Identify this Raleigh roadster...
 

Sorry, no pics at the moment but there are a couple of features that should help identify it the year/model. It's that classic Raleigh green, has a headlight and generator (not sure if they are original but might be), 5-speed freewheel with the shifter on the top tube, a short "French style" chain guard like the ones on old French touring bikes instead of the usual Raleigh full length guard, and it has the "All Steel Bicycle" decal and the decals generally look like an older style than the typical 70's decals.

My guess is that it's a 60's Superbe but I don't see any 5-speeds on the Retro Raleigh site. I'm guessing too that the short chain guard might be unique to 5-speed bikes to allow the chain to deflect across the freewheel. Any clues?

oh, one more thing, it has these funky steel? caliper brakes, not rod brakes.

i know, this is just a ploy to have someone send you a camera, isn't it? :)

Hehe, the battery on my cell phone died. Maybe I can go back tomorrow. I think I've found it. It looks like a Raleigh Sprite Huret derailleur model as seen here: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/retroral...9/pages/03.htm

Not sure of the year yet - I only see the Huret version in the '69 catalog and it doesn't list a bronze green model. Also I think it was a 23" which isn't listed that year either although it is listed in other years. Hmmmm.

http://www.jaysmarine.com/TH_Raleigh_Cat_70_4_LG.jpg

1969-1970 Raleigh Sprite. Possibly '71 as well - I don't know whether the Sprite 27 variant took over the original Sprite in '71 or '72 (not to mention that the " 27 " designation was dropped in '73, and a few other small modifications popped up as the '70s went on. I believe the '77-78 also came in 3-speed).

EDIT: '70 doesn't show bronze green either, unless this is a ladies' model. Note the "Continental-flavor" variant listed in the '70 catalog.

-Kurt

P.S.: What the hell is the Fonz doing in the photo? :lol:

Yes, it's a Raleigh Sprite
 

Bronze green was a good color...I had one of these from the 5th grade thru High School.
The steel side pulls, the DynoHub, the top-tube mounted shifter...stamped steel matching paint rack...
I've been looking for one to ride around town again...
A fine example of sturdy English work-a-daddy bike. Enjoy the ride!

Aaaay! That looks like it. I think. Definately the model. Not sure about the year. Maybe I'll go back tomorrow and take a few pictures. The generator and light must not be original though because I see the others have a generator hub. This one has a generator that hooks to the frame. They have two Raleigh Roadsters at the LBS. This one is nice but shows it's age. The other is newer and coffee colored but practically mint and a 3-speed. I don't have any interest in that one though.

I don't know what I'd do with it though - it's so hilly around here that you really need some serious gears and a reasonably light bike. Nothing is flat here. It's either all up or down. Sure looks sweet though.

I have a 78 sprite mixte -- it's a 10 speed in emerald green... I think the late 70's had 3, 5 and 10 speed sprites.

Ok, here's a pic from my cell phone...

http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z.../Photo0014.jpg