Seeking a Raleigh International and Advice
 

I've heard so many good things about 1970s Raleigh Internationals that I'm very interested in buying one, probably a frameset, but I would also consider a complete bike. I'm looking to use it as either a light touring bike or commuter.

I'm looking for one with a 20.5" or 21.5" seat tube. If anyone has more specific measurements for the International that would be helpful too. Any leads would be greatly appreciated.

Any personal experience or insight into how the International performs as touring bike (heavy or light) would also be helpful.

Welcome! I'm fairly new here myself. You can watch eBay for an early International frame or frameset. There is usually one or two listed. The trick is finding the size that suits you. You can learn more about these great old bikes at retroraleighs.com. Good luck!

I agree with SoFlaRaleigh, check out ebay. Their on there all the time. Good luck!

Well, it's not a coveted International, but the Competition was no slouch...Here's one:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/bik/677162603.html

By the way, a nice Professional sold recently on eBay for just $460.00:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Raleigh-...QQcmdZViewItem

Thanks for the suggestions. That is a nice Professional on ebay, but I already passed on it because I wanted something with eyelets to mount fenders or a rear rack. Perhaps the Competition is worth looking at. Any differences in geometry between the International and the Competition?

International was designed to be more of a touring bike. Competition has more aggressive geometry as a racer. I much prefer the International as it suits my riding style more and who can resist those beautiful (but some say gaudy) chrome lugs.

I have an original 1972 one I'd like $650. for or could sell just the frame; too small for me. I'm out of town for a month and don't have pic with me to upload.

Actually, found it online:

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i3...h-inter712.jpg

I had an International and was very happy with it. The only reason I sold it is that I bought a touring Paramount and something had to go. They are beautiful bikes even though the workmanship can be a little inconsistent. I also have a Raleigh Pro and the two are very different. The International is slower and more comfortable, and had the eyelets.

dbakl, is this a 20.5"? Do you know any of the measurements?

It is about 20.5, but I'm don't have any measurements with me. I'm in Wyoming for the next month, bike is in California, but if you want to wire the money Western Union...

(just kidding!) Nothing I can do until I get back!

There was one listed here in Boston 2 days ago and it is gone now. Listed
for $650. I think it was a 22 1/2. Go fast when they are available.

And this one is on a three day auction. High reserve maybe?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEBI:IT&ih=007

Thanks for the tip bikemore, but I bet the reserve is extremely high. The guy listed the bike last time for $1,400.

Does anyone have standover height measurements for a 20.5" and 21.5"? I'm trying to determine which size would fit me better, or if the 21.5" would be too large.

Convert the measurements to metric, then look at geometry specs on various new bikes that also mention standover height. Make sure the specs are for bikes with traditional top tubes, not sloping top tubes.

There's a frameset on eBay right now that's got me thinking seriously about selling a couple of my bikes at the Mill Valley bike swap on Saturday to help finance an International build up. It's my favorite International color, too.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWA:IT&ih=005

Maybe the same one someone else outed... looks nice.

http://cgi.ebay.com/RALEIGH-INTERNAT...QQcmdZViewItem

are you still looking for a vintage raleigh international? I happen to have one that I have owned since the late 70's that I am thinking of putting up for sale. I have not ridden it in at least 10 years, but it has always been kept indoors. It has all campagnolo gear. Please email me at shil4@amfam.com if you are still looking.