Date code.

[Porsche924]

The serial number on my Carlton Stadium is WH700695.(K) .Can anyone tell me the date this bike was made from this? I can find quite a lot of info re Carlton bikes on the net but very little about the Stadium model. Does anyone know anything about this model?

 

[Cycleops]

I think @Spokesmann should be able to tell you.

Hello and to the forum.

 

[raleighnut]

The serial number on my Carlton Stadium is WH700695.(K) .Can anyone tell me the date this bike was made from this? I can find quite a lot of info re Carlton bikes on the net but very little about the Stadium model. Does anyone know anything about this model?

Pictures ?

 

[SkipdiverJohn]

The serial number on my Carlton Stadium is WH700695.(K) .Can anyone tell me the date this bike was made from this? ow anything about this model?

I would say June 1977, and it will have a run of the mill, but decent, Tru-Wel hi-tensile steel frame with the distinctive wrapover seatstays.

 

[midlife]

Yep, as above

https://www.kurtkaminer.com/TH_raleigh_serials.html#19731982

First three digits....

W is where it was made = Worksop
H is the month = June
7 is the year = 1977

 

[raleighnut]

I would say June 1977, and it will have a run of the mill, but decent, Tru-Wel hi-tensile steel frame with the distinctive wrapover seatstays.

Could be 531 in 1977 though.

 

[SkipdiverJohn]

Could be 531 in 1977 though.

Really? I'm surprised at that. They're OK bikes, but the ones I've seen don't strike me as high end. I picked up an '80-81 5-speed Stadium as part of a trio of cheapo donors, and that frame is tru-wel, and the components pretty basic, with cottered cranks!

 

[Porsche924]

Thanks for your help. Would this model have been made with a Brookes saddle or is the plastic one original?

 

[midlife]

The Stadium was an entry level. Steel chainset and no chrome and would have come with a plastic saddle. Nice geometry though and rode well.

 

[Porsche924]

Thanks.

 

[raleighnut]

Really? I'm surprised at that. They're OK bikes, but the ones I've seen don't strike me as high end. I picked up an '80-81 5-speed Stadium as part of a trio of cheapo donors, and that frame is tru-wel, and the components pretty basic, with cottered cranks!

My 67 'Clubman' is 'only' Tru-wel tubing and it's a lovely bike to ride.

 

[Cycleops]

I’m sure it is @raleighnut but we all enjoy riding something a bit special

 

[raleighnut]

I’m sure it is @raleighnut but we all enjoy riding something a bit special

Ahem, when it was new it was a bit 'special', it was still a bit rare when I got it 45 years ago.

 

[Spokesmann]

The Stadium was a basic entry level model, solid and well made. Enjoy it.

 

[SkipdiverJohn]

My 67 'Clubman' is 'only' Tru-wel tubing and it's a lovely bike to ride.

I ride several basic hi-tensile frames and there's nothing inherently wrong with any of them. they do carry some weight penalty, but with bikes less costs more. I still maintain that a quality butted frame like 531 is a slightly more comfortable ride than plain gauge hi-tensile though - assuming all the bikes you are comparing have decent geometry etc.

The Stadium donor bike I acquired had a rock hard plastic saddle, just like the one I had on my own Raleigh Arena around 1980-ish. I always use to get on fine with the Arena saddle, probably the reason I have a tough arse now and am not too sensitive to most saddles!