help please

[mickeydrippin60]

I have just got a Raleigh Esprit I was wondering if you could help me find out what year it was made. ive tried google but to no avail. So any help would be appreciated I will put some pictures up tomorrow if I get chance

 

[raindog]

Why don't you send the serial numbers to Raleigh and ask them? I've recently done that with my Italian steel.

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

I have just got a Raleigh Esprit I was wondering if you could help me find out what year it was made.

If no later than some time in the 80's this might help.

 

[mickeydrippin60]

right i'v had a look and the only number i can see on the frame is 00192473 but that is printed on a sticker on the seat tube and there are no markings on the bb.
also it has a full sachs huret group set on it and they are from the 80's so who knows the hunt shall continue!

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

I think I'm right in saying that Sachs bought Huret in 1980; in turn Sachs were taken over by Mannesman in 1987.

I guess that there would have been a little overlap while stock was used up etc., so 1981 - 88 seems a fair bet for your Esprit.

 

[mickeydrippin60]

cheers jimmy i was thinking around there aswell

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

Just a thought, but are the hubs Maillard?

If so they use a plain date code, being two pairs of numbers: the first pair is the week of manufacture, the second is the year.

 

[biggs682]

and on the back of the brake calipers you should see a date ring .

so long as hubs and brakes are original they should be close to each other

 

[mickeydrippin60]

well EYE've looked at the wheels and breaks and EYE would guess 88 cos that's what it says on them both EYE'll work out how to shrink pictures one day and put some on

 

[mickeydrippin60]

 

[johnvile]

I've just done one up (Half done one up) still need new wheels. Its my first Racer since I was a kid. Its great fun.
Mine to says 88 on that bit also.

Left over parts include reflectors and mini mud guards that protect the brake rather than my soaking wet arse when I tried it.

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

Love the paint job Johnvile, who did that?

 

[johnvile]

Love the paint job Johnvile, who did that?

The paint work on this bike was in almost new condition when I got it. The 80's go fast strips are part of the original decal.
That's the original handle bar tape, still very clean.

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

What a great find; I love that blue.