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Note that the serial number information below is fragmentary and incomplete, and many bikes have proven to be much newer than the serial numbers would suggest. It appears that Raleigh recycled many of the older serial numbers in later years, so there are lots of bikes from the 60s and 70s that have serial numbers that would suggest much greater. Raleigh bicycle serial number lookup; how to look up bike serial number; The company had been taking steps to make it harder for makers of cheap bicycles to. Nov 10, 2015 The remaining numbers of the serial number have believed to be the production numbers for that month, but due to ridiculously high numbers given this is said to be practically.

Year range:Serial:
1947-1955, Nottingham
1955-1964(?), 'RA..., RB....'No photo
1963-1969, bottom bracket
1970-1972/3, seat lug + dropout on SC/GP
Year range:Serial:
1973 - Grand Prix, Super Course, Grand Sports only
1973-1982+ Standardized
1983-1986+ Raleigh USA (Japan/Taiwan)
SBDU Team Professional (Ilkeston)

RALEIGH SERIAL NUMBER DATES: After the war, Raleigh began adding letters after the running number series which restarted when a new letter was used. (Info from the Nottinghamshire Archives) 1947: 437689 P 1948: 556894 P 1949: 695051 P 1951: 151179 T 1952: 236530 T 1953: 367369 T 1954: 566722 T 1955: 747951 T 1956: 852312 T 1957: 872584 T. BMXmuseum.com Forums. Bikes # A; B; C; D; E; F; G; H; I; J; K; L; M; N; O; P; Q; R; S; T; U; V; W; X; Y; Z.

1947-1955, Nottingham:

Convention #1

Convention #2

Convention #2

Serial location:
Serials stamped on side of seat lug (men's), front of seat lug (ladies', not shown), or bottom bracket (men's and ladies,' not shown), positioning of serial has no relation to serial system - there does not appear to be rhyme or reason relating to positioning. Samples shown above.

Serial convention:
Three serial conventions are used during this period:

Convention #1 (1947-1955):
6 digits followed by the letter 'P' or 'T.' 'P' serials used until and during 1950. 'T' serials replaced 'P' serials sometime mid-year 1950. Digits or letters in serial do NOT relate to month/year/day codes; only the serial in whole determines the year.

NOTE: This numbering system apparently ran until 1955, possibly longer, and concurrently with the newer serial system that debuted in 1948 (shown below). Raleighs of any model may be seen with either serial number type during this era.

Convention #2 (1948-195?):
4-5 digits followed by two letters (or, for the 28'-wheel models, two letters followed by 4-5 digits). e.g.: '12345AB,' or 'AB12345.' Serial 'rolls over' when numerals are used up - without rhyme or reason relating to month or year - in the same fashion as an odometer. This convention might have been used in 1947 as well, however, we have not found any Raleigh examples from 1947 so far that exhibit this serial system.

Convention #3 (1954-?):
This convention remains still largely unidentified, though it appears to follow an identical format to convention #2; e.g., '12345RA.' However, the first letter in the serial, 'R,' appears to remain for the entire run of this system. The exact specifics of this system remain a mystery.

NOTE:
Some of the following information regarding Serial Convention #1 is derived from the Nottinghamshire Archive papers, and may therefore be approximated.

The entirety of the second serial chart is of our own research and are estimates - as accurate we can practically make them - of the serial numbers from the year and serial in question.

Convention #1 (1947-1955):

1947437689P to 556893P (unconfirmed)
1948556894P to 695050P (unconfirmed)
1949Serials 695051P and approximately up to and past 730807P (a serial known to exist on a '49 Clubman)
1950'P' serials past (and perhaps somewhat earlier then) '800000P' AND 'T' serials '000001T' (?) to '151178T.' Last year for 'P' serials.
1951151179T to 367368T (unconfirmed)
1952367369T - termination unknown
1953No data
1954No data
1955Serials in the '591---T' range and up to an unknown terminus.

Convention #2 (1948-1955):

1948.....AJ through .....AP (?)
1949.....AP through .....A?
1950.....A? through .....AX

Serials '...AV,' '...AW,' and '...AX' may stand for both a late 1950 model, or early '51s built with frames built the previous year

1951.....AV through .....BG
1952.....BG through .....BI
1953.....BI through .....B?
1954No data
1955No data

1955-1964(?) Serial System:

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.

This system follows a similar pattern to Convention #2 above, and uses a prefix or suffic of 'RA' or 'RB,' followed by 4 or 5 digits, but never exceeding 5. Location is on the side of the seat lug, as with the earlier serials above.

By 1961/62, an additional-single letter suffix was added, presumably as an identifier of the factory the frame was produced, for every single example I've seen is represented by the letter 'N,' which is not unreasonable to assume stands for Nottingham. Neither it is not out of the question that other letters may exist, representing Raleigh's other factories.

One may assume that 'RA' serial numbers began with 'RA00001' (or RA1000), and continue until 'RA 99999 N,' at which point the system was reset to 'RB 00001 N' (or RB 10000 N). This seems to have happened around 1962, and it is reasonable to assume that all 'RB' symbols represent bikes produced post-1961.

1963-1969 Bottom Bracket Serial System (excluding Carlton/Worksop):

1963-1969 BB serial

Serial convention:

This serial system replaced the 'RA' series that preceeded it and was the first major system to use numerals exclusively.

The system consists of a seven-digit serial - beginning with #1000000 in 1963 - running up to the #4600000-#4800000 range by 1969, at which point, it was discontinued.

EXCEPTION: This system is NOT to be confused with the seat-tube system which replaced it in 1970; which ran until 1973. Numbers will be duplicated between each system.

Serial location:

These serials will be located on the bottom bracket on both ladies' and men's Superbes, Sprites, and Sports. The extent of this system's use on other models is unknown.

BB photo courtesy 'w1gfh' - Bikeforums.net

1963-1969 BB serial:

1967?
19684?00000-4200000
19684200000-4400000
19694400000-4600000+

1970-1972/3 Seat Lug and Dropout Serial Systems (excluding Carlton/Worksop):

How To Read Raleigh Serial Numbers


Seat lug serial number, mens'

Seat lug serial number, ladies'

Dropout serial number, Super Course and Grand Prix

(Alternate serial system shown)

Serial convention:

At present, I have insufficent information about the serial numbers from this era to construct a definite chart of every example used during this time period. At least 4 or 5 different systems were used. I have uncovered two of them to a reasonable extent; both of which ran concurrently to each other during this time period:

'System 1970:'
The first system consists of 7 digits, beginning with 1000000. This system showed its face in 1970 (I have named it accordingly), and was phased out in mid-1973.

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. This is the only explanation I can suggest regarding this issue.

'System 1972:'
A second 5-6 digit serial system was introduced in 1972, overlapped onto some early 1973 models with NO rhyme or reason, and died a quick death before 1973 was out. This system never exeeded 6 digits, and the reason for its introduction remains a mystery. Regardless, it is here, and it will stay.

This system INCLUDES the Grand Prix and Super Course, despite the seven-digit serials (as mentioned in the next system, below) running concurrently on these models.

Serial location:

The serials from this era, specifically for general production machines (Sports, Superbe, Sprite), will be located on the seat lug. Twenty/Folders will have the serial marked on the outside of the left dropout, and some Grand Prix models have it in this location as well. Unknown where they are located on DL-1s.

Keep in mind that the serials used for Raleigh Choppers - while apparently a nearly identical 7-digit system - do not corrispond well with those of the larger bicycles. For now, it should be assumed that the Choppers' serial system is separate (until proven otherwise).

Men's models will have the stamping on the top of the lug, ladies' frames will have the serial stamped to the front of the lug.

Addendums and warnings:

Both of these systems are often covered deep in paint - do not be surprised if you only find 5 or 6 digits!

Given the obvious duplication of serials with bikes produced prior to 1970, we suggest that you use the frame's decals as a supplimentary era guide - please visit our Raleigh Sports Visual ID page for this purpose.

Please understand that this particular chart is a rough draft. Use in conjunction with Sturmey-Archer rear hubs and frameset decals as additional guides.

All of the serial cutoffs are approximated. Please allow for overlap.

System '1970':

19701000000-1999999
19712000000-2700000
19722800001-3800000
Early 19733800001-?

System '1972':

1972 and early 1973-decal frames:67***(?)-900000

1973 Serial System - Grand Prix, Super Course, and Grand Sports:

Left rear dropout serial, Grand Prix

Left rear dropout serial, Grand Sports

Serial convention:

An additional 7-digit serial system was used in 1973, appearing only on the Grand Prix (including Gazelle production), Super Course, and Grand Sports.

These serials are instantly recognizable, as the first digit is always zero, and low-number serials (i.e., '9181') will have a prefix of as many zeros required to make the serial seven digits - in other words, '0009181' - such as the example Grand Sports shown above.

Keep in mind that this serial system - though used on these three models in 1973 - are not unique to them during this year. Some examples may use one of the two systems listed above, or the later 1973+ variant.

Serial location:

Outside of left dropout.

Grand Prix dropout photo courtesy 'ianbrettcooper' - Bikeforums.net
Grand Sports dropout photo courtesy 'thumpic' - Bikeforums.net

Serial system:

19730000001 through 0999999 (?)
(End cutoff not known)

1973-1982+ 'Standardized' Serial System

Seat-tube serial

BB-shell serial

Serial location:
Serials stamped on rear of seatpost (both men's and ladies' models) near top on most models; sample shown at left. Some examples may be stamped on the bottom bracket as on the right.

Serial convention:

Two letters, followed by a series of six digits:

First letter - production factory:
N=Nottingham
W=Worksop (1967-1980), Nottingham after 1981, following closure of Worksop factory. Discontinued in 1990.
E=Enid (USA)
G=Gazelle
M=Malaysia
R=Canada
D=Ireland
H=Handsworth (U.K.)
S=Unknown, but in existence
B=Unknown, but reported
Second letter - approximate month of frame manufacture:
Jan=A
Feb=B/C
Mar=D
Apr=E/F
May=G
Jun=H/I/J
Jul=K
Aug=L
Sep=M
Oct=N/O
Nov=P/Q/R
Dec=S
First numeral (third digit in sequence):
Year of manufacture;
'3' = 1973, '4' = 1974, '5' = 1975, '6' = 1976, etc.

All following digits:
Unit # in production run

Example:

A cycle manufactured in Nottingham, in the month of March of the year 1975, would feature the serial 'ND5------.'

For instance, the photo shown above, to the left, bears the serial 'NL9------,' indicating a machine made in August 1979, at the Nottingham factory. 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).

1983-1986+ Raleigh USA Serial System

Raleigh USA BB serial location

Used only on Japanese and Taiwanese frames, plus the Nottingham Team Pro '555'.

Serial location:
Serial stamped on bottom bracket (both men's and ladies' models); sample shown above.

Serial convention:
First digit of serial = year (e.g.: '4'=1984)
Second digit (letter) of serial = ? (e.g.: '?'=?)
Third digit of serial = ? (e.g.: '?'=?)

Note:
Due to advance production for next-year models, some serials may indicate a production year backdated one year prior to the actual model year of the bike in question.

Detailed identification pages for steel Raleigh USA racing-series models are planned.


SBDU Ilkeston serial

SBDU serials are sequential, and do not indicate year or date of manufacture. Use the decals and components of the frame as your guide. All SBDU frames were built in Raleigh's Ilkeston factory.

Alternately, a photo registry of SBDU Team Professionals can be found at the TI Raleigh Team Professional Yahoo! Group, which may help to narrow down a given frame's era:

Serial Location:
Stamped on bottom bracket.

SBDU serial photo courtesy Hilary Stone

Serial convention:

'SB' followed by four numbers, sequential to production order.

We are happy to answer technical questions by email but please:

Do not write or phone us to ask the age or value of your bike.
All of the information we have on that is on this Web page or on SheldonBrown.com/raleigh.html

Also see information at Kurt Kaminer's Headbadge site.

Denmark's Bicycle VIN/dating system

Note that the serial number information below is fragmentary and incomplete, and many bikes have proven to be much newer than the serial numbers would suggest. It appears that Raleigh recycled many of the older serial numbers in later years, so there are lots of bikes from the 60s and 70s that have serial numbers that would suggest much greater age.

Note that the serial number information below is fragmentary and incomplete, and many bikes have proven to be much newer than the serial numbers would suggest. It appears that Raleigh recycled many of the older serial numbers in later years, so there are lots of bikes from the 60s and 70s that have serial numbers that would suggest much greater age.

Sturmey-Archer Hubs1988 - 19251925 - WWIIWWII - 19551955 - 19661967 - 19731972 - 1980's1980's - Present

Sturmey-Archer Hubs

Almost all English 3-speeds have Sturmey-Archer rear hubs. Sturmey-Archer was a division of Raleigh, made many different models since 1902, and were still in business until October, 2000. The company was sold to a group of money manipulators who shut it down in hope of making a quick profit by selling off the assets. The Taiwanese company Sunrace bought the equipment, stock and rights to the name and is back in business.

Most older Sturmey-Archer hubs have two or three-letter model codes, which are usually stamped onto the hub shell. Conveniently, they also usually have the month and the last two digits of the year of manufacture stamped onto the shell. This is the easiest way to date a 3-speed bicycle, if it has its original rear wheel.

1888-1925

Prior to 1925, genuine Raleighs (not necessarily brand names made by Raleigh) had a straightforward numerical frame number. Early years have been estimated by the Company. (Info from the Nottinghamshire Archives)

Raleigh Bicycle Serial Number Lookup

Note that the serial number information below is fragmentary and incomplete, and many bikes have proven to be much newer than the serial numbers would suggest. It appears that Raleigh recycled many of the older serial numbers in later years, so there are lots of bikes from the 60s and 70s that have serial numbers that would suggest much greater age.
Phillips bicycle serial numbers
1888: 1500
1889: 3200
1890: 5200
1891: 7600
1892: 10500
1893: 13900
1894: 19100
1895: 25300
1896: 32100
1897: 39913
1898: 45981
1899: 54032
1900: 65152
1900: 69868
1901: 77342
1902: 89622
1903: 102954
1904: 112673
1905: 129228
1906: 154917
1907: 183073
1908: 215650
1909: 249081
1910: 285669
1911: 328748
1912: 375693
1913: 427829
1914: 482851
1915: 517198
1916: 545198
1917: 569737
1918: 592473
1919: 621678
1920: 654502
1921: 688291
1922: 738447
1923: 809184
1924: 899465
1925: 998077

1925-Second World War

Between 1925 and the cessation of cycle production during the Second World War, letters prefixed or suffixed the running frame number although no indication is given of the starting point of the numbers. They seem to reflect only the number of machines produced whilst each letter was in use. All dating would therefore be approximate. (Info from the Nottinghamshire Archives)
1925: A1
1925: B34181
1926/27: B56536
1929: E15693
1930: G94785
1933: L84682
1934: T93945
1934: U14540
1935: W71147
1936: W93161
1937: Y184552

Post Second World War - 1955

Raleigh Serial Number Lookup

After the war, Raleigh began adding letters after the running number series which restarted when a new letter was used. (Info from the Nottinghamshire Archives)
1947: 437689 P
1948: 556894 P
1949: 695051 P
1951: 151179 T
1952: 236530 T
1953: 367369 T
1954: 566722 T
1955: 747951 T
1956: 852312 T
1957: 872584 T

1955 - 1966

A new numbering system was introduced in 1955, though this ran concurrently with the old one for two years. The new system involved a second running letter, added to the first, which began at the start of the alphabet.
1956: 23839 A
1957: 27227 AB
1958: 17910 AD
1960: 27273 AE
1961: 13126 AF
1965/6: 40814 FD
1966: 64521 FE

Note: Some of the mid-60's straight gauge 531 frames had serial numbers starting with a single letter which was towards the end of the alphabet.

1967 - 1973

Yet another number system was introduced in 1966. This new system applied to the high-end (i.e. Reynolds 531) frames, and involved the placing of a character at the beginning of the serial number. The character began at the start of the alphabet, and indicated year of manufacture. Detail about the numerals that follow the alphabet are sketchy, and are presumably sequential serial numbers of some kind.

1966: A, followed by four numerals
1967: B, followed by four numerals
1968: C, followed by four numerals
1969: D, followed by four numerals

1970: E, followed by four numerals
1971: F, followed by four numerals
1972: G, followed by four numerals
1973: H, followed by four numerals

Raleigh Bike Serial Number Lookup

Note: While this numbering scheme is generally true, there may have been some crossover use of letters at the beginning/end of each year (e.g. a 'G' serial number may have been built into a bike in 1973, but the frame may have been built in 1972).

1974 - 1980's

In 1974, an entirely different numbering system was introduced for the higher end (531 and subsequently 753) Raleighs. Serial numbers should begin with a 'W', which stands for Worksop, the facility that produced these frames. This is followed by another alphabet. This alphabet indicates the fortnight in which the frame was built (i.e. A = 1st fortnight, B = 2nd, etc.). The third character is always a numeral. It indicates the year of manufacture, the decade being assumed (i.e. '4' could be '74 or '84; it is up to the interpreter to know enough to tell if the frame is from the 70's or 80's). What then follows is a series of numbers. At this point, these appear to be some sort of sequence, but this has not been substantiated.

American made Raleighs manufactured in Kent, Washington, By Derby Cycle

Sample number: R 003310123A

  • R (all)
  • Digits 1 & 5 are year. Sample is from 2001
  • Digits 2,3,4 are day (001-365). Sample is from February 2
  • Digits 6-9 are sequential. Sample is the 123rd bike built that shift.
  • A = morning shift B= evening shift. Sample is morning shift.
    Letter code may or may not be present, depending on production schedule.

Raleigh Bicycle Serial Numbers

Notes:

Raleigh Serial Number

  1. The 531DB Gran Sports built in the early 70's did not have letters in the serial number.
  2. Frames built at the Ilkeston facility have serial numbers that begin with 'SB'.
  3. The 1973 track frames begin with an 'A'.
  4. There are several documented cases of '73 and '74 Professionals, Internationals, Competitions and RRAs with 'A' serial numbers. Let the color scheme, decals and components be your guide.

We are happy to answer technical questions by email but please: