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
