It's generally accepted that Raleigh's serial number records are inconsistent and incomplete, partially due to a huge factory fire in 1976 in which the Irish facility burned to the ground with most of their records. They also appeared to have different serial numbers/systems for different plants and countries. Don't sweat it.

The 1964 I'm going through has no serial number.There is no evidence of it being ground off. I have not seen one on the seat post tube like that. On a 65' model I would expect it to be across the BB. Both the 1960's & 62 I have are sstamped on the seatpost lug.

The nds seat post lug is a very common location for serial numbers. Almost all of mine have had that. Dozens.

That’s what I saw on the sites that describe Raleigh serial numbers. But this isn’t on the lug, it’s on the downtube below the lug. I’m not really obsessing over it, just curious as I learn more.

https://lancaster.craigslist.org/bik...432388704.html

This is near me. I am considering purchasing it.
Question: Is the price right? I have no idea.

Thank you for your feedback.
I grew up with a Rollfast 3-speed that looks a lot like this one, and am thinking that I might enjoy this one.

@Peugeot lover. It's a fair price for what seems to be a good condition early 60's Sports. Chrome will clean up easily and the cables look sound too. Even the saddle appears to have life left in it. The only thing it's lacking is the Rudge crankset which isn't a real deal breaker. It will also take serious elbow grease to remove those stubborn, hateful glow-in-dark stickers. $150?

1951 Raleigh dawn tourist
 

Just paid a pretty penny for it. I wasn’t sure of value but seller wouldn’t budge.
https://flic.kr/p/Jwz7d8

I think the price is good. Raleigh did stop using the Ulster Hand chainrings in the 60s, so the crank is probably original. Looks like a good bike to me but this is a 21" frame. If you're over 5'10", you might want to consider holding out for a 23" frame.

Thank you for your responses.
Yes, the whole bike looks original, though I suspect the Brooks saddle was added.
I was wondering about the frame size fitting me. I am 5'11" with 32" inseam. It may be too small.

I am unfamiliar with the Ulster Hand chainring & the Rudge crankset.
Is that a design like the birds on the Raleigh chainring?

I think you would be better off with the taller frame. They are a bit harder to find. It's easy to tell the frame size even in ad pictures by looking at the length of the steerer tube.These light roadsters only come in two sizes.
Raleigh acquired Rudge in 1942 and moved production to Nottingham. But, they kept the traditional "hand" chainring until sometime in the 60s. I love the stylized chainrings on old English bikes. Adds a lot of charm in my opinion.
Try a google image search of Rudge bicycles and you'll see them.

Oh yes. Found a photo of an old Rudge Whitworth, the hand was very clear. Interesting design.
I have seen the Raleigh Herons on the chain wheel, but the hand is new to me.

Thank you for your advice BigChief, you have got a good knowledge of the 3-speeds.

I think that's a good price.
The saddle's worth $50.00 on it's own.

And I thought you were keeping your fleet at a manageable size. Ha!

Thats a nice bike, a real keeper.

Yep, that 1951 Raleigh Dawn Tourist is a 66 year old gem.
That chain guard means business. And that brake bar makes sense, because you want to apply front & rear brakes equally.

On that 1963 Rudge, the "Rudge Hand" symbol is present on the headset badge.

Brought the semi-scorcher with me on a visit to Florida. Here's my chance to post a SirMike style photo on a beautiful road. Well, minus the super clean all original bike part.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4746/...2b8cf3ae_b.jpgzzjan21 by Billy Bones, on Flickr

I know I couldn’t resist I have a problem lol and I’m ok w it as long as some are leaving lol. I’m going to get dynamo working first and will be restoring by “areas” just to be careful

She is a real beauty. I can see how you couldn't pass this one up.

Last night I picked up this 1979 Raleigh Sport. Looked to be in working order just needs a cleaning.

This morning I noticed it had a dent in the drive side fork leg. It didn't pull or look off hence why I bought it, then I noticed the brake arm was bent too. Like I said it didn't pull, just felt squirly but I also feel like other 3 speeds feel the same way to me.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4610/3...e904c306_b.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4624/3...b2aaa517_b.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4752/2...6b0290f0_b.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4662/3...272a2c63_b.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4622/3...7a2554c7_b.jpg

For a more solid steering feel, try a road stem that extends further forward. You'll have to make a shim in order to keep the smaller Raleigh handlebars, but it's a worthwhile upgrade if that's what you like.

I know! Got dyno working so far.

@jamesj: that little ding is nothing to worry about.....but I am not sure you will be able to bend the brake arm back without risking breaking it.....nice looking bike though

@markk900 I thought the same thing.

I think something fell against the bike sometime in its life. The fender was a bit bent in on that side too. You know how it is, bike is perfect all around and then you find one little ding and it drives you crazy.

Has anyone tried the dry ice thing to pul out a dent or heat gun and ice?

First time out in a while today! I had a nice roll on this handsome gent.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4752/...ce5f1af9_h.jpg1966 Sports, Fort Washington Park by Andy Scherer, on Flickr

Took my frame and rear wheel over to my buddy’s house today to learn some stuff about my recent purchase. I wanted to check the bottom bracket bearings and the rear hub condition, and since I kniw nothing about these 3-speeds, I needed some guidance. Plus, he’s the guy who conned me into a 3-speed, so he bears some responsibility for my learning curve. At any rate, we found the rear internals to by dry as a bone and virtually new! He was surprised by the condition, and we figured the hub had never been touched - it looked great. The bottom bracket was also very clean and the cups were looking good, so I probably won’t have to remove the drive side cups right now. I’m feeling pretty fortunate that all the mechanicals on this bike are in great condition. Just need to keep on plugging away on the cleaning.

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL41.../413742551.jpg

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL41.../413742548.jpg

Beautiful bike! Glad to hear you got some riding in. This has been the worst winter up north I can remember.

Here's a nice pair of Supercycle branded Raleigh folding bikes for sale in Toronto.
Seller is asking $300.00 (CDN) for the pair.
Looks like they have the original red line tires.
Attachment 596353

Also possible someone mounted a bottle generator in the fork in the past....that ding could be from tightening the lock screw down too much, and you sometimes had to "adjust" the fender so the generator didn't rub. If it really bugs you too much put a sticker over it! (A tasteful one of course) :)

I like the flattened angle of the trigger.

That seatpost looks comfy! One of my current projects is a 21" Sports. Currently it's fitted with a longer Wald stem and an alloy seatpost - now you've got me thinking about a layback post instead.

I got the idea from a fellow in the Facebook group, "The Raleigh Bicycle Nottingham". His is less of an angle than mine. I like the aesthetic better but mine feels good and that matters more.