This Raleigh International is a 53cm center to top (that link contains a wealth of information on bicycle sizing, once again from the late, great Sheldon Brown). It has a 31" standover height, and would have been called a 21" by Raleigh at the time it was made. It is an example of a Raleigh bicycle that was built by Carlton (as mentioned in an earlier post about a Carlton bike), and both the Carlton and obviously the Raleigh logos are in great condition.
This bicycle is a one-owner, all-original example that has been properly stored and maintained. The condition is 9.5 out of 10. These pictures are of the bicycle in original, unrestored condition, but before it goes out of the shop it will undergo a full restoration including all bearings greased, bicycle polished, new tires, chain, tubes, cables, bar wrap with full tuneup.
This bike has a full Campagnolo Nuovo Record group, except for the necessary brake calipers for the International's long geometry.
"While the Professional was patterned after the popular Italianate style popular in the early '70s, the International hearkened back to an earlier ear. The International frame was built for comfort, lightness and versatility, while the Professional was built for stiffness and maneuverability. The Internationals had very generous tire clearance (hence the need for the long-reach Weinmann calipers) and relaxed angles. The frames make very nice light-touring bikes, but the racing components supplied as stock, including tight 10 speed gearing and tubular tires make the stock version somewhat of an anomaly."
--Sheldon Brown
"Some years featured Reynolds "Rapid Taper" chainstays, which are round in cross-section from one end to the other, but taper rapidly from the bottom bracket to the tire area for clearance." --Sheldon Brown
In my opinion, it is better for most riders to have a bike that is a little longer like this one. It puts the weight farther forward on the bike and gets it a bit off the back wheel. This makes for a smoother ride, and it will be easy to ride this bicycle "no hands."
This bicycle is available for purchase. $1,400.
by John Wade
