MK1 Grifter UK version

77grifter · **Joined:** Sat Jan 17, 2009 9:12 pm **Posts:** 412

Raleigh produced the MK1 Grifter between 1976 – 1979, available in only two colours - Metallic Blue and Fiery Red.

Both came with Union Jack decals

Early MK1's ie: 1976 - 1977 bikes differ from later MK1's, these are some differences between my '76 and '79 bikes-

1976 Wider Handlebars

1979 Handlebars

Twist Grip Gear Shifter

Early Sturmey Archer shifters had a window to show gear colours red, blue & yellow

Later shifter, window has been removed

'76 forks have tabs at the point where they meet the fork stop plate (commonly called 'diamonds')

'79 forks

Early MK1 rear mudguards mount to a seperate bridge

Later MK1 and all MK2 rear guards mount onto the brake caliper

Early MK1 mudflaps wrap under the guards

Later MK1 & MK2 mudflaps, (mudflaps are mounted to the mudguards using black bifurcated rivets)

Early MK1's had cotter pin R nuts

All MK1's had a moulded block underneath the seat (these seats were used up on some early MK2’s)

MK1 seat reflectors are metal backed and branded Fairylite or Bluemels

Later MK2 seat without block

Only late MK1's have the lower steerer tube strengthening ring

1976 rear wheel dropout

1979 dropout

Early Super Grip tyres - Made in Holland

Later Super Grip tyres - Foreign

Prototype or exceptionally early MK1’s may be fitted with Super MX Tyres