From: Donald Gillies <gillies@cs.ubc.ca> "I am now a proud owner of _two_ raleigh internationals, 23.5 frames. One is probably a 1974, and one is probably a 1975 or 1976. <snip> Q's:
(b) My biggest trouble is finding an original GB stem, 100 mm, and raleigh 38cm handlebars for the bare frame. ideally, the stem would have the recessed alan bolt for tightening the GB stem in the head tube...<snip>.... My original bike has a lousy original raleigh GB stem, drilled almost 3mm off center - should i ditch the GB stem idea?
(b) To what extent should i try to sand / re-anodize / re-chrome parts ?? I wouldn't mind doing this, making it a 12-month project. if so, what is the best book or web site to learn about how to refinish parts?
(c) does someone know the model name of the original rims ?? Does someone have a recommendation for modern clinchers for these bikes to approximate the original silver mavic tubular rims?? I was thinking about mavic open pro's, but they look aero compared to 1970's bikes."
Hi Don,
Congrats on finding these artifacts from Raleigh's glory years (imho)!
Perhaps I can be of some help, since I was fortunate enough to buy a '74
International still in the box a couple of years ago.
regarding the GB stem: keep looking?? Until you find the right stem, I
wouldn't feel bad about using a GB stem with a regular hex bolt, or maybe a
nice old TTT Record stem.
re: refinishing parts: The parts that came on the bike were pretty
common, with the exception of some of the Campy parts that had the "<C>"
stamped in them. My instinct would be to buy some parts in good shape
before I tried re-anodizing or re-chroming.
The original rims on the '74 were some AVA tubulars. These were pretty
basic, and used washers under the nipples. I suspect the alloy wasn't that
great, because my wheels showed that the rim material yielded visibly from
the spoke tension. If you have plans to ride the bike, then I'd recommend
using better rims. My choice was to rebuild the wheels with MA-2 clincher
rims.
The old catalogs do a good job of showing what the bike originally looked
like. Sheldon has graciously reconstructed the RetroRaleighs site, and
this may be useful to you: http://www.retroraleighs.com/
good luck,
Steve Kurt
Peoria, IL