What the name Schwinn meant to American youths, the name Raleigh meant to the rest of the world, and to connoisseurs of the bicycle even in America. Operating from what was once the world's biggest industrial plant, in Nottingham, England, Raleigh bicycles were exported world-wide, and raced to victory in competitions and championships.This is the definitive history of the once-great bicycle manufacturer, recounting its founding and growth, as well as its eventually demise into near-oblivion as little more than a badge applied to a generic product.The book is illustrated with 1,000 photographs and other illustrations from the Raleigh company's rich heritage.