Originally Posted by Six jours

Raleighs get a bad rap because the workmanship on the great majority is merely adequate. You tend to find thick lugs with minimal filework, poor lug shorelines with bubbly brazing, evidence of overheating, and incomplete brazing penetration.

That is mostly cosmetic, though, and even the worst of it rarely results in any kind of failure, so if it doesn't bother you, then you've got a frame as good as any modern bike built with 8/5/8 or 9/6/9 standard diameter tubing. You may actually find that it rides better than your Riv, especially if you upgrade the tires. (I like Rivendells and the people who ride them, but the Rivendell ride is dead and unpleasant for me - I think thick wall OS is a mistake for anyone under 6'3" and 250 pounds.)