myz34

I added another gallery titled Unknown Raleigh, since it kept giving me an error message when attempting to upload right into this thread.
This Raleigh has Huret Allvit derailleurs, Sturmey Archer hubs, Ridgida rims, and came with the Wrights W3N saddle. After reading a couple of websites on how to determine what model came with which equipment, the best guess I have is a Record. Anyone with more knowledge have the same or a differing opinion?

USAZorro

Any pictures? A serial number? Seatpost diameter? Color combination? It's really had to identify a frame based on the components, as they can be - and often are changed over the lifetime of a bicycle.

myz34

myz34

I got the photos to upload this time.

T-Mar

Boom era, Irish manufactured Raleigh Record. The serial number will provide the actual manufacturing date.

myz34

The serial number appears to be AM00274

T-Mar

That would make it the 274th frame from September 1970, which is late enough in the calendar year that it is likely a 1971 model. The curious thing is that Raleigh did not have a facility that used the 'A' prefix. The Irish factory used a 'D'.

USAZorro

ok - I see pictures now. I agree with it being a Record, built in Ireland. The graphics aren't what I'd expect from a 1970 (they had different script and an oval headbadge). It's possible that it was a late 1970 build (ie. an early 1971 model). If so, this is one of the better Record models made (excepting Team Records built for continental distribution in the mid 1970's). Still, likely considered as a rather basic entry-level bicycle - though in pretty good condition.

daka

I think that seat tube decal moves the bike closer to the mid-70s.

Catalog page from 1973 looks like a good match:
https://www.jaysmarine.com/1973raleighcat_12_lg.jpg

cudak888 

There's no way this thing was built prior to 1972. Those graphics didn't exist until 1973 - at earliest, a late 1972 may have them.

I'll bet that serial system is unique to the Irish production line.

To the OP: Can we see a photo of the serial number so we can see where it is stamped and in what manner?

-Kurt

myz34

The first character in the serial number is a little hard to read. I'll try to get a good photo after it gets light out in a couple of hours. Maybe you and/or or someone else will see it differently than I do. The number is on the left rear dropout if that makes a difference. I'm almost 100% sure it's not a D though.

myz34

Agreed. That illustration in the ad does look like it. I'll measure the frame height in a couple of hours and see if it's either 21-1/2 or 23-1/2 to match the description in the catalog.

myz34

Yes, I'll try to get a good photo of the serial number shortly. Had I been thinking, I would have posted a photo of the serial number with all the other photos.

myz34

If this is illegible let me know and I'll post another.

cudak888 

There wouldn't happen to be another serial on the BB or any of the lugs, by chance?

-Kurt

T-Mar

If it's 1973+ and there is another serial number, shouldn't it be on the back of the upper seat tube? Also, based on the versions of the Huret Allvit rear derailleur and shift levers, it
should be no later than a 1975 model.

myz34

I just searched again and that's the only number I found on the frame.

cudak888 

Theoretically - or on the left side of the upper seat tube. But that's assuming the framebuilder contracted for the job was given this directive from Raleigh.

Can you double-check the back and left side of the seattube?



-Kurt

myz34

That's the only number I see on the frame. I found this on the Sheldon Brown website. Maybe I'm overthinking this?

rhm

Serial numbers are great when they answer all your questions, but sometimes they don't. Let the color scheme, decals, and components be your guide.

Color scheme, decals, and components, indeed everything, points to your bike being a Record, which was Raleigh's basic entry level "ten speed" bike from the late 60's through the 70's. The above quotes refer to much more expensive bikes.

There may be a date code on the underside of your saddle, typically one letter and two digits, such as C 73 which would mean July-September 1973. I think the Record came with a cheaper saddle, so this was an upgrade; but its date may tell us something.

Incidentally, when I hit the "quote" button the quote is legible. But as soon as I post it, the link turns to ghibberish, which is what I see now.

cudak888 

The picture came up as Base64 code, but I was able to see the crop you pulled from the Retro Raleigh site. I'd avoid the serial charts up they have. They're old, outdated, and part of the reason I created my own charts (which are now old, outdated, and incorrect in some regards in their own right). The Nottinghamshire documents that these serials were based on have never aligned with actual production examples.

That said, your dropout serial may or may not be original, but the simple fact is that it doesn't fit within any existing system. Given that there's very little research on the Irish-built Raleighs of the time, I'd simply accept that there isn't enough information about them out there yet. In the meantime, you can rest assured that it's a Raleigh Record from 1973, 1974, or 1975.

-Kurt

myz34

Thank you. Now I know I can't do screenshots like that any more.

myz34

Thank you. Now I know I can't do screenshots like that any more.

cb400bill

Edited out screenshot gibberish.

myz34

Thank you. I hope I didn't break any rules. If so, rest assured I won't do it again.