I graduated to a Raleigh International after a Peugeot UO8 and Nishiki Semi Pro in 1972 or 73. I did a lot of double centuries and longer multi day tours. The International was the best! Very comfortable ride, stable but fast and agile. Mine was geared pretty high and I could really fly downhill, speeds that make me nervous on my dave moulton race frame which is twichy by comparison.

I spent the whole day in that Brooks pro saddle many, many times, I can't imagine a more comfortable bike. As a matter of fact I'm interested in finding a nice International frame in my size and building up a nice commuting bike with some modern components. I'll be posting a question about that when I return from a trip next week.

Get the Raleigh, you won't be disappointed.