Raleigh Sprite 5
 

I just picked up a wonderful Raleigh Sprite 5-speed I'm trying really hard to date it. The serial is
f80d6100

One strange thing is all of the badges on the bike say "The Raleigh" but it doesn't say nottingham, england underneath.

No chain guard, coffee brown, upright handle bars. I've looked at Sheldon's site and can't find this bike anywhere.

Sounds like a later Canadian-built model. Show us a picture?

This is the best pic i have unfortunately.

http://exjinn.com/sprite5.jpg

Though its simular to this thread: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=288372
but my stickers say Sprite 5

Your serial number doesn't correspond to the format used when they were still made in England, but I'd guess the 'F80' part means June 1980. In the old format 'D' used to signify the bike was built at their Irish factory; maybe it does here as well. The components on your Sprite look the same as those on other Raleighs I've seen of that vintage.

Many Thanks
 

Thanks a lot for this info. Helps me bond with my new obsession :D

The site below explains a lot of serials for Raleighs, mine is stamped on bottom bracket. but doesn't follow this or the older scheme.

http://www.jaysmarine.com/TH_raleigh_serials.html