Raleigh Royal

[biggs682]

I'll post pictures but also point out that the bike wheel is jammed. I am currently soaking in oil to see if I can free it, other than it looks in good condition. I like the idea of passing the bike on to someone with expertise who can restore and rather than get money for it, give it to them. It seems a good thing to do and fits with who I am as a person.

A very generous offer indeed and I would normally jump at the offer but I have enough projects to keep me going .

If nobody else wants it then it can happily go in my to do pile

 

[Bonefish Blues]

I'll post pictures but also point out that the bike wheel is jammed. I am currently soaking in oil to see if I can free it, other than it looks in good condition. I like the idea of passing the bike on to someone with expertise who can restore and rather than get money for it, give it to them. It seems a good thing to do and fits with who I am as a person.

I think an NHS donation from the donee would chime with the times

 

[gucu]

@biggs682 Just uploaded some photos for you to view.

 

[biggs682]

@biggs682 Just uploaded some photos for you to view.

That's a lot newer and in better shape than I expected , give it a couple of weeks and if nobody else stake's a claim then sure we can sort something out . Unless you are really desperate to move it .

 

[gucu]

Like this:
- View attachment 513185

I love the look and it is inspiring. Thanks

 

[SkipdiverJohn]

That's a 1997 Pioneer Jaguar, 4130 cro-moly steel frame, top of the range at the time. @Rickshaw Phil on here has had one from new and goes touring on his. Apparently he's done over100 miles in a day on it. I find them comfortable enough for 30-40 miles, which is as far as I ride. I prefer the lugged & brazed 501 version of the Pioneer frame given the choice, but that's splitting hairs. If you can find a decent Raleigh Pioneer, in the right frame size for you, and at the right price, you won't be disappointed. I find the bars a bit wide as standard, and have cut mine down from their original 24 1/2" to 23". Improves rider comfort, IMHO, and goes through barriers easier.

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

Since I've been name-checked, +1 for the Raleigh Pioneer being a better base for the project described. They are available for not much money, are nice to ride and solidly built.

I can confirm that I do regular century rides on mine in the warmer months, although the spec is somewhat different now to when it was built.

 

[simon.r]

I’ve posted this before, but seeing as @gucu is a new member, here’s my Raleigh Pioneer:

That was as bought, it’s now got new wheels, tyres and a better rack, but everything else is the same.

 

[All uphill]

I’ve posted this before, but seeing as @gucu is a new member, here’s my Raleigh Pioneer:

View attachment 513328

That was as bought, it’s now got new wheels, tyres and a better rack, but everything else is the same.

I love that you have got the world's longest pump to fit that frame!

 

[simon.r]

I love that you have got the world's longest pump to fit that frame!

It’s the original Raleigh branded pump. Not had to use it in anger yet, but I’ve checked and it does work!

 

[SkipdiverJohn]

The Pioneer pictured by @simon.r is a very early one, probably a 1990 model, given the caliper rim brakes. For the first couple of years Raleigh made them, the mens ones were available in 21", 23 1/2", and 25" sizes like the one pictured. After about 1992 they were only made in 21" and 23 1/2" and the field gate sized 25" was dropped.. The early ones also had semi-MTB like ground clearance under the BB, which makes the standover height of the crossbar an inch taller. You can tell if it's one of those by looking at the length of the head tube if you are familiar with the different variations. For the rider with shorter legs, the very early ones may be best avoided if standover clearance is an issue. My pub bike was a 1991 23 1/2" Pioneer (before I managed to crack the frame!) and even with my inside leg of 33 1/2" I still had to be careful with dismounts. I've since replaced it with another 23 1/2" Pioneer frame, from 1993 IIRC, and it has the lower BB height and more standover clearance even though it's nominally the same size.

 

[CXRAndy]

After reading the thread and your other in Ebike forum, I'd get a 700c wide tyre framed hard tail hybrid/trail bike.

You will find most have flat handlebars and disc brakes. Ideally hydraulic brakes for best performance.

Then fit a crank based motor, keep the rear derailleur setup. The power and gearing will get you up hills with comfort

 

[gucu]

Thanks for all the replies. Hugely helpful. Well ok time to send the Raleigh to someone that can use it better. I still like the Raleigh name though and the suggestion of a Pioneer has got me interested but at the same time @CXRAndy has come up with a fresh and new idea. Does Raleigh do a hard tail frame with 700c wheels please? Needs to be steel. Thanks

 

[gucu]

@CXRAndy I have only used hub motors in the past but you are suggesting a crank one, can you explain why please? Are they more powerful, better suited to gearing?

 

[simon.r]

Needs to be steel. Thanks

IME you’ll struggle to get a reasonable quality, reasonably priced new bike with a steel frame.

They tend to be either very cheap and nasty or high end.

Getting a frame only is more likely I’d think, but I’m happy to be proved wrong