What the hell is this??

[Frootle]

Hi everyone - I'm a newbie on here so be gentle with me..!

I bought this Raleigh on eBay at the weekend. According to the serial number it was made in Worksop in April 1976. I've had a look at some of the catalogues here and elsewhere, but can't see exactly what model it is. Any ideas/suggestions? Obviously the group set isn't original but that doesn't worry me: I just love the look and the ride of it! The closest it looks is to a Professional or Gran Tourer, but I was hoping the hive mind could help me. Cheers!

 

[bikeworkshop]

Zenith was often this blue, but I think it was 501?

 

[bikeworkshop]

You can usually find catalogue images here or elsewhere online, starting with the year - 76,77 by your calcs off the number, although it looks a little more modern to me

 

[Frootle]

Thank you! I did look at the catalogues but couldn't see anything that matched. And I only thought 1976 because of the serial number. Someone has put newer components on (105, Dura-ace), but I'm no expert as to age!

 

[bikeworkshop]

Some manufacturers use the date in the number but many don't.
Some do sometimes but not always
I'm sure a raleigh expert could tell you the dates and model - try reposting it as "help identify this raleigh racer circa 1980" - that should draw in retrobikers with the specific knowledge youre after.

I see around 30 bikes a day on average at work so my knowledge is a little broad and non specific, but this bike looks 80s to me at a glance

 

[hamster]

I'm wondering if it's a Royal or Randonneur as it has mudguard eyes. I can't remember if they even existed as models back then though.

I think @bikeworkshop is right, the Reynolds transfer is post-1980 and doesn't appear to have been stuck on later.

 

[bikeworkshop]

I think the rando came in late 80s with double eyes. The royal had been around a while before that but i think a little fancier with details like the brake Bridge and bb shell??

 

[Frootle]

I'm wondering if it's a Royal or Randonneur as it has mudguard eyes. I can't remember if they even existed as models back then though.

I think @bikeworkshop is right, the Reynolds transfer is post-1980 and doesn't appear to have been stuck on later.

Thank you! That's really useful! Odd about the date: I looked up the serial number and it suggested that 'W' stood for Worksop, and that plant closed around 1980, and that '6' was for 1976. But I'm no expert. But great tip: I'll have a look at catalogues from the early 1980s!

Some manufacturers use the date in the number but many don't.
Some do sometimes but not always
I'm sure a raleigh expert could tell you the dates and model - try reposting it as "help identify this raleigh racer circa 1980" - that should draw in retrobikers with the specific knowledge youre after.

I see around 30 bikes a day on average at work so my knowledge is a little broad and non specific, but this bike looks 80s to me at a glance

But thank you for your ideas! I'll try that thread too!

 

[pigman]

Under bracket cable routing and plastic cable tunnel suggests something from the mid 80s

 

[Frootle]

Under bracket cable routing and plastic cable tunnel suggests something from the mid 80s

That's interesting - well, maybe I misread the serial number completely!