Raleigh Randonneur 708 (2024)

Hi everyone,
It’s the first time I‘m posting something here - I hope everything goes smoothly. I wanted to pick all of your brains to get some input/ideas regarding my lovely 1997 Raleigh Randonneur (Reynolds 70. I have so far ridden it in the setup I got it in 2 years ago. I absolutely love riding it but I feel it is time to upgrade it while staying true to its current aesthetics as much as possible.

- brakes: would like to replace them by better quality cantilevers or possibly mini v brakes. Thoughts on quality brakes and levers?

- the rims have a fair bit of wear. Any recommendations for some quality wheels for fully loaded touring? My intention is to build the front wheel around a SON hub dynamo as well (to combine with an Edelux light)

- find an aesthetically more pleasing stem and drop bar. The comfort on this one is very good but it slightly hurts my eyes

Any constructive feedback and input is welcome!

Thanks so much in advance,

Moritz

I am not sure how helpful this is but I have kitted my 708 framed Royal which I believe is the same bike with a few different components with an almost complete set of Velo Orange components plus some raised bars from Nitto and a Shimano Alfine 11 speed hub so there is not much of the original bike left but it is now a fabulous and in my opinion much improved touring bike. The Velo Orange cantilever brakes are an improvement over the original Shimano, I have some VO rims and a front hub waiting to be built up to complete the set.

That is a good-looking frame. Nice!

Best I can do is show you my Roy Thame, with a similar frame that I have built up for day trips and vacations with no more luggage than a saddle bag and/or a front bag.

This is how I like it best:

Mark Manley said:

I am not sure how helpful this is but I have kitted my 708 framed Royal which I believe is the same bike with a few different components with an almost complete set of Velo Orange components plus some raised bars from Nitto and a Shimano Alfine 11 speed hub so there is not much of the original bike left but it is now a fabulous and in my opinion much improved touring bike. The Velo Orange cantilever brakes are an improvement over the original Shimano, I have some VO rims and a front hub waiting to be built up to complete the set.

View attachment 633812

Click to expand...

Thanks Mark, any input is helpful. It’s always interesting to see what others have done to get ideas. I’m obviously aware of VO and some of there stuff but have no first hand experience with their cantilever brakes. I might look into them as well as their stem range etc..

non-fixie said:

That is a good-looking frame. Nice!

Best I can do is show you my Roy Thame, with a similar frame that I have built up for day trips and vacations with no more luggage than a saddle bag and/or a front bag.

This is how I like it best:

Click to expand...

That’s a lovely bike too! Can I ask what you went for in terms of wheels, brakes and crank set?

Well, here's mine from a couple of years ago and link as to what was on it

Momo79 said:

That’s a lovely bike too! Can I ask what you went for in terms of wheels, brakes and crank set?

Click to expand...

Thanks! Since I don't carry much luggage I didn't go to any extremes in terms of ruggedness. 'Light', 'comfortable', 'good looks' and 'fun to ride' were my goals.

Elements which contribute mostly to those are:
- wheels: reasonably light standard 36h wheels, combined with a light but sturdy tyre (in this case the 30mm Challenge Strada Bianca)
- bars with horizontal ramps and drops and a short drop (i.c. a Sakae Custom Road Champion)
- 'brifters' with concealed cables, for comfy shifting and to enable the use of a front bag (i.c. Campagnolo Chorus 9-speed, combined with a 5-speed freewheel and a Shimano long cage dérailleur)
- crankset: TA triple, for the low Q-factor, looks and maximum versatility
- brakes: MAFAC cantilevers with new pads, for looks and fine braking
- saddle: leather Brooks or similar - but you knew that already

As pictured, it weighs 11.8kgs (64cm frame). For loaded touring I have a set of 40h touring wheels with Maxi-car hubs, but while they roll sublimely they are also noticeably heavier.

In your case I would stick with the brakes you have. Just clean, lube and get new brake pads. Koolstops are expensive, but excellent. V-brakes require less force, but also specific levers, and they limit the use of wider tyres and mudguards. (And they're ugly, but that's just me. )

pigman said:

I don't think it needs new brakes, just cables and new (and possibly different) brake blocks. If you need more braking power, get a longer straddle cable. It will mean the brake arms move less for a given pull at the lever, but you will get more mechanical advantage and a better bite

Click to expand...

Thanks, will check it out!