BMX SERIAL NUMBER DECODER SERIAL NUMBERS
BMX SERIAL NUMBER DECODER SERIES

This new system applied to the high-end (i.e. Yet another number system was introduced in 1966.

BMX SERIAL NUMBER DECODER SERIAL NUMBERS

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. The new system involved a second running letter, added to the first, which began at the start of the alphabet. (Info from the Nottinghamshire Archives)Ī new numbering system was introduced in 1955, though this ran concurrently with the old one for two years.

BMX SERIAL NUMBER DECODER SERIES

(Info from the Nottinghamshire Archives)Īfter the war, Raleigh began adding letters after the running number series which restarted when a new letter was used. All dating would therefore be approximate. They seem to reflect only the number of machines produced whilst each letter was in use. 1888: 1500īetween 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. 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. Early years have been estimated by the Company. Prior to 1925, genuine Raleighs (not necessarily brand names made by Raleigh) had a straightforward numerical frame number. This is the easiest way to date a 3-speed bicycle, if it has its original rear wheel. Conveniently, they also usually have the month and the last two digits of the year of manufacture stamped onto the shell.

Most older Sturmey-Archer hubs have two or three-letter model codes, which are usually stamped onto the hub shell. The Taiwanese company Sunrace bought the equipment, stock and rights to the name and is back in business. 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. Sturmey-Archer was a division of Raleigh, made many different models since 1902, and were still in business until October, 2000. Sturmey-Archer HubsĪlmost all English 3-speeds have Sturmey-Archer rear hubs. We are happy to answer technical questions by email but please:ĭo not write or phone us to ask the age or value of your bike.Īll of the information we have on that is on this Web page or on /raleigh.html Also see information at Kurt Kaminer's Headbadge site.

Bmx serial number decoder