Raleigh Royal(e)/Randonneur appreciation

Looking good! I would keep it 2x, I tried triple on mine and wasn't happy about it!

They are a nice colour, but the old-fashioned square section is much less accommodating than a modern semicircular mudguard. Those only just fit a 32mm tyre and that's after a slightly clumsy job heat-bending the front one.

looks grand, what size tyres are those? Did you dimple the seat stays?

What's the biggest tyre + guards combo you can get on these?

I run 32mm tyres and might have space for mudguards, could prob squeeze 35 without mudguards

Spotted this 650b conversion on Facebook

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Cheers

Very nice! Classic look, funny that they've used the same Microshift derailleur as on my build, not a very common derailleur :)

It was also rebranded by SunXCD. Do your jockey wheels squeak?

The newer frames like the green one I posted on the previous page have slightly larger clearances, 35 with guards, maybe 38 without

Love the thread

Regarding tyres etc, I suspect 32mm will be as big as you can get. Until MTBs appeared 28 & 32mm was as wide as it got .

Yes same derailleur Sun XCD and Microshift, no squeaking on my jockey wheels no, I recently went back to friction with Simplex retrofriction shifters and a Suntour rear mech and it works like a charm!

Best shifters (as long as your frame is stiff enough).

‘97 Randonneur 708, Bob Jackson repaint, built up from the frameset so rather unoriginal

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Indeed, can't beat the simplex retrofriction :)

Mine has 27x 1&1/4" (630) wheels and currently is on 32mm tyres with mudguards, which is probably the limit. If you got one of similar vintage (1982 ish) and fitted it with 700c (622) wheels you could probably go substantially wider. You'd need some very long drop brakes though.

Edit: This listing shows a 700c conversion on the original brakes actually. Does look like there's lots of room for wider tyres though. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/295946627695?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=BfBE0sEeQrC&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=2oiWpP7gSxu&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

The 708 framesets can take at least 35 with guards, though the 531 are more limited - I'd suspect 32 with guards, maybe a squeeze 35 without.

My early 80s RAA should fit 32 with guards when I bother fitting. Chain stays are the limiting factor

Finally fitted mudguards on this, need a few more bling parts

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Absolute beauty.

:)))

My 708 Royale is ready for pickup from its refurb at Argos - will post pics when I go get it in a couple weeks. Buzzing.

Did they send you pictures? What work did they do?

No photos yet, but work was basically just filling a couple small dents, clearing up a load of horrible rust, and then respraying in a much brighter metallic green. Will update soon

Anyone want a 60/61cm Randonneur frameset from @mellololo ?

https://www.lfgss.com/conversations/391163/