Raleigh Royal(e)/Randonneur appreciation

I didn’t know this thread existed! Just finished this, my attempt at a randonneur on the cheap. Got the frame for a bargain and then built up the rest from the parts bin. Had Campag brifters but switch to DT shifters in friction mode and it’s perfection. Friction all the way for me. Everything works with everything!

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Beautiful build, very classic and classy!

Chapeau - strong post.

tl;dr: any potential interest in a refurbed Royale 708 frameset?

Long version: I rescued this frameset last year, and the plan was to build it up as my dream touring bike. Fate intervened and through a series of convoluted events I wound up with a very shiny new Moulton that filled the touring role nicely. The frame is now just sat in a shelf going unused and it feels like a crying shame.

It’s a 57cm one, and I had it refurbed by Argos in Bristol. Briefly fitted a derailleur and wheelset as you can see, but it’s never been ridden. The rear end alignment did seem a little off when I fitted the rear wheel quickly, but I did ask Argos to check this so not sure if it was just me.

Anyway - any possible interest before I get round to a proper for sale thread?

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I have a 25" 1985 Raleigh Royal frameset. Silver with chrome half forks. Some cosmetic paint loss etc but generally very good. Includes original steal headset which is smooth.
For caliper brakes. Will take 700c x 32mm (poss wider) tyres with guards. Really nice frame.
£60 including postage. PM if interested.

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Very nice, I just finished the same frame in the exact same size, absolutely stunning bike :)

You can see more pics and video of the build here
https://www.instagram.com/p/C92JUkis5lA/?img_index=1

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Price?

Oh! Only just discovered this thread. Love these bikes and great to see so many great builds. I have a bastardized 708 Randonneur I'll put up soon :)

...and here's mine. A cheap ebay 'bargain' turned into hassle when I later found out the fork steerer was bent. Took me a while to find a replacement, but I finally did (and I suspect the new fork may have come from a Royale).

In this iteration I went with a massive cassette, 1x10 and jitensha bars for an errand/dad-bike...but I really find these bars very uncomfortable. I'm going to give them one more shot, but this will probably go back to nitto noodles, sugino triple and a normal cassette. [edit: sorry for the half wrapped bar, one guard on and one off etc. this is due to constant fettling!]

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60cm randonneur which looks in good nick and with lots of extras for £160 with a day and a bit to go

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/296698292614?