Retro Raleigh 531 road Bike build Type 8804

Retro Raleigh 531 road Bike build Type 8804

Raleigh 531 Type 8804 designed by Gerald O Donovan one of the main men behind Raleigh's SBDU division which later became the lightweight build section.

The SBDU built bikes for the TI-Raleigh team as well as many British cycling stars, plus some innovative one-off specials. It was based in Ilkeston, Derbyshire and run by Gerald O'Donovan, former owner of Carlton Cycles who knew more about steel frame design than almost anyone else at the time.

This hand built lightweight Raleigh frame Type 8804 in Reynolds 531 tubing was sold as a frame only. The period correct groupset is Shimano 105 which was taken directly from the failed Raleigh Dyna-tech build.

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[mitch]

Everybody loves a 'GOD' sticker. Lovely bike Sir!

[kevinhepburn]

I have a Raleigh Professional road bike full campy totally rides well. I just cleaned it lubed it new rubber new brake hoods cables and chain. The bike rides like a dream so smooth. I have numerous bikes modern and classic. I like the older classic rides because they are totally serviceable. No programmed obsolescence there!

[andrewplays]

That is a beauty! Very beautiful, much respect!

[SkyhawkSteve]

The SBDU group of the 70's and 80's was quite an elite segment within Raleigh! I've got an early 80's SBDU T.I. Raleigh bike, and the workmanship is outstanding! Definitely not something that you would expect from a large company like Raleigh.

[jamesajjr]

I have a 1984 Trek Elance 531 and I upgraded the groupo with 105. It’s the best bike that I have ever owned. The Cervelo R2 that I also own doesn’t have the same ride quality, which feels cheap by comparison.

[Arznix]

Where are you sourcing your Bennotto handlebar tape from?

[stevewalther]

Why do Corporations destroy their own products by re-engineering their own products....they stopped making bikes like these...

[maxwellspeedwell]

Nice, and then I saw something that caused me to give a “thumbs-down”.
The bar tape wrapped from the ends to middle. Wrap from the top, and forward, over the bars. No, it won’t come loose. Hasn’t been a problem since 1971. Te-wrap the bars correctly and I can change my vote to a “thumbs-up”.

[camperp]

I think these bikes look so much nicer than todays overpriced bikes, then again, iam 55 😂