Mystery Raleigh Frameset

[Harril]

Hello all,

I found this old Raleigh at my local bike cooperative workshop. As you can see, there are no decals so it's almost impossible to identify. It is pretty light so I'm sure the frame and forks are of Reynolds 531 construction. other than that, Its a mystery! Any knowledgeable folk here care to chime in?

 

[Midlife]

I can just see a WD frame number but not the digit next which is the year. Canti brakes so I guess it's in the randonneur /Royal mould.?

The number you are looking at is the original buyers postcode stamped by the shop

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

531 Raleigh Randonneur, Royal or Touriste from what I can see. 708 framed Randos and Royals didn't have a W number, A,B,C etc. At least the ones I've had do. Lots of detail differences too on the frames.

 

[fossala]

531 Raleigh Randonneur, Royal or Touriste from what I can see. 708 framed Randos and Royals didn't have a W number, A,B,C etc. At least the ones I've had do. Lots of detail differences too on the frames.

Not a Randonneur as it’s missing the spoke holders

 

[vcballbat]

Looks like an 89 Raleigh Royal in Reynolds 531ST tubing, good touring frame

 

[fossala]

I agree, I had a burgundy one. One of the best frames I’ve had.

One of the only frames I regret selling.
https://www.retrobike.co.uk/threads/raleigh-royal-almost-nos.357426/

 

[vcballbat]

Better catalogue shot

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

Not a Randonneur as it’s missing the spoke holders

I did list three. I've owned all of them at one point or another. Spoke holder is the only difference between 531 Rando frame and Royal. The 708 Royal frame has the spoke holder.

 

[fossala]

I did list three. I've owned all of them at one point or another. Spoke holder is the only difference between 531 Rando frame and Royal. The 708 frame has the spoke holder.

I’ve had a 531 and a 708, the 531 was by far the better bicycle.

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

Here's a 531 Rando long gone. 708 is way stiffer and superior imo. Edit I'm a dickhead they are on the drive side @fossala