Jesper
Wore out three sets of tires already!
@juvela
Edit: Serial is indicative of a frame built in 1983.
You are most likely correct regarding your hypothesis regarding age & matching group parts; and earlier dated parts might be replacements makes sense. Although I have seen parts (and tubing) being years off from the frame's date of manufacture that tends to "frame only" sales, and not on mass production bikes. I believe the bike is '83, or made in '83 for '84 model year given date codes of parts (primarily due to the SR cranks; as used on many '81 models).
Nothing directly matches up on the '83 USA catalog which is not very detailed and never mentions Raleigh "502" tubing ('85 catalog lists 502 for some models). The '81 catalog shows Vx/Vx GT mech pairings, and is more descriptive ID'ing brands/models of other components (e.g. SR cranksets), but I do not think it would be that early. The '83 Gran Prix model matches color and decal scheme, but not parts except as a general description (alloy or steel, etc.). The '83 catalog does mention most models having embellished seat stay caps and fork crown which match this bike's design. Changes made for '84 model year may be reflected by this frame/parts.
Vx front derailleur originally (but not OE?) installed on this bike (before and after )
Edit: Serial is indicative of a frame built in 1983.
You are most likely correct regarding your hypothesis regarding age & matching group parts; and earlier dated parts might be replacements makes sense. Although I have seen parts (and tubing) being years off from the frame's date of manufacture that tends to "frame only" sales, and not on mass production bikes. I believe the bike is '83, or made in '83 for '84 model year given date codes of parts (primarily due to the SR cranks; as used on many '81 models).
Nothing directly matches up on the '83 USA catalog which is not very detailed and never mentions Raleigh "502" tubing ('85 catalog lists 502 for some models). The '81 catalog shows Vx/Vx GT mech pairings, and is more descriptive ID'ing brands/models of other components (e.g. SR cranksets), but I do not think it would be that early. The '83 Gran Prix model matches color and decal scheme, but not parts except as a general description (alloy or steel, etc.). The '83 catalog does mention most models having embellished seat stay caps and fork crown which match this bike's design. Changes made for '84 model year may be reflected by this frame/parts.
Vx front derailleur originally (but not OE?) installed on this bike (before and after )
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