Hello all, I am a long-time lurker but a new member. I'm from San Francisco, California USA. I find valuable info every time I search the list, thank you to all of you. I'll put my favorite bikes at the end of this message.
My question today is about a frame that I am trying to buy. The seller thinks it is a 1973 Raleigh International. The Nervex head lugs look correct but the fork crown doesn't look correct for any International I've seen. The frame was repainted before the current owner acquired it, so no clues there. The serial number is obscured by paint and can't be defined. Here are the things that the seller has told me: The frame weighs about 6 lbs with the HS and BB The chain stays measure 45.5cm The wheelbase is 105.5cm Here is a link to the only photos I have of the frame
http://s1038.photobucket.com/
Does the fork look like one anyone has seen on an International? Does it appear to be Nervex? I did notice in the one photo the "C" on the seat binder bolt, could it be an older Carlton? It has a Raleigh head badge. Anyway, I'm kind of in love with the frame and want to get it but just wanted to see if anyone had input about the fork. It's going to be my around town, everyday working bike so I'm ok that the paint isn't original. Thank you. Kristel Craven San Francisco, California USA
Ok, as a new member I'm supposed to tell you about some of my bikes, it's hard because I love all bikes... My favorite bikes are; my Ohrt mixte, likely imported from France in the 60's and badged by the Ohrt Bicycle Shop on Stanyan in San Francisco (either in the same building as or near American Cyclery). It's light, lively and elegant and I wish I knew more about it.
I also love my 1983 Stumpjumper (all lugged) with Mafac cantilevers. It's set up as my townie but since it is a mountain bike and barely meets the '83 cut-off, I won't dwell.
Another is my 2 speed (White Industries) early 80's Bottecchia, I ride that thing everywhere, but it's too fast!
My other favorite bike is the touring frame I made myself under the always watchful eye of master builder, Koichi Yamaguchi. I was lucky enough to build the frame in one of his building classes one summer in Rifle, CO.
The bike I wish I had, has super fancy lugs, lots of chrome, long chain stays, long wheel base, lightweight, as old as possible and would get extra points for being French. It would be made by a master builder or made by someone who only made one frame but put everything they had into it. It would be set up as a porteur or townie.
I ride around town to get to places quickly but leisurely without worrying about parking. I hate thieves and litterbugs Kristel Craven San Francisco, California USA