Every bike frame that leaves our factory is engraved with a unique serial number on the underside of the bottom bracket shell. If you ever need to file a police report for a missing bike, or wish to collect a bike that's been recovered, it's this serial number that you'll need to provide. Merlin, people and relations (to the collection) serialnumbers: the following is a guide to find your bikes year. Any questions beyond what is printed please email to info@merlinbike.com 1-59 (1988) 60-139 (1989) 3518-3604 (1990) 3605- 6353 (1991) 6354-8150 (1992) 8151-9948 (1993) 9949-10757 and C002-C039 (1994). Murray Bicycle Chart Serial Number Style. F 49 G 50 H 51 I 52 J 53 K 54 L 55 M 56 N 57 P 58 R 59 S 60 T 61 U 62 W 63 X 64 Y 65 In 65 they were changing there serial number style and by then they were on the left rear dropout. Some 65 bikes had an MO5 which stood for Murray of Ohio 1965. Unlike automobile serial numbers bicycle serial numbers often tell very little if anything about the year, model, options, or other information. Collectors through the years have assembled lists based on several sources to include dealer inventory sheets, documentation of original owner bikes, and observations of many hundreds of bicycles. The following lists are based onRead More.
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Convention #1
Serial location: Serial convention: Convention #1 (1947-1955): NOTE: This numbering system apparently ran until 1955, possibly longer, and concurrently with the newer serial system that debuted in 1948 (shown below). Raleighs of any model may be seen with either serial number type during this era. Convention #2 (1948-195?): Convention #3 (1954-?): NOTE: The entirety of the second serial chart is of our own research and are estimates - as accurate we can practically make them - of the serial numbers from the year and serial in question. | Convention #1 (1947-1955):
Convention #2 (1948-1955):
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In addition to the two serial types above, a third system appears to have been established in 1955, or at the earliest, 1954; terminating in the early-mid '60s - the most recent example I have on hand is from 1962, though I suspect the official cutoff may date to 1963 or '64.
This system follows a similar pattern to Convention #2 above, and uses a prefix or suffic of 'RA' or 'RB,' followed by 4 or 5 digits, but never exceeding 5. Location is on the side of the seat lug, as with the earlier serials above.
By 1961/62, an additional-single letter suffix was added, presumably as an identifier of the factory the frame was produced, for every single example I've seen is represented by the letter 'N,' which is not unreasonable to assume stands for Nottingham. Neither it is not out of the question that other letters may exist, representing Raleigh's other factories.
One may assume that 'RA' serial numbers began with 'RA00001' (or RA1000), and continue until 'RA 99999 N,' at which point the system was reset to 'RB 00001 N' (or RB 10000 N). This seems to have happened around 1962, and it is reasonable to assume that all 'RB' symbols represent bikes produced post-1961.
1963-1969 Bottom Bracket Serial System (excluding Carlton/Worksop):1963-1969 BB serial Serial convention: This serial system replaced the 'RA' series that preceeded it and was the first major system to use numerals exclusively. The system consists of a seven-digit serial - beginning with #1000000 in 1963 - running up to the #4600000-#4800000 range by 1969, at which point, it was discontinued. EXCEPTION: This system is NOT to be confused with the seat-tube system which replaced it in 1970; which ran until 1973. Numbers will be duplicated between each system. Serial location: These serials will be located on the bottom bracket on both ladies' and men's Superbes, Sprites, and Sports. The extent of this system's use on other models is unknown. BB photo courtesy 'w1gfh' - Bikeforums.net | 1963-1969 BB serial:
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Serial convention: At present, I have insufficent information about the serial numbers from this era to construct a definite chart of every example used during this time period. At least 4 or 5 different systems were used. I have uncovered two of them to a reasonable extent; both of which ran concurrently to each other during this time period: 'System 1970:' EXCEPTIONS: Evidence indicates that a handful of '70-'71 frames - or their lugs, depending on when the stamping was done - may not have been released from the factory until 1973, and were consequently decaled as 1973 models. This is the only explanation I can suggest regarding this issue. 'System 1972:' This system INCLUDES the Grand Prix and Super Course, despite the seven-digit serials (as mentioned in the next system, below) running concurrently on these models. Serial location: The serials from this era, specifically for general production machines (Sports, Superbe, Sprite), will be located on the seat lug. Twenty/Folders will have the serial marked on the outside of the left dropout, and some Grand Prix models have it in this location as well. Unknown where they are located on DL-1s. Keep in mind that the serials used for Raleigh Choppers - while apparently a nearly identical 7-digit system - do not corrispond well with those of the larger bicycles. For now, it should be assumed that the Choppers' serial system is separate (until proven otherwise). Men's models will have the stamping on the top of the lug, ladies' frames will have the serial stamped to the front of the lug. Addendums and warnings: Both of these systems are often covered deep in paint - do not be surprised if you only find 5 or 6 digits! Given the obvious duplication of serials with bikes produced prior to 1970, we suggest that you use the frame's decals as a supplimentary era guide - please visit our Raleigh Sports Visual ID page for this purpose. Please understand that this particular chart is a rough draft. Use in conjunction with Sturmey-Archer rear hubs and frameset decals as additional guides. All of the serial cutoffs are approximated. Please allow for overlap. | System '1970':
System '1972':
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Serial convention: An additional 7-digit serial system was used in 1973, appearing only on the Grand Prix (including Gazelle production), Super Course, and Grand Sports. These serials are instantly recognizable, as the first digit is always zero, and low-number serials (i.e., '9181') will have a prefix of as many zeros required to make the serial seven digits - in other words, '0009181' - such as the example Grand Sports shown above. Keep in mind that this serial system - though used on these three models in 1973 - are not unique to them during this year. Some examples may use one of the two systems listed above, or the later 1973+ variant. Serial location: Outside of left dropout. Grand Prix dropout photo courtesy 'ianbrettcooper' - Bikeforums.net | Serial system:
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Serial location: | Serial convention: Two letters, followed by a series of six digits:
Example: A cycle manufactured in Nottingham, in the month of March of the year 1975, would feature the serial 'ND5------.' For instance, the photo shown above, to the left, bears the serial 'NL9------,' indicating a machine made in August 1979, at the Nottingham factory. The example to the left is 'WR0------,' which would indicate Worksop manufacture in November of 1980 (and most likely a 1981 model due to the late month). |
Used only on Japanese and Taiwanese frames, plus the Nottingham Team Pro '555'. Serial location: | Serial convention: First digit of serial = year (e.g.: '4'=1984) Second digit (letter) of serial = ? (e.g.: '?'=?) Third digit of serial = ? (e.g.: '?'=?) Note: Detailed identification pages for steel Raleigh USA racing-series models are planned. |
SBDU serials are sequential, and do not indicate year or date of manufacture. Use the decals and components of the frame as your guide. All SBDU frames were built in Raleigh's Ilkeston factory. Alternately, a photo registry of SBDU Team Professionals can be found at the TI Raleigh Team Professional Yahoo! Group, which may help to narrow down a given frame's era: Serial Location: SBDU serial photo courtesy Hilary Stone | Serial convention: 'SB' followed by four numbers, sequential to production order. |
LeMond Racing Cycles is a bicycle manufacturer founded by Greg LeMond, an American winner of the Tour de France. LeMond offered a geometry based on the racing frames he used in competition, which had a longer top tube and wheelbase in an otherwise traditional lightweight steel frame. This was to stretch out the rider on the bicycle, with the intent of both lowering the frontal area presented to the wind, and optimizing power and stability.[1] From 1995 until February 2010 Trek licensed LeMond's name for use on a line of its bicycles, believing that the cachet of the name, a diversifying brand portfolio, plus having models offering a longer top tube than Trek's frame geometries helped to expand the bicycle-sales opportunities for the Trek corporation. In September 2013, LeMond partnered with Time Sports to produce a limited run of 300 frames to commemorate his three Tour victories in 1986, 1989, and 1990. In August 2014, Greg LeMond launched the Washoe, a Reynolds 853 steel bike manufactured in the United States.
Greg LeMond[edit]
Greg LeMond was a pioneer in the use of carbon fiber bicycle frames in European professional road cycling, and his Tour de France win in 1986 ahead of Bernard Hinault was the first for carbon.[2] LeMond rode a 'Bernard Hinault' Signature Model Look prototype that year. LeMond also won the 1989 Tour and World's, and his final Tour de France in 1990 on carbon fiber frames, which had begun to feature 'Greg LeMond' branding.
Company founding[edit]
In 1986, LeMond founded LeMond Bicycles to develop machines for himself that would also be marketed and sold to the public. In 1990, searching for an equipment edge for Team Z at the 1991 Tour de France, LeMond concluded an exclusive licensing agreement between his company and Carbonframes, Inc., to access the latter's advanced composites technology.[3] While LeMond briefly led the 1991 Tour while riding his Carbonframes-produced 'Greg LeMond' bicycle, the company faltered, something LeMond blamed on 'undercapitalization' and poor management by his father,[4] although Carbonframes and LeMond Cycles 'parted amiably two years later.'[5] In 1995, LeMond reached a licensing agreement with Trek, according to which the Wisconsin-based company would manufacture and distribute bicycles designed with LeMond that would be sold under the 'LeMond Bicycles' brand.[6] LeMond would later claim that going into business with Trek 'destroyed' his relationship with his father.[4]
In 2001 the Trek deal proved painful for LeMond as he was forced by John Burke, the head of Trek, to apologize for the negative comments about Michele Ferrari, doping, and Lance Armstrong, who was by then a very important marketing force for Trek. LeMond's contract with Trek had a clause prohibiting LeMond from doing anything that would damage Trek. Burke reminded LeMond of this commitment, and strongly argued that LeMond publicly retract his statements. LeMond read a formal apology to Armstrong.[7]
In March 2008 LeMond Cycling Inc filed a complaint against Trek for breach of contract, claiming that they had not made a 'best efforts' attempt to sell his bicycles, as well as describing the attempts to 'silence' him about doping, including incidents in 2001 and 2004. His complaint included statistics detailing slow sales in some markets, including the fact that between September 2001 and June 2007, Trek only sold $10,393 worth of LeMond bikes in France, a country in which LeMond remains both famous and popular.[8][9]
In April 2008 Trek countersued and stopped building bikes under the LeMond brand.[10][11] In connection with that announcement Trek also gave a short timeline of the Trek-Greg LeMond association.[12] These lawsuits were settled in February 2010. Although the details of the settlement were confidential, it involved a $200,000 donation by Trek to 1in6.org, a charity with which LeMond is affiliated.[13]
In 2013 Greg Lemond announced three all-new Lemond models to be distributed through Time Sports USA. The models commemorate Lemond's Tour victories with graphics and model numbers that recall the teams and the years and of his victories.[14]
Conflicts with Armstrong and Trek[edit]
According to the United States Anti-Doping Agency 2012 doping report, based on affidavits by Frankie and Betsy Andreu, in 2001 Lance Armstrong reacted to LeMond's negative comments about Doctor Michele Ferrari and Armstrong by saying he would 'take him down' and that he could call Trek's owner and 'shut him up'.[15][16]
According to a 2012 Outside story by Armstrong assistant Mike Anderson, Armstrong said he would 'put LeMond out of business' over comments about him and Ferrari.[17]
In March 2008, LeMond Cycling Inc prepared a lawsuit against Trek, accusing them of bowing to pressure from 'third parties' to 'wind down' his brand through lack of distribution and promotion, especially in the European market. The complaint also says that 'Since 2001, Trek has systematically sought to silence Mr. LeMond's right to make comments that constitute an informed and honest opinion on matters of legitimate public interest - the problems associated with the use of performance enhancing substances'.[9][11] For example,
- In 2001, shortly after LeMond made negative comments about doping doctor Michele Ferrari and Lance Armstrong, the complaint alleges that 'Trek contacted Mr. LeMond to notify him that Mr. LeMond's comments in the article upset Mr. Armstrong'.[9]
- The complaint states that in 2001 John Burke of Trek contacted LeMond and 'wanted Mr LeMond to issue a statement that had been drafted for him' regarding the Armstrong/Ferrari comments, and that if a suitable press release was not made, 'Mr. Armstrong would sever his relationship with Trek and Mr. LeMond's relationship with Trek would suffer.'[9]
- LeMond 'acquiesced to allow the release of a public statement that restated his views regarding Dr. Ferrari' but the statement was printed in USA Today as though it were an interview.[9][18]
- In 2004 after LeMond's interview with a French newspaper where he made negative comments about Armstrong, Trek claimed that LeMond was in breach of the 'Moral turpitude' section of their business agreement.[9]
- LeMond was disinvited from the 2006 Trek dealer show, and not invited to the 2007 dealer show nor the 2007 Trek 100 charity ride.[9]
LeMond talked about some of these issues in a 2012 interview with the Irish radio program NewsTalk as well.[18]
Trek responded to the lawsuit in 2008 by suing to sever business ties with LeMond.[11][19] Trek's press release said that 'LeMond's suit was characterized by Burke as containing false and irresponsible allegations '. Burke also said 'for years, Greg LeMond has done and said things that have damaged the LeMond brand and the Trek brand as a whole'.... 'His actions are inconsistent with our values—values we believe in and live everyday. And after years of trying to make it work, we are done.' [19]
Models[edit]
Merlin Bikes Serial Numbers
Merlin Bicycle Serial Numbers
- Reno
- Nevada City
- Wayzata
- Buenos Aires
- Versailles
- Tourmalet
- Alpe d'Huez
- Big Sky SLT
- Tete de Course
- Etape
- Poprad
- Sarthe
- Fillmore
- Zurich
- Chambéry
- M J Classic
- Maillot Jaune
- Rennes
- Limoges
- Victoire
- Arrivee
- Croix de Fer
References[edit]
- ^Lemond Bikes. 'LeMond Bicycles 2007 Catalog' – via Internet Archive.
- ^'CYCLING CONTRIBUTIONS'. Greg LeMond.com. Archived from the original on 5 November 2012. Retrieved 10 December 2012.
Greg LeMond broke a lot of ground in his cycling career. The first American to win the Tour, the first successful professional to use clipless pedals, cycling eyewear and aero bars—all common occurrences now. Greg changed the world of cycling—dramatically.... Aero Handlebars: '89 Carbon Forks: '87 Road Racing Suspension Fork: '91 Carbon Frames: '86...
- ^'1991: LeMond Alpe d'Huez'. calfeedesign.com. Archived from the original on 5 December 2012. Retrieved 10 December 2012.
[In 1991,] Carbonframes filled a big purchase order from international cycling champion Greg LeMond who wanted 18 frames for Team Z. Carbonframes relocated to Reno after entering an exclusive licensing agreement with LeMond Bicycles.
- ^ abInterview in Rouleur, Guy Andrews, issue five, p. 26
- ^'1991: LeMond Alpe d'Huez'. calfeedesign.com. Archived from the original on 5 December 2012. Retrieved 10 December 2012.
LeMond rode in the leader's yellow jersey on his Carbonframe. Craig got his 15 minutes of fame with coverage on CNN, the Associated Press news network and National Public Radio. The companies parted amiably two years later...
- ^Frothingham, Steve. 'Trek announces an end to deal with Greg LeMond'. VeloNews.com. Retrieved 10 December 2012.
Burke said Trek rescued LeMond's bicycle company from near bankruptcy when it licensed the LeMond Bicycles name in 1995.
- ^Kimmage, Paul (2007-07-01). 'Cycle of abuse'. The Sunday Times.
- ^'It's Not About the Bikes,' Nathaniel Vinton, New York Daily News, November 7, 2009
- ^ abcdefgComplaint, LeMond Cycling Inc, vs Trek Bicycle CorporationArchived 2008-05-16 at the Wayback Machine, 2008 3 20, retrieved 2012 10 13. from trekbikes.com.
- ^Press release by Trek of April 8, 2008 to immediately sever its relationship with Greg LeMond.Archived October 6, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ abcTrek announces an end to deal with Greg LeMond, Steve Frothingham, Velo News, Published Apr. 8, 2008, Updated Apr. 9, 2008, retr 2012 10 13
- ^Treks short summary of the history of their relationship with Greg LeMond.[dead link]
- ^'Tour de France legend Greg LeMond, Trek Bicycle reach settlement,' Nathaniel Vinton, New York Daily News, February 1, 2010
- ^'LeMond Bikes Return for 2014'. Bicycling.
- ^REPORT ON PROCEEDINGS UNDER THE WORLD ANTI-DOPING CODE AND THE USADA PROTOCOL UNITED STATES ANTI-DOPING AGENCY USADA v. LANCE ARMSTRONG, Oct 2012, pages 53-54.
- ^Lance Armstrong and his ties to Trek, Don Walker, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, The Business of Sports. Oct 10 2012.
- ^My Life With Lance Armstrong, Mike Anderson, August 31, 2012, retr 10 14 2012
- ^ abSport Saturday Greg LeMond interviewArchived 2012-10-09 at the Wayback Machine, newstalk.ie, 2012 October 6, retr 2012 10 13
- ^ abTREK TO IMMEDIATELY SEVER RELATIONSHIP WITH GREG LEMONDArchived 2012-06-09 at the Wayback Machine, Media Release, trekbikes.com, 2008 4 8, retr 2012 10 13.
- 1997 Lemond Bicycle Catalog,
- 2002 Lemond Bicycle Catalog,
- 2007 Lemond Bicycle Catalog.
External links[edit]
Merlin Bicycles Serial Numbers
