travel suspension forks at the front to provide comfort. All Raleigh Cycle Company of America parts and frames from 1995 on were then mass-produced in China and Taiwan and assembled in other plants. 1909 Chater Lea X frame Lady-back Tandem . $119.99. Using Raleigh as their brand name, it is one of the oldest bicycle companies in the world. 1959 All-Chrome Raleigh Superbe 'Boss-Bike' . We may be the definitive bicycle valuation authority, but we don't have everything. Serial location: At 14.5kg the Stowaway is one of the heavier folding bike options out there, but this is still lightweight enough to carry up stairs when on the move. Serials in the "591---T" range and up to an unknown terminus. Having a proper size chart is a blessing for anyone looking to own up a bike. Looking for the value of a Raleigh Professional with all Campy components, 10 speed. Some of Raleigh's most renowned creations have been kids' bikes, and their children's starter machines are still some of the most widely stocked. Click below to see any particular section quickly: 1930's 1940-1949 1950-1959 1960-1969 1970-1979 1980-1982 1982-1986 (Raleigh USA) 1982-1987 (Raleigh U.K.) Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, At that time, production of some U.S. Raleigh models were shifted to Japan, with Bridgestone manufacturing most of these bikes. Bowden created a business which, by 1913, was the biggest bicycle manufacturing company in the world, occupying seven and a half acres in purpose-built premises completed in 1897 at Faraday Road, Lenton, Nottingham. After being acquired by Frank Bowden in December 1888, it became The Raleigh Cycle Company, which was registered as a limited liability company in January 1889. 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. The Raleigh company is among the oldest global cycling brands and is famous for its impressive racing heritage. The first thing to look for when determining the Raleigh bike age is a serial number stamped during the production. Some pointers to help you through the maze of different frame and other features of this large range of bicycles. Previous to joining the Cycling Weekly team, Michelle was Editor at Total Women's Cycling. Go a step down and you still get 10 speed Deore shifting via a traditional derailleur. Raleigh Bikes Price Guide - Priceonomics In 2009 it was announced that the company would be creating a new Continental-level cycling team called Team Raleigh. RX100 was early 90s. He was a lace gasser, a service provider involved in the bleaching and treating of lace, with premises in nearby Clare Street and Glasshouse Street. I can't find anything on Retro Raleighs and Classic Rendezvous (no doubt too modern), anyone got any ideas? Collectors will also look for bikes with deluxe and unique features and those containing bells and whistles. Carlton, which had been unable to make inroads in the USA market after a failed rebranding deal with Huffy, found success in the late 1960s by recasting itself as "Raleigh-Carlton", a Raleigh-logo'd bike with some Carlton badging, and using the US dealer network to import and distribute bikes. I would say that their bikes are completely value for money and very underrated. In addition to the two serial types above, a third system appears to have been established in 1955, or at the earliest, 1954; terminating in the early-mid '60s - the most recent example I have on hand is from 1962, though I suspect the official cutoff may date to 1963 or '64. Raleigh's Strada range is designed to offer rugged adventure potential, and all nine bikes in this collection have different specifications. Owning one of their older models is the ultimate experience for most bikers, so you should consider buying one if you enjoy this sport. The bottom bracket shell of the hugely successful Twenty range of shopper bikes, the Chopper and even the 1976 Grifter, all had a Raleigh exclusive 76mm wide bottom bracket shell. 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. The company also changed the bike handlebars appearance, so their shape can be an excellent indicator of age. English 3-Speeds Retro Raleighs Raleigh Parts Threading/Interchangeability Three-Speed Parts from Harris Cyclery Sturmey-Archer Hubs Sturmey-Archer Brochures 1935-38 You'll need a fast connection for this. The list includes old (discontinued) and new ones . The data is based on literature, first-hand experience, various references, and very helpful contributions from fellow Raleigh enthusiasts . [1], In 2006, the Raleigh Chopper was named in the list of British design icons in the Great British Design Quest organised by the BBC and the Design Museum.[2]. [14] Shortly after this, the company also occupied Forest Road Mill. 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. Seat Shapes 5. Retro Raleighs - Sheldon Brown 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 Felix range is a five model line-up of electric bikes that provide a comfortable upright riding position. Also, theres a Purion display to let you switch between four separate modes to have a little fun with minimum effort. Raleigh hybrid bicycles come in various frame styles, such as crossbar, low step, and open frame. Once you know how to read them, determining the production year will be a piece of cake. The vintage Raleigh bikes value depends on the model, condition, and production year. It was a four-seat convertible with shaft drive and a maximum speed of 55mph (89km/h). Raleigh History | Raleigh UK Please allow for overlap. FRAME SIZE (INCH) FRAME SIZE (CM) 4'9-5'1 ft (150-156cm) 13/14. The Raleigh Chopper was designed by Nottingham native Alan Oakley,[25] though this has been disputed by Cambridge designer Tom Karen. By 1888, the company was making about three cycles a week and employed around half a dozen men. Raleigh739; Redline4233; Robinson981; S&M Bikes2212; Schwinn3246; SE Racing4313; Skyway1374; Specialized607 . Manufacture was transferred to Raleigh's Nottingham works. By Stephen Puddicombe $40.00. Lets go through some of the pros of Raleigh bicycles. 1980-1982 Raleigh Bikes: Best 5 Picks Reviewed & Buyer's Guide If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. 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. Raleigh Superbe, 1948-85. How to date & identify. Dawn - YouTube Many collectors appreciate patina, so every repairing or repainting significantly reduces a vintage bicycles cost. EXCEPTIONS: Evidence indicates that a handful of '70-'71 frames - or their lugs, depending on when the stamping was done - may not have been released from the factory until 1973, and were consequently decaled as 1973 models. 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. Raleigh then bought out Moulton and produced both bikes until 1974. Raleigh's version was called the Light Delivery Van and had a chain drive. Mudguards and a pannier rack come as standard, and reflective graphics on the side give added visibility. Vintage Raleigh Bikes Value (Identification & Price Guides) Thanks to increased demand, he soon founded a factory and showed 23 beautiful new bike designs at the Stanley Cycle Show in 1890. 6 digits followed by the letter "P" or "T." "P" serials used until and during 1950. The Raleigh Array is a commuter focused electric bike with a 400Wh battery, wide and sweeping handlebars with seven speed derailleur gears and resilient tyres. 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. This steel framed city slicker can be ridden fixed or as a singlespeed. NOTE: The example to the left is "WR0------," which would indicate Worksop manufacture in November of 1980 (and most likely a 1981 model due to the late month). In 1982, rights to the Raleigh USA name were purchased by the Huffy Corporation after decades of being the US distributor of Raleigh bikes from England. This model was discontinued in 1976. $15.60 shipping. Group, which may help to narrow down a given frame's era: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TI_RALEIGH_TEAM_PROS/. The business was established in 1885 in Nottingham, England, and has created an almost 130-year old tradition in bike manufacturing. The condition always significantly impacts vintage item value, including Raleigh bicycles. Another bike that can do a lot of things is the Motus electric hybrid bike. Because of its success, production continued until February 1971; 17 months after Raleigh had stopped manufacturing all other mopeds.[21]. Established in 1887 in Nottingham, England, we're still based in our hometown.