Not one but two Raleigh Pioneers

[sparkybhp]

Me: Nah, I’m not going to bother with 700c bikes any more..
Also me:

They’re both pretty mint, but check out the IRC tyres on the top one:

Plan is to make one really nice one out of the two with a few retro mtb parts thrown into the mix for gravelly winter mudguard type adventures..
I’ll use the bottom ones frame (20.5”) as the top one is a mahoosive 23” c/c. I know they’re not strictly mtb’s but they’re not really road bikes either. I post a pic once I’ve finished, should be fun.

 

[MarinMartin]

Had a few of these over the years through doing the charity project. Often ended up keeping a couple of pioneers as they were annoyingly characteristic. Always liked riding them.

Should make a good project.

 

[averagebiker]

Shhhhhh.......don't tell anyone but really they are early gravel bikes

 

[averagebiker]

I have picked one up recently to make into my station/shopping/pub bike!

 

[sparkybhp]

Shhhhhh.......don't tell anyone but really they are early gravel bikes

Ha ha, yes but don’t tell anyone - you’ll push the prices up!

I have picked one up recently to make into my station/shopping/pub bike!

Ahh in that case tell everyone..

 

[averagebiker]

Ha ha, yes but don’t tell anyone - you’ll push the prices up!

Ahh in that case tell everyone..

Yes, time to invest in Pioneers.....it's the new crypto currency lol

 

[sparkybhp]

Build day today.

Got the XL frame stripped down easily and spread the components out, I’d previously taken the smaller frame apart and given it a quick clean up.
Went together really well, only sticking point was the bb spindle was a shade too narrow for the new crankset, I’d already stripped and serviced it so…

18 speed to 12 speed conversion courtesy of my angle grinder.. I honestly don’t think the granny ring is necessary on a bike such as this, and it cleans up the look of it imho:

Lovely. 200GS group with the (much underrated) thumbie shifters should be spot on for winter adventures.
All in cost was £65 for the two bikes and I’ve not used anything from my spares box at all. What do you all reckon??
P.s: if you know anyone who wants to build a similar version in 23” from the old frame and left over parts I’ve got it all here waiting..

 

[sparkybhp]

The larger frame made a decent budget single speed commuter thing..