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The Raleigh Sprite Series

Raleigh recycled the "Sprite" model name several times over the decades, with rather different bikes. The early '60s version was a 10 speed with Benelux Mark VII gearing. It featured Dunlop "White Sprite" tyres, and it is not clear to me whether the tire name or the bicycle model came first.

From the 1962 catalogue:

1962 Raleigh Sprite

In the mid 1960s, the Sprite was completely transmogrified. The 1967 version shown below is basically a Sports with a Sturmey-Archer S5 five-speed hub replacing the AW three-speed.

From the 1967 catalogue:

1967 Raleigh Sprite

Later versions of the Sprite went back to derailer gearing. These were basically modified Records.

The upright "all-rounder" handlebars, and mattress saddle made these something of a precursor of the modern "hybrid."

The fenders ("mudguards" to the British) and chainguard (on the 5-speed version) made the Sprite into a somewhat livelier alternative to the Sports for transportation cycling. From the 1976 catalog:

1976 Raleigh Sprite

From the 1977 catalog:

1976 Raleigh Sprite 27