My all-rounder ultimate build story (Raleigh Royale custom build)

Hey guys,

I have been working on this bike for a while! So I thought maybe it is worth sharing it here :)

I always wanted a bike that could fullfill all my needs, a bike that I would keep if I had to keep only one bike.

3 years ago my commuter bike was an old Peugeot PF10, I loved it so I used it as a base
Here you can see it before its transformation:

The first addition was a new custom build wheelset. Went to a triple set-up with Gevenalle shifters and Microshift derailleur. A new Nitto handlebar, a Brook saddle and I was ready for adventures.

It was fine for a bit but I never been happy with that build. First I hated the triple set-up, super clunky, unreliable and a lot of shifting issues. I also had issue with the rear wheel sometimes getting out of alignment under heavy loads, plus it didn't allow for lot of clearance.

So I learned my lesson, this bike was designed as a road bike, not a tourer or anything else. I started looking for a new bike frame that would suits my needs and where I could transfer most of the components. So I sold the Peugeot that I refurbished...

...and I bought this Raleigh Royale touring frame on ebay (sory only picture I have is when I picked up the frame)

I finally had a solid base for my build so I started transferring the parts and gathering the rest of the parts I wanted. This build had to look classic, I have been restoring bikes for a long time now and I always loved the look. But for that bike I wanted modern components. So here is the list of the parts I opted for at the end, a few retro parts in the mix but overall most of the key components are modern.

Transmission: Microshift R10
Brake/Shifters: Gevenalle Audax with Microshift Shifters
Brake Calipers: Shimano BR CX50
Crankset: Stronglight 49D with Specialites TA 28-48
Wheels: Custom made High Flange SunXCD MK2 Hubs with Velo Orange Enterprise 32H rim
Cassette: Shimano 10 speed 11-32T
Tyres: Panaracer Gravel King Semi Slick 32C
Saddle: Brooks Cambium C17 Carved
Seatpost: Flutted unbranded
Headset: Tange Levin CD
Stem: Nitto UI-12 70mm
Handlebar: Nitto B135 AA Randonneur - 450mm
Bartape: Zipp Service Course
Bottom bracket: Shimano UN55
Pedals: MKS Sylvan Stream
Chain: KMC 10 Speed
Bottle Cages: VO Moderniste
Front Rack: Pelago

And here is the final build:

I am super happy with that build, it shifts beautifully and rides like a dream.

You can see more high res pictures on my website here:
http://www.pierrefelixso.com/work/raleigh-royal-custom-build/

Very nice! (although 10.3kg? Really?) I have a Royal, which I think is a couple of years older than that. It's setup similarly with a front rack, but I also put a Carradice on it, so it could potentially carry quite a lot. They're very nice long-legged bikes for day-touring.

Not gonna lie, was expecting old basic bike frame with too much money thrown at it but that is really really nice.

Some great bikes on your website. I had the slightly later Elan which was a lot of fun and i think that step through ridgeback would get you instant access into the LFGSS premium members club right now.

Brake/Shifters: Gevenalle Audax with Microshift Shifters

That is really nice with the components complementing the frame. How are you finding the Gevenalle Audax brakes/shifters? I have a set in a box with Dia-Compe friction levers that I am waiting to try out, when I can find some classic style band-on cable bosses for the downtube.

Solid piece of kit. Hats off to you for restoring a lovely bike.
Needs mudguards though!

@ffm Thanks! Can't remember if 10.3kg is with or without the rack, is too much or too low for you haha? I will def add a carradice in the future

@jono84 Thank you! Yes I love the ridgeback build I will make a post soon too :)

@Nick_S I love the Gevenalle, the difference is mainly done with which types of shifters you use, I use to have them with the friction Dia Compe that were nice but upgraded to microshift indexed and it is a pleasure! The form clicks are so satisfying and you can shift so easily

@greytyke Thanks! I will definitely add mudguard in the future but I am scared of the clearance

This is a work of beauty! Well done! I can remember we were chatting about this when you picked up some parts from my place right? So nice to see one of these with the original paint.

Nice bikes on your website!

although 10.3kg? Really?

That's good no? For a touring steel bike.

Yes, so much so that I'm slightly sceptical.

Ah, I see!

@Oddo yes that was me :) I love the paintjob, subtle and classy

@veLLo thank you :)

@ffm I am also sceptical again haha I will weight it again

Very late but I did check the weight today and it is 10.3kg indeed :)
BUT that's without the rack