Raleigh Pioneer

In 2009 Tilly Gifford came to us to get a bike for a trip from Greece to Jerusalem. She felt her Raleigh 20 wasn't up to the job, so we made this.

This is a early '90s Raleigh Pioneer. We were on a very limited budget so used some very cheap parts, like the steel rear rack. Steel racks are a bit heavier than fancy alloy ones, but can be welded very easily if they break.

This is about the most basic Shimano rear mech it is possible to buy. It's also very tough and reliable. For the trip planned this was a better part than a more expensive one.

Tilly chose multibars. The foam suffered a bit when she crashed. Note the friction gear levers, another reliable part. We also fitted caliper brakes instead of the cantis the bike came with.

These pictures show the bike when it came in for a service. After 3000 miles it needed a chain, freewheel and brake blocks.