Classic & Vintage - '74 Raleigh International

Born today, my new utility / light touring bike, built on a 1974 Raleigh International frame refinished by Keith Anderson of Grants Pass, OR.
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Details:

1974 Raleigh International
Bronze Green 23.5" Frame
Painted by Keith Anderson (http://www.keithandersoncycles.com/Keith_Anderson.html)
Velocity Dyad 622mm rims
Laced by Rich Lesnik (http://www.handsonwheels.com/) onto
Shimano Ultegra Hubs using
DTSwiss double butted steel spokes
Panaracer Pasela Tourguard 700x32 tires
Sugino Alpina Velo Orange 2-ring crankset, 172.5mm, 34/48
Velo Orange Grand Cru BB 110mm
Shimano 6600 FD & RD
Shimano Ultegra 9-sp freewheel cassette 12/25
Shimano Ultegra 9-sp chain
Paul Comp Racer centerpull brakes
Shimano ST-6500 shifter brake levers
Nitto Technomic stem 100mm
Nitto 177 Noodle handlebar
Velo Orange Grand Cru headset
Huret STI cable stop clamp
Campagnolo shifter cable guide
Velo Orange setback seatpost
Brooks B17 saddle & leather tape
Peter White Urban Platform pedals
Brooks clips & straps
Nitto R33 Campee rear rack

More photos on my flickr page here. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/45130673@N07/sets/72157625206801472/)

Stunning.

Very beautiful. The paint looks amazing.

Very nice bike. Shifting really runs the gamut, Shimano STI - Huret cable stop - Campagnolo cable guide - Shimano derailluer.

You've got a real prize there. Gorgeous!

That bike makes my heart ache. Beautiful.

Thanks, thanks, thanks, thanks, and thanks again... I'm flattered to no end to receive kind feedback of this sort from such far flung centers of America's cycling history, especially under my bed!!

Lovely. A very understated classic. I'd be proud to ride it.

I liked the pedals on your bike and looked them up... talk about sticker shock!

Your International looks awesome. What was the original color, copper or champagne?

Would you be willing to share how you ended up with this frame and what you had to go through to have it build up like this?

Oh, and welcome to the club...

What a beauty!

Breathtaking !

I liked the pedals on your bike and looked them up... talk about sticker shock!
Me too! Of course they are really well built.
White Industries Urban Platform (http://www.whiteind.com/pedal.html)

Is that the frame that was on ebay? Looked great, but too big for me!

I liked the pedals on your bike and looked them up... talk about sticker shock!
Well you can always pick up a set of Lyotard #23 pedals, on which the White pedals were modelled:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Marcel-Berthet-Lyotard-pedals-/330488175462?pt=UK_sportsleisure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&hash=item4cf2a15b66

http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Marcel-Berthet-Lyotard-pedals-/330488172973?pt=UK_sportsleisure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&hash=item4cf2a151ad

http://cgi.ebay.com/NOS-Berthet-Lyotard-Pedals-/270653954651?pt=UK_sportsleisure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&hash=item3f043b9a5b

Well you can always pick up a set of Lyotard #23 pedals, on which the White pedals were modelled:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Marcel-Berthet-Lyotard-pedals-/330488175462?pt=UK_sportsleisure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&hash=item4cf2a15b66

http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Marcel-Berthet-Lyotard-pedals-/330488172973?pt=UK_sportsleisure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&hash=item4cf2a151ad

http://cgi.ebay.com/NOS-Berthet-Lyotard-Pedals-/270653954651?pt=UK_sportsleisure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&hash=item3f043b9a5b
Oh, great, I wouldn't mind picking up one of those... though now I wonder how many of us will be bidding against one another for them.

Beautiful bike. Very tastefully done.

Your International looks awesome. What was the original color, copper or champagne?

Would you be willing to share how you ended up with this frame and what you had to go through to have it build up like this?

Oh, and welcome to the club...

Thanks, great question.

Since getting back into cycling a few years ago I've been trying to figure out what I don't quite like about the 2006 Specialized Sirrus Comp (http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?arc=2006&spid=21801&menuItemId=0&gold_ses=) my LBS set me up with. All in all it's a great utility bike, versatile, reliable, not too ugly, but for some reason I couldn't connect in the way I had many years before with my 1974 silver Motobecane Mirage.

Little by little I started learning more about materials, components, and geometry. I replaced the flat bar with a drop bar, installed STI shifters, put on some stronger wheels with 700x32 tires, a Brooks saddle... I got really close to what I was after. But there were a couple issues I just couldn't get around... I wanted steel, for ride and reparability, and I wanted a bigger frame, for sitting up and/or stretching out.

So I decided to look for a great vintage steel frame onto which to migrate and continue to develop my build. By this time I knew how to describe what I wanted - a strong, nimble utility / light touring bike.

I read tons, and also corresponded almost daily with my cousin, a gifted amateur mechanic and wheelsmith with a fantastic collection of Raleighs. Sheldon Brown's great articles led me to consider the Raleigh International. (I guess I was also nudged a little by Google search results, which included a link to my former hometown airport, Raleigh Durham Intl.) Signs were good to look for a 23.5" International.

Then this frame showed up on eBay a few weeks ago (yes, it's the one dbakl asked about). It was built in the Carlton shop in late Feb, 1974. I have no information about the previous owner/s or the original color (as you suggest, it would have been Chartreuse or Champagne); I should ask Keith Anderson, who did a great job painting the frame Bronze Green, a color not available on the International after 1970 or 1971. I bought the frame through Don's Bike Center in Grants Pass, OR. Don was very helpful in taking a number of measurements I needed for making my decision.

What ended up making this build exceptionally easy was the fact that the fork and the bottom tube were of standard British ISO thread, not Raleigh's proprietary 26 TPI. As soon as I installed the headset and the bottom bracket I knew this was going to be a fun build. The rear spacing is 126mm, so there's some pulling apart required to mount my 130mm Ultegra hubs, but I have shoes that give me more trouble than that.

I'd planned on using dual pivot caliper brakes, but centerpulls just feel right for this bike, even if it is not a replica. I like the Dia-Compe Gran Comp 610 brakes, but the Paul Comp Racers really caught my eye, and brakes are certainly important enough to justify going premium.

My first attempt to mount the brakes left me frustrated - I'd been concerned about the front brake, but it turned out the fork accepted recessed brake mounting nut (?). But the problem was with the rear - the bolt was not long enough for a nutted installation, and the bolt was really tight in the brake housing. I couldn't wrench it free, and I didn't want to ruin this brand new expensive thing trying, so I temporarily decided to return the Pauls. After some deliberation, though, I reasoned it would make no sense at all for that bolt not to be removable, so I went at it one more time with a bit more resolve. This time it broke free (loctite!!) and from that point it was a simple matter to replace it with a longer 6mm bolt. I wasted some time looking for half moon washers at local shops, came back home and found them in stock at Amazon. All worth the extra effort... these brakes are wonderful.

Drive train choices were informed by several things, including the Velocity Dyad / Ultegra wheels Rich Lesnik built for me, which were absolutely going on this bike. Instead of the 3-ring crank of my Sirrus, I wanted only a 2-ring crank for this version of the bike. I'm already a fan of the Sugino Alpina Velo Orange edition (from my 1966 Schwinn Super Sport (http://www.flickr.com/photos/45130673@N07/sets/72157625217909506/) rebuild), which at 34/48 makes for a great all rounder. Probably would have been wiser to stick with 9-speed 6500 series front and rear derailleurs, but I gambled with the 10-speed 6600 series, and thankfully it works fine, especially now that I have it really dialed in. For my riding the 12-25 rear cassette combines well with the 34/48 crank. (I spend most time with chain on 48t ring shifting between 19, 17, 15, & 14).

I had added ST-6500 shifters to the Sirrus and find I really like them, so they were invited to come along for the ride. That meant I needed some downtube cable stops. Luckily I found (on eBay) a guy who has/modifies/sells Huret clamps for exactly this purpose.

The one part from the original Campy group that was indispensable was the clamp-on down tube shifter cable guide. Easy enough to find, $20.

Another concern was that I never seem to be able to get my Brooks saddle set quite as far back as I'd like, and I wanted to address that. In preparing for this build I stumbled upon the Velo Orange Setback seatpost, designed specifically for setting a Brooks saddle a little farther toward the rear. Thanks Chris!

Deciding on the right rear rack took some time. I really love the look and function of the Nitto R-14 and R-15, but I use this bike to carry lots of groceries (including maybe a gallon of milk!). Also, I have an Arkel TailRider rear bag, which is quite long, so I needed a rack that could accommodate that as well. The R-33 Campee turns out to be perfect for this bike... elegant, long, and strong.

And of course the ridiculous White Industries Urban Platforms... what can I say?.. they're not brakes, but they do make the bike go, and this is a special bike, one I plan to use a lot, and besides, what's done is done, so what the ηελλ?

Way more than anyone ever wanted to know. Cheers.

A picture is worth a thousand words, but a thousand words make a picture more impressive!

Thanks for the info. I'm glad I asked.

Thanks for the interesting write up. I wasn't suggesting that your pedals are ridiculous at all, just way out of my reach. They do look very nice and so does the entire bike.

A question regarding shipping, as I guess it was shipped?
How was the pack job, Keith Anderson is one I am eyeing to paint a special bike, but as it is special, packing and freight (loss, not cost as much) is a concern.

Thanks for the interesting write up. I wasn't suggesting that your pedals are ridiculous at all, just way out of my reach. They do look very nice and so does the entire bike.
Oh, the price is what I mean to say is ridiculous, but not really so much when compared to other top-level pedals such as Speedplays. I agree, these pedals are really nice and are very well made.

A question regarding shipping, as I guess it was shipped?
How was the pack job, Keith Anderson is one I am eyeing to paint a special bike, but as it is special, packing and freight (loss, not cost as much) is a concern.

I don't know if Keith Anderson often works with Don's Bike Center... Don was responsible for shipping the frame to me. It was very well packed, almost overkill.

That ...is one gorgeous build. I "friended" Keith Anderson on FLickr after seeing his work at NAHBS a few years back, and this example is definitely indicative of his very detailed and thoughtful work. I really like your component choices too, very nice. It all works very well visually, and you picked a bike that doesn't have such a cult icon status that going with your choice of parts wouldn't be viewed as sacrilege. How does the 9 spd system work for you on this build? I am a big fan of the Shimano DA 9spd and love the all aluminum look and the quality of the parts. I know the 600 stuff is very similar.

Kudos on your bike, color choice, build, and parts. It all looks perfect together, and I bet it rides even better than it looks. Your build slideshow on Flickr is a joy to sit and scroll through, and your text above was a nice touch. Let me know if you ever want to sell her!

...you picked a bike that doesn't have such a cult icon status that going with your choice of parts wouldn't be viewed as sacrilege

Agreed... the International was somewhat inappropriately fitted with a Campy Nuovo Record set - not exactly swiss cheese (who would ever complain?), but also not exactly a touring/utility group. From the Carlton Workshop bikes, collectors seem to flock to the Professional, so no one has come protesting yet about what I've done here. Honestly, this build has been brewing for some time, and it never had anything to do with restoring a Raleigh - it was all about creating this bike.


How does the 9 spd system work for you on this build?

The 9-speed system is smooth and quiet and shifts perfectly. I too am a big fan of the 6500/7700 era Ultegra and DA sets... quality, performance, beauty. I went with 6600 because that's what I had in house. 6600 was the last series for polished silver.


Kudos on your bike, color choice, build, and parts. It all looks perfect together, and I bet it rides even better than it looks. Your build slideshow on Flickr is a joy to sit and scroll through, and your text above was a nice touch. Let me know if you ever want to sell her!

Thanks very much, this has been a very satisfying project. I turned a bike I wasn't completely happy with into one that I love. I just took it for a 10-mile spin, and it is really dialed in. I'll be happy to contact you in 40 or 50 years when I'm ready to sell! Cheers.

Nice job! I just picked up a very sad 74 International frame/fork from CL that someone had painted a hipster color, then someone else had stripped off. I'm making a few "modifications" to make it MY bike, but I think it'll stay mainly period. My plans for my 78 Competition GS however, that's open for anything at this point! I think the GS might follow your lead a bit.

A tasteful restomod. Nicely done. Since i've been into vintage bikes I've wanted an International.

When your bike fund recovers check out some nice tires http://www.vintagebicyclepress.com/Tires.html
IMHO building up a good quality frame with high-end parts deserves equally good tires.

What's your grocery carrying set-up look like?

wow, very nice build! it looks fantastic, and the build list is impressive. well done!

Thanks... I checked out your flickr sets... great stuff... I really love seeing the extent to which cycling is a part of your day to day life. My 74 International will reside in Little Compton, RI, and will be used much of the time to fetch groceries and farm goods.

Have you read The Lost Cyclist (http://www.amazon.com/Lost-Cyclist-Adventurer-Mysterious-Disappearance/dp/0547195575/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1288147206&sr=8-1)?

A tasteful restomod. Nicely done. Since i've been into vintage bikes I've wanted an International.

When your bike fund recovers check out some nice tires http://www.vintagebicyclepress.com/Tires.html
IMHO building up a good quality frame with high-end parts deserves equally good tires.

What's your grocery carrying set-up look like?

Thanks for the positive feedback and the tire info, I bookmarked the site. For shopping I have Brooks Brick Lane roll-up panniers, also the bigger more basic Axiom Dutch Shopper pannier set. The Axiom panniers allow me to also carry my Arkel trunk bag w/ tools, etc. I have the Arkel handlebar bag as well, which I like, but I'm not sure about mounting it to this bike.

Man, that bike is pure class! I love the forest green + honey leather saddle and tape. You should post some larger photos in case anybody needs some desktop wallpaper :)

A picture is worth a thousand words, but a thousand words make a picture more impressive!

Thanks for the info. I'm glad I asked.

And he threw in 53 extra words as a bonus!

Man, that bike is pure class! I love the forest green + honey leather saddle and tape. You should post some larger photos in case anybody needs some desktop wallpaper :)
Thanks. The flickr set (http://www.flickr.com/photos/45130673@N07/collections/72157625253197480/) has some nice big photo files...

I'm thinking of making a street/commuter bike out of a Raleigh International. It won't be as classy. It will be functional and stealthy.

I'm thinking of making a street/commuter bike out of a Raleigh International. It won't be as classy. It will be functional and stealthy.

That sounds like my '71 International!

http://web.mit.edu/nlerner/Public/Bikes/Intl5speed2.jpg

Neal

Yes! Lovely, as always. Basically, I'm thinking of moving most of the stuff from my Super Course, which I have already refined as my general purpose bike. It's actually more comfortable than my club-ride bike, and I'm quite comfortable riding it fast when I want to. I guess it's a bit like a sports sedan. Sedate and relaxed when I want it to be and sporty when I want it to be.

I guess it's a bit like a sports sedan. Sedate and relaxed when I want it to be and sporty when I want it to be.

That was the feel I experienced yesterday riding the Hudson River Greenway (http://www.flickr.com/photos/45130673@N07/sets/72157625137978599/)... riding north to south I took my time and enjoyed the scenery, then the return 13 miles (from Battery Park back to Dyckman Street) I rode at an average speed of 17.33 mph (including all stops)... in all conditions the bike was smooth, nimble, responsive, comfy... very satisfying.

The original NR gruppo and sewups were a nice choice for fast-ish recreational riding, but I also think Internationals were made for customizing.
I had cantilever mounts brazed onto mine, switched about half the components, and turned it into a touring bike. This was in the 70's when you
couldn't buy a tourer off the shelf.