1993 Raleigh Pioneer Elite LX - Gravel build

Bought this as a frameset for 5€


Frame is double butted Reynolds 501. Frame size is 21" and weight is about 2700g for the frame and 1000g for the fork.
The bike was originally bought in the Netherlands. I don't think these were ever sold here.


Here is the model page from the 1993 Raleigh catalogue

There was some rust around the bb and right chainstay so I scraped the paint off, sanded it and spray painted with rust protection primer, black paint and lacquer. Otherwise the frame/paint is in really good condition.


10spd Shimano 105 5600 brifters and gravel dropbars. I still need to get longer 26.8mm seatpost and a fork mounted cable hanger for the brakes.


Quill to 1 1/8" ahead adapter blends in nicely with the plastic cone (meant for 1 1/8" quill headset) pressed over the rubber headset cover. But using a different headset I can get it to look neater and lower the "stack height" 1-2cm

I absolutely adore the colourscheme on this and what an absurd bargain. Excited to see this materialise

What's the tyre clearance like?

Imlach said:

I absolutely adore the colourscheme on this and what an absurd bargain. Excited to see this materialise

What's the tyre clearance like?

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Without fenders maybe slick 2" tires but I tested 1.75" tires and there was still plenty of room for knobs.

SteelNipple said:

Without fenders maybe slick 2" tires but I tested 1.75" tires and there was still plenty of room for knobs.

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Nice. Hybrids/trekkers have a dear place in my heart. I'd defo go 1.75 knobbly with some mudguards.

I have a 21" Pioneer with 501 tubing as my current station bike.
I will have a look in the morning light to see how similar the UkK market frame is to yours.

It looks like the frames are very similar but your seat tube/seat stay set up is way nicer than mine!
Raleigh paint of this era is bullet proof quality in my experience.
I hope the project goes well.

averagebiker said:

It looks like the frames are very similar but your seat tube/seat stay set up is way nicer than mine!
Raleigh paint of this era is bullet proof quality in my experience.
I hope the project goes well.

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Thanks. Yours looks like the Pioneer Prestige? Isn't the Pioneer name used for all early 90s Raleigh hybrid models?

Text from the 1993 catalogue:

PIONEER AND CITY

PIONEER ELITE
The Raleigh Pioneer Elite is the perfect hybrid for today's active lifestyle. Equally at home exploring country tracks or flashing through the city streets, Elite combines the rugged features of a mountain bike with lightness, comfort and control.
Its unique frame design was developed and fine tuned using our latest computer aided design systems. With sloping top tube, reduced offset forks and shorter chainstays, the Elite delivers maximum performance whatever the terrain. Available in a range of sizes to suit both women and men, the Elite range with its hardened metallic spray finish, features indexed multi gear systems and cantilever brakes throughout. Elite by name and Elite by nature.

PIONEER
Since its introduction, the Raleigh Pioneer has done more to increase the pleasures and practicality of cycling than any other bike.
This truly is a range for everyone. Where age is no barrier and fitness of purpose extends from city street to country track. Whether commuting, exercising or simply enjoying the sheer pleasure of family cycling, in the Pioneer range there is a bike for you.
Classic styling, a new choice of colours and expertly chosen equipment place you in total control of the most easy, stylish and comfortable bike to ride.

CITY BIKES
Whilst we continue to lead the market in design innovation and manufacturing technology. there are values which the Raleigh name has always stood for: craftsmanship, quality and classic design are at the heart of our tradition.
In no other range are those values more apparent than in our City Bikes. Always popular and in demand, these bikes are built with the same loving care as they always were for the cyclist who appreciates traditional design and classic elegance.

averagebiker said:

It looks like the frames are very similar but your seat tube/seat stay set up is way nicer than mine!
Raleigh paint of this era is bullet proof quality in my experience.
I hope the project goes well.

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Yes the Elite models have the high fastback stays and sloping top tube.