[CR] Raleigh International

(Example: Framebuilding:Norris Lockley)

Date: Sat, 28 Feb 2009 14:26:55 -0600
From: "Brad Luecke" <brluecke@gmail.com>
To: <wtgrantham@comcast.net>, <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: [CR] Raleigh International


For what it is worth I had one in the 1970's. LOVED it. Would still have it, but it was stolen. BUT....I assume you've been reading the Raleigh Pro thread going on now. The International is similar, loved by some, disparaged by others.

I found it a good riding, comfortable ride, not too short a wheel base, but definitely not a long wheel base. By the way, they came with light sewup/tubular wheels/tires which greatly improved the ride over the clincher tires/wheels available at that time. It did have fender and rack eyelets on the frame and on the fork. I did several long loaded tours on mine. I also remember being "harassed" at local races because of the Blackburn rack on the back. But as I fondly recall, I often finished ahead of the pack.

It is a semi collectable bike, so it may be had to find a good example on the cheap. They were all Campy with the exception of Weinman brakes. A real Brooks saddle was included. GB bar and stem.

Anyway, I think they would be a great vintage bike to have and to ride.

Find one that makes you happy

Good Luck

Brad Luecke
Columbia MO USA