I have a Raleigh International. It is green with the small lettering in red, but I do not know what year it is. I have had it since the seventies. It precedes my brown Professional, but I digress. I have seen two types of forks on Internationals. I do not know why this is. Most are the conventional long straight with sharp curve towards the drop-out. Mine has the lesser seen gentle tapering curve. It rides like a dream. I think an acceptable fork would be available, with a very similiar appearanc, or even same appearance. While not correct a period cinelli crown fork would look nice. I have a '73 Paramount. the Paramont has essentialy the same measurements and specs. The Schwinn, although pretty in all chrome, rides like a truck in comparison with the International. That being said, II would rather ride an International with an incorrect fork than wait for the remote possibility of finding a correct fork. I had no such illusions of correctness for my beloved PR-10 mule. A PR-10 is essentially a PX with a carbon fork. I have ridden the PR with its original carbon fork and then changed it for a chrome Tange fork. The fork looks good and rides good. I have had this bike since the early eighties. I have had it with the original 49d crank, then changed it to a triple from a double setup, as well as others. Currently it has a Sugino Mighty Comp with a single black chainring. From the original tires I currently have my first mountain bike wheels, built in the eighties. 26" arayas laced to atom drum hubs front and rear, with a 5 speed freewheel. There is a point to this, I just like to have fun and there is no correct setup for me. If you do not want to ride your "new" International, let me know. I like the way they ride or at least the way the one I have rides.
Now my questions for the day.
1.Has anyone had any luck or have any suggestions removing sticker type decals. My brown Raleigh Professional has a sticker at the bottom of the seat tube giving it a number 52 of the edition. I really need to repaint it. I can't imagine finding a replacement sticker. I would like to try removing the old one with possibly a heat gun, repainting and then re-apply with some form of adhesive. 2. What would be wrong with re-painting in the light blue metallic rather than the brown metallic? Okay; I would rather ride incorrect International fork than wait around, but I would re-paint a Professional in a different than original color. Does it make sense, maybe not.
Hapy Trails,
John Strizek
Sacramento, California USA