Raleigh Zenith 501

[chrisv40]

Just had this out for a spring polish and service.
It's exactly as I bought it last year other than the six speed freewheel I fitted in place of the original 5 speed.
I don't think the bars are original or the Suntour Cyclone 2 rear mech but other than tyres and pedals it's all original.
It rides very nicely and is great for a country lane potter.
I think it's early 80s but would love to know the correct year.

 

[chrisv40]

Re:

Nice steady 24 miles on the Zenith last night.

 

[Percybigun]

Lovely bike! What’s the frame number, and is the Raleigh badge rivetted or the stuck-on type? The cyclone mii mechs are very smooth and light, I can’t feel the gear change on mine (front or rear)!

 

[chrisv40]

Re:

I'll get the frame number next time it's out, pretty sure the head badge is on the two pins.

 

[Percybigun]

On the 80’s 501’s i’m not 100% sure but the year should be the third number in (like on a 531), but they are usually all numbers, no letters. Normally the frame number is obscured by the cable guide. My Kellogg’s number is 9*897 and it’s deffo a 1988 bike, with the later stuck-on badge, which came in 1984. Me and my brother have a few 531 bikes from 81-83 with 2-pin brass badges, and I have a 84 531c with the stuck-on badge.