I picked this up at the thrift store this weekend, it was made in canada, and according to the serial #, it was made in a year ending in "0"...I read that raleighs were not produced in canada until 1972, so it's a 1980 model correct? Components are shimano w/ a "suntour 7" rear der., though it is a 6 speed.

Anyone have an answer?
I'd tend to agree that it's from 80, but I'd like to gear from someone who knows their stuff.

It has to be an '80; a '70 5-speed would have a cottered, steel Raleigh crankset, and 'hockey-stick' style chainguard. Newest Sprite I've ever seen; a handsome thing it is.

Oh yeah, love that bike! Very nice condition too! I have a weakness for black bikes, not sure why. Cool rack as well!,,,,,BD

A way you you can cross reference with component dates is at this site......https://www.vintage-trek.com/component_dates.htm.......very useful.

I thought that the crankset in '80 would still have the 3 cutout "Herons" . That crank looks more like 90 than 80 however, I don't think they would still have been coming from Canada by '90 so it's got to be an '80.

What does the head badge and bottom of the rear fender say?? My Canadian Sports says "Nottingham.."

Either way, it's a lovely bike!!

That's a Custom crankset; looks like their alloy models but it's stamped steel. Old Centurion 5-speeds used them too. And it's a widely-circulated myth that you can tell anything about a Raleigh of that period's country of origin by the presence or absence of 'Nottingham' in the insignia.

I have this exact same bike, though mine is in the coffee color. Did you ever find out if it was an 80's model or not? I'm having issues learning more about it.

Its my first bike since I was a kid, and i'm so in love.