Re: [CR] Seeking help- dating an old Raleigh "Sports" model lightweight 10-speed

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In-Reply-To: <20060818131157.64778.qmail@web34707.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
References: <20060818131157.64778.qmail@web34707.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Date: Sat, 19 Aug 2006 11:59:31 -0400
To: Steven Tallides <sjt78@yahoo.com>, classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
From: "Sheldon Brown" <CaptBike@sheldonbrown.com>
Subject: Re: [CR] Seeking help- dating an old Raleigh "Sports" model lightweight 10-speed


Quoth Steven Tallides:
>I recently acquired an old Raleigh Sports lightweight 10-speed at a
>garage sale. After researching the history of Raleigh bikes online
>(thanks Sheldon Brown!) I am still unable to date this bike. I
>posted a great deal of information about the bike and a few detailed
>pictures at roadbikereview.com (here is the direct link to my post:
>http://forums.roadbikereview.com/showthread.php?t=70088). I would
>appreciate any all all help regarding dating or possible value of
>this bike.

Looks like early-mid 1960s, fairly low end model, so probably no particular value. Frame and cranks look like early '60s Gran Sport, but cheapo brakes and fairly basic wheels.

I don't believe that model was ever officially imported to the U.S. under that name. Probably an informal import, a bike bought by a student or traveler in England and brought back privately.

The U.S. never got more than a sub-set of the total number of models Raleigh sold in the U.K. The name "Sports" was only used for 3-speed light roadsters in the U.S. until this model year, when Raleigh USA has revived the designation for an entry-level road bike.

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