How old is my "new" bike?

[SMD]

My old Marin MTB is great for commuting but no mudguards isn't much fun at present, so been looking locally for a cheap roadbike with mudguards. Bought a Claud Butler Dalesman tourer for £25, in decent ready to ride condition.
I'd like to know its vintage if possible. Would the frame number tell me? Its got shimano deore gear mechs.

 

[stevevw]

I have one from 1977 but you can still get the dalesman new now.
http://www.falconcycles.co.uk/CORP/Touring/dalesman.html

And more info here
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/nkilgariff/ClaudButler.htm

 

[Cheule]

My frame number starts with two letters then 08 signifying 2008, not sure if this is fact or just a happy coincidence it is a 2008 model.

 

[Banjo]

My old Marin MTB is great for commuting but no mudguards isn't much fun at present, so been looking locally for a cheap roadbike with mudguards. Bought a Claud Butler Dalesman tourer for £25, in decent ready to ride condition.
I'd like to know its vintage if possible. Would the frame number tell me? Its got shimano deore gear mechs.

Nice one, Sounds like a bargain. I have been on the lookout for something similar, only things that come up locally are heavy old MTBs which arent ideal for a hilly commute.

 

[asterix]

The old Dalesman tourer was still a top bike in the 1980's. A roadworthy example would still be a good bike today.

If you could post pictures, no doubt some forum experts would be able to date it quite accurately.