I too have an International. It is green. I have loved it for, I can
't remember how long. There are two fork versions. One version has a long s
traigt blade with a quick turn forward near the dropout. The version I have
is a very shallow curve olong most of the blade. I conversed with the Late
Sheldon B. on this. He had seen both but did not know the reason why two f
ork versions either.
I have swapped out some of the parts but kept them or put them on ot
her of my rides. I changed to a TA crank, Rear derailleur to a Rally, Shift
ers to suntour barcons on SR radenour bars. For brakes I changed to Gran Co
mpe ball bearing center pulls. I added green dark green Bleumels fenders. t
he original wheels I changed to Weinwann Concaves. All these changes were d
one many years ago.
With or without my changes I found the bike to be comfortable long d
istance rider. Oh yes, I also added a Blackburn rack in back. I still havve
the Blackburn front rack mounts in the package, I justr never got to it.
I would recommend this Raleigh International to any one for a commut
er or longer distance rider. I have a Paramount in the same size and as nea
r as I can measure the same geometry. the fork design does differ. The Schw
inn is not nearly as responsive and not nearly as comfortable. A sedan comp
ared to a sports car.
Happy trails,
John Strizek
Sacrmento California USA