Possible bend in Raleigh Randonneur frame

Hi all,

Recently picked up a '89 Randonneur frameset to restore. I have given it a look over and have a bit of concern.

At the end of the rear triangle stays on the drive side, where they join the drop out, both stays have a flat edge on the inside, whereas on the left side of the bike the stays are still oval. I'm not sure if this is a design peculiarity of the frame to provide a bit more clearance for the cassette, or whether the frame has been clamped here and bent back into shape following a collision. There is no marking of the paint to suggest the latter but I also do not know if it has been resprayed.

It's going to be used for fully loaded touring so not keen on riding on a bent frame, but it may also just be part of the design. Doesone have any thoughts?

Cheers

The drive side chain and seat stays can be flattened at the dropout to stop the smallest cog fouling. Any pics?

Re:

Added some photos!

The brazed joint to the dropout looks like the tubes were shaped before brazing. IMHO.

Looks genuine clearance for the chain/cogs as maybe this bike ran a triple chainset? If a frame builder is near to you why not ask them or show them your concern.

Looks perfectly ok. As others have said it gives space for the chain and lowest cog especially if the spacing of the stays is 126mm.

Nice one cheers all