Raleigh grew out of a workshop on Raleigh Street, Nottingham. Sources differ on the founding year: Nottinghamshire Archives give 1887 for The Raleigh Cycle Company, while Tony Hadland and Retro Raleighs give 1888, when Frank Bowden bought the business. Tube Investments took control in 1960 and Derby International bought Raleigh in April 1987. In May 1999 Raleigh announced the end of volume frame-making in Britain.
Key facts
- Founded
- 1887 or 1888 – disputed
- Based
- Nottingham
- Ownership
- Tube Investments 1960; Derby International 1987
Sources disagree: Raleigh founding year1887: The Raleigh Cycle Company (Russell Street); Ltd in 1889 (Nottinghamshire Archives, via The National Archives catalogue) or 1888: Frank Bowden buys the workshop and renames it (International Cycling History Conference proceedings, Retro Raleighs (sheldonbrown.com)).
Key dates
- 1886Woodhead, Angois and Ellis building bicycles on Raleigh Street, NottinghamNottinghamshire Archives
- 1887 or 1888The Raleigh Cycle Company. Sources differ on the yearNottinghamshire Archives; Tony Hadland; Retro Raleighs
- 1902Buys Sturmey-ArcherRetro Raleighs
- 1932Buys the Humber cycle divisionGrace's Guide; Retro Raleighs
- 1943Buys Rudge-WhitworthGrace's Guide
- 1957Buys BSA's bicycle businessGrace's Guide; Tony Hadland
- 1960Taken over by Tube Investments; buys Carlton at WorksopGrace's Guide; Retro Raleighs
- 1987Bought by Derby InternationalTony Hadland; Retro Raleighs
- 2000Frame production at Nottingham endsTony Hadland
Raleigh models
Years show the earliest and latest evidence found so far, not exact production dates.
Roadster / utility (20)Sports / light roadster (9)Club / lightweight (13)Racing lightweight (21)Touring lightweight (8)Mountain bike (3)Hybrid (1)Small-wheel / folding (6)High-riser (1)Juvenile (11)BMX (1)Carrier / trade (1)Police / military (1)Frameset (4)Electric (1)Road racer (1)Lady's safety (1)Not stated (3)
Roadster / utility
- Gazelle (No. 28)A 1905 Raleigh Gazelle, Model No 28, survives in the Online Bicycle Museum, described with a 26in frame, 28in wheels and inverted brake levers…1905
- All-WeatherThe 1938 catalogue offers the All-Weather as Model 5 (gent's) and Model 6 (lady's), on 28 × 1½in wheels with a detachable gearcase and rim brakes.1938
- Dawn SafetyThe Dawn Safety appears in the 1938 catalogue as Model 13 and the lady's Model 14, both with 22in frames and 26 × 1⅜in wheels…1938
- Dawn Safety TouristThe 1938 Dawn Safety Tourist had a 3-speed hub, a detachable gearcase and rim brakes on a 22in frame with 26 × 1⅜in wheels.1938
- Light RoadsterIn the 1938 catalogue the Light Roadster is Model 9: 22 and 24in frames with a sloping top tube, 26 × 1⅜in wheels…1938
- PopularPopular Model 1 (gent's) and Model 2 (lady's) in the 1938 catalogue ran on 28 × 1½in wheels with rim brakes, geared at 68in and 62in respectively.1938
- S.F. (Safety First)The S.F. (Safety First) was Model 11 (gent's) and Model 12 (lady's) in the 1938 catalogue.1938
- SpecialThe 1938 catalogue lists the Special X, Model 27X, on 28 × 1½in wheels in 22, 24 and 26in frames, with stainless steel spokes…1938
- Standard (Standard Roadster)The 1938 catalogue's Standard Roadster is the Standard X, Model 25X: a gent's bicycle on 28 × 1½in wheels in 22, 24 and 26in frames…1938
- Sturmey-Archer 3-SpeedThe Sturmey-Archer 3-Speed was Model 7 (gent's) and Model 8 (lady's) in the 1938 catalogue, on 28 × 1½in wheels with rim brakes.1938
- TouristIn the 1938 catalogue the Tourist is Model 21, on 28 × 1½in wheels in 22, 24 and 26in frames, with a Sturmey-Archer 3-speed giving 51…1938–1977
- Boulevard TouristThe Boulevard Tourist was Model 39 and 39L in the 1958 catalogue, with 21 and 23in gent's frames and a 21in lady's frame, 26 × 1⅜in wheels…1958
- DawnThe Dawn was Model 11 and 11L in the 1958 catalogue, with 21 and 23in gent's frames and a 21in lady's frame, 26 × 1⅜in wheels…1958
- Dawn TouristIn the 1958 catalogue the Dawn Tourist is Model 12 and 12L, with 21 and 23in frames, 26 × 1⅜in wheels…1958
- Superbe Dawn TouristThe Superbe Dawn Tourist was Model 13 (gent's) and 13L (lady's) in the 1958 catalogue, with 21 and 23in frames, 26 × 1⅜in wheels…1958
- SuperbeRaleigh used the Superbe name over a long period.1962–1976
- CameoThe Cameo was part of the Raleigh Collection launched in 1983 with the Wisp and the Misty, according to Tony Hadland.1983
- MistyThe Misty was part of the Raleigh Collection launched in 1983 with the Wisp and the Cameo, according to Tony Hadland.1983
- WispTony Hadland records the Wisp as launched in 1983 as part of the Raleigh Collection, alongside the Cameo and Misty.1983
- CapriceTony Hadland describes the Caprice as a Raleigh shopping bike but gives no year. It still needs confirming in a catalogue.Undated
Sports / light roadster
- Speed SportsThe Speed Sports was Model 33 in the 1938 catalogue, with a 21in frame, 26 × 1¼in wheels…1938
- SportsRaleigh used the Sports name for different bicycles.1938–1977
- Sports 'C' TouristThe 1938 Sports 'C' Tourist had a 3-speed hub, a detachable gearcase and 26 × 1⅜in wheels.1938
- Sports Light RoadsterIn 1938 the Sports Light Roadster was Model 35 (gent's, 21 and 23in frames) and Model 36 (lady's, 21in)…1938
- Trent TouristPeter Kohler places the Trent Tourist in the 1952 line-up.1952–1958
- Sports TouristThe Sports Tourist was Model 23 and 23L in the 1958 catalogue, listed on page 7 alongside the Dawn Tourist and fitted with calliper brakes and…1958
- Superbe Sports TouristThe Superbe Sports Tourist was Model 24 and 24L in the 1958 catalogue, with 21 and 23in frames, 26 × 1⅜in wheels…1958
- Trent SportsThe 1958 Trent Sports was Model 21 and 21L, with 21 and 23in gent's frames and a 21in lady's frame, on 26 × 1⅜in Endrick rims, with fixed and free…1958
- SpriteThe 1968 US catalogue describes a 5-speed Sprite with a Sturmey-Archer 5-speed hub and two shift levers.1968–1977
Club / lightweight
- Golden ArrowThe Golden Arrow appears in the 1938 catalogue as Model 41 (gent's) and Model 42 (lady's), both with 21in frames and 26 × 1¼in wheels.1938
- Record Ace (R.R.A.)The Record Ace is Model 45 in the 1938 catalogue, offered in 20, 21 and 22in frames on 26 × 1¼in wheels…1938–1984
- Silver RecordThe Silver Record was Model 40 in the 1938 catalogue, built with a 21in frame, 26 × 1¼in wheels…1938
- Special Club SportsModel 43 in the 1938 catalogue, the Special Club Sports had a 21in frame, 26 × 1¼in wheels and a 46T chainwheel with a 16T fixed cog and an 18T…1938
- LentonAccording to marque researcher Peter Kohler, the first bike to carry the Lenton name was introduced in 1940 as Models 44 and 44L.1940
- Lenton SportsPeter Kohler records two versions. The Lenton Sports No. 25 was part of the first post-war range in March 1946 and was withdrawn in spring 1947.1946–1963
- Super SportsPeter Kohler records the Super Sports, No. 28, as produced in 1947 and 1948. Raleigh then used No.1947–1948
- ClubmanAccording to Peter Kohler, the Clubman began as the Lenton Clubman, No.1948–1984
- Lenton TouristPeter Kohler records that the Lenton Tourist, No. 29, was introduced in June 1949 and listed as the 1950 model, but had gone from the 1952 line-up.1949–1950
- Super LentonPeter Kohler records the Super Lenton, No.1952–1957
- Lenton Marque IIIThe Lenton Marque III is No.1957–1958
- Lenton Grand PrixThe Lenton Grand Prix was Model 7 in the 1958 catalogue, gent's only: Reynolds 531 tubing in 21 and 23in frames…1958–1961
- Lenton ConvertibleThe 26in Lenton Convertible is in Raleigh's 1962 US catalogue line-up, and Peter Kohler cites it from the 1962 North American catalogue.1962
Racing lightweight
- Blue StreakPeter Kohler places the Blue Streak in Raleigh's 1961 revamp, and the 1962 US catalogue lists it as a 27in model billed as the 'All New Race-Ace'.1961–1962
- Gran SportPeter Kohler places the Gran Sport in the 1961 revamp, and Retro Raleighs shows it in the 1962 catalogue.1961–1976
- RecordThe Record appears in the 1968 and 1970 US catalogues, the latter with Huret Allvit 10-speed gears…1967–1977
- Grand PrixThe Grand Prix was Model DL-115 in the 1968 US catalogue, offered in 21½, 23½ and 25½in frames with Simplex Prestige 10-speed gears.1968–1978
- Super CourseThe Super Course was Model DL-100 in the 1968 US catalogue, with 21½ and 23½in frames, Simplex Prestige 10-speed gears and 27in wheels.1968–1978
- InternationalThe International is in the 1970 US catalogue as a 27in 10-speed with a Campagnolo Record group.1970–1976
- ProfessionalThe 1970 US catalogue offered the Professional Mk II as a limited edition, stating that only 500 would be made that year.1970–1978
- CompetitionThe Competition GS appears in the 1976 US catalogue, the Competition in 1977, and the Competition G.S.1976–1984
- Team ProfessionalThe Team Professional is listed in the 1976 US catalogue.1976–1984
- Record FFS/PPSThe Record FFS/PPS is listed in the 1978 US catalogue's specification table, with Raleigh 20-30 high-tensile tubing and Shimano FFS and Positron…1978
- Super Grand PrixThe Super Grand Prix appears in the 1978 US catalogue's specification table, with Raleigh 20-30 high-tensile tubing…1978
- Team ReplicaTony Hadland notes that the International Cycling Guide 1983 named the Team Replica one of its bicycles of the year.1983–1984
- CorsaThe Corsa 12 is one of the lightweight racers in the 1984 UK catalogue, with Reynolds 501 double-butted tubing and Shimano 105, in Oyster.1984
- PulsarThe Pulsar 10 is one of the 'New Generation Racers' in the 1984 UK catalogue, with 18-23 high-tensile aero tubing and Huret ECO-S gears…1984
- QuasarThe Quasar 12 is one of the 'New Generation Racers' in the 1984 UK catalogue, with aero-section Reynolds 501 main tubes and a SunTour AR rear…1984
- Record SprintThe Record Sprint 12 is one of the 'New Generation Racers' in the 1984 UK catalogue…1984
- Road AceThe Road Ace 12 is one of the lightweight racers in the 1984 UK catalogue, with a Reynolds 531 Competition frame and Shimano 600 AX components…1984
- SiroccoThe Sirocco 12 is one of the lightweight racers in the 1984 UK catalogue, with Reynolds 501 main tubes and SunTour AR gears, in Claret.1984
- SprintThe Sprint is listed under 'Teenage Racers' in the 1984 UK catalogue, in 5- and 10-speed versions with 18-23 high-tensile tubing and Simplex gears…1984
- Team CadetThe Team Cadet 10 is listed under 'Teenage Racers' in the 1984 UK catalogue, with 18-23 high-tensile aero tubing and Huret gears…1984
- WinnerThe Winner is listed under 'Teenage Racers' in the 1984 UK catalogue, in 5- and 10-speed versions with 18-23 high-tensile tubing and Simplex gears.1984
Touring lightweight
- Super TourerThe Super Tourer is listed in the 1976 US catalogue. No other catalogue appearance has been found yet.1976
- RoyalA Raleigh catalogue leaf, dated to around 1983 by the archive that holds it, shows the Royal 10, a ten-speed touring bike.1983–1984
- ClassicThe Classic 15 is one of the lightweight tourers in the 1984 UK catalogue, with Reynolds 531 double-butted tubing…1984
- MedaleThe Medale is one of the general purpose tourers in the 1984 UK catalogue, in 5- and 10-speed versions with 18-23 high-tensile tubing and Huret…1984
- StratosThe Stratos 10 is one of the general purpose tourers in the 1984 UK catalogue, with 18-23 high-tensile tubing…1984
- WeekenderThe Weekender 15 is one of the general purpose tourers in the 1984 UK catalogue, with 18-23 high-tensile tubing…1984
- ZenithThe Zenith 10 is one of the lightweight tourers in the 1984 UK catalogue, with Reynolds 501 butted main tubes and SunTour AR gears, in Fern Green.1984
- RandonneurTony Hadland names the Randonneur as a Raleigh tourer but gives no year. It still needs confirming in a catalogue.Undated
Mountain bike
Hybrid
Small-wheel / folding
- RSW16Tony Hadland records the RSW16 as launched in July 1965 and made in Mk II and Mk III versions over a nine-year run, retiring in 1974.1965–1974
- Twenty (R20)Tony Hadland records that Raleigh introduced the Twenty in 1968 and kept it in production for some 16 years.1968–1976
- StowawayThe Stowaway was the folding version of the Twenty, introduced in 1971 and replaced in 1984 by the Safari, according to Tony Hadland.1971–1984
- SafariTony Hadland describes the Safari as a U-frame folder introduced in 1984, replacing the Stowaway.1984
- CompactTony Hadland records the Compact as a folder that took this name in 1987. Which earlier model it renamed still needs checking.1987
- RSW14The RSW14 was a scaled-down juvenile version of the RSW16, according to Tony Hadland. No year is given.Undated
High-riser
Juvenile
- JuniorRaleigh used the Junior name for children's bicycles in both the 1938 and 1958 catalogues.1938–1958
- MinorMinor Models 22 (girl's) and 23 (boy's) were children's bicycles in the 1938 catalogue: a 14in frame with 16in wheels…1938
- ColtThe Colt appears in Raleigh's 1962 US catalogue line-up as a 26in 'compact', and is named again among the 26in-wheel models in the 1968 US catalogue.1962–1968
- MountieThe Mountie is the 20in boys' and girls' model in Raleigh's 1962 US catalogue line-up. No UK listing has been found.1962
- Space RiderThe Space Rider is the 24in boys' and girls' model in Raleigh's 1962 US catalogue line-up. No UK listing has been found.1962
- GrifterTony Hadland records that the Grifter was launched in June 1976.1976–1983
- BomberTony Hadland dates the Bomber's launch to 1981.1981
- Street WolfThe Street Wolf was part of a children's range launched in 1986 with the Wild Cat and the Wolf Cub, according to Tony Hadland.1986
- Wild CatThe Wild Cat was part of a children's range launched in 1986 with the Street Wolf and the Wolf Cub, according to Tony Hadland.1986
- Wolf CubThe Wolf Cub was part of a children's range launched in 1986 with the Street Wolf and the Wild Cat, according to Tony Hadland.1986
- ChicoTony Hadland mentions the Chico as a Raleigh child's bicycle but gives no year. It still needs confirming in a catalogue.Undated
BMX
Carrier / trade
Police / military
Frameset
- Custom Built 753 Pro Super (frameset)The Custom Built 753 Pro Super is one of the framesets in the 1984 UK catalogue, made in 753 Pro tubing in sizes from 50cm to 60.5cm.1984
- Gran Course (frameset)The Gran Course is one of the framesets in the 1984 UK catalogue, built in Reynolds 531 Competition tubing and finished in Shaded Blue.1984
- Gran Tour (frameset)The Gran Tour is one of the framesets in the 1984 UK catalogue, built in Reynolds 531 tubing and finished in Gloss Black.1984
- Time Trials Special (frameset)The Time Trials Special is one of the framesets in the 1984 UK catalogue.1984
Electric
Road racer
Lady's safety
Not stated
Photos
Photos: Garry Gregory. Captions say only what each photo shows. More in the photo gallery.
Sources for this brand
Last updated 19 October 2026. Every fact on this page comes from one of these.
- Nottinghamshire Archives, via The National Archives catalogue: Raleigh of Nottingham, ref. DD/RN – principal dates
- International Cycling History Conference proceedings: Tony Hadland, 'Raleigh UK in the Last Quarter of the 20th Century'
- Retro Raleighs (sheldonbrown.com): 'A Short History of Raleigh Industries'