Raleigh Pioneer Trail 501 1995

Came across this very nice Raleigh Pioneer Trail last week. 

From 1995 by the component dates, & a top spec machine at the time. Pioneers were introduced in 1991 in various forms. Called Hybrids & not well understood at the time. (They should have been called Multi-purpose, because that is what they are: )

This one has had very little use, been well maintained & rides very well now, after a simple clean & a basic service. (Due next is BB, Head, & Wheel bearings regrease/adjust. It'll last another 25 years then.)

Has a 6 speed Shimano rear block (14/28) & triple front (45/35/25) giving 18 indexed gears, cantilever brakes on good alloy rims & hardly used 700x35 Michelin Transworld Sprint tyres. Great on the smooth roads, but also OK for light off road, paths etc.

These are versatile bikes. They can be a great Town Bike, Commuter, Shopper, Light Tourer. 

Lightweight, with Reynolds 501 butted tubing & MTB gearing, full size road wheels, it is a good combination for many current uses/users.

Pictured above here I have not yet cleaned the chain-set or rear block! (It gleams now though, & I know the gear changing will be slicker)

This bike looks like a 'Time Warp' Raleigh to me, so it will get a little extra attention from this male person: )

A super bike for the right lady.

13/5/21

Now cleaned up the chainwheel, chain, etc. & the gears are super slick changing now: )

It rides like a new machine & I'm very impressed with its quality & feel. 

The original Selle Royal saddle has a split, but I use it for now & let the next owner choose their own. 

Set up here for me @ 6' 1". (to test ride) The saddle would normally be much lower, being a smallish 20 1/2" (52cm) frame.

One of the last lugged steel Raleighs built in Nottingham & the quality shows. The frame paint is in nice order, a few small chips/scratches here & there, but it mostly gleams. 

Interesting to compare this bike to the modern 'Raleigh' hybrid imports from Outer Mongolia, (or wherever wages are cheapest) & see what you get for £400.  

This 25yo Raleigh beats them all, hands down. £150 could buy this one... No depreciation on it. If you look after it, it'll increase in value over time. It's a very sensible option for a user who wants long term, reliable, economic use. IMHO.