1974 Raleigh International

[opabinia]

Vintage sport-touring bikes are my favorite type. In my mind, the (cue heavenly choir) Raleigh International reigns supreme.

On Friday, April 27th, I met up with a gentleman whose collection of museum-quality, high-end vintage steel bicycles made my head spin. I won't go into it here; I don't want to short my keyboard with drool.

I bought his 56cm 1974 Raleigh International frameset for $Ouch(1). The paint is beyond hope, but the steel is straight and sound. It's getting re-finished (probably in Mink Blue) as soon as I can arrange it.

I've slowly accumulated almost everything I need to complete the build. My current "commision" (a single-speed freewheel for a friend) will cover the rest of the project costs.


1. I have no business spending that amount on a non-essential item. It's not that I couldn't help myself; I just ran out of damns to give.