Fwd: Re: [CR]International question

(Example: Production Builders:Frejus)

Date: Wed, 21 Mar 2001 15:03:51 -0500
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
From: "Larry Osborn" <losborn2@wvu.edu>
Subject: Fwd: Re: [CR]International question


>Date: Wed, 21 Mar 2001 13:55:47 -0500
>To: "John Dally" <evansdally@home.com>
>From: Larry Osborn <losborn2@wvu.edu>
>Subject: Re: [CR]International question
>
>At 01:10 PM 3/21/01 -0500, you wrote:
>>Did the Raleigh International ever come with a triple chain ring?

John

Not aware that Ints ever came with anything other than the Campy NR double.


>> And what you think of putting a triple on an International frame?

It works, and works well. Mechanically, you will need at least a longer bb spindle, if not a complete new bottom bracket, and probably also a new front der and long cage rear der. Maybe a wider range freewheel? Depends on what sort of gear range you are trying to create. I was able to easily fit a standard spaced 6 spd freewheel in without spreading the stays. Just a sloppy frame.

My only real concession to the vintage of the bike is in choosing a triple crank that is pleasing to look at (i.e. all natural finish aluminum) and blends in well with the rest of the bike. I prefer the better early mountain bike triples like the 110/74 mm bolt circle diameter Sugino/Specialized/Suntour, or Shimano. Others in the group favor TAs, and they might be closer to appropriate vintage if that is a concern, but I just don't like them. A NR triple if that's how you want to spend your money, but a 36 tooth small ring isn't very small in my world. Some of the current road triples look good if those have a small enough chainring for you. Personally I just wouldn't install one of the CNC cranks or anything else that obviously screams at the mountain bike sense of asthetics, like purple anodized rings with lightning bolt shaped cutouts.

For ders I also try to use things that are mostly natural aluminum finish. Suntour XC Pro mtb fronts are my favorites. Very clean lines. They belong on a road bike.

Contact me off group if you want to discuss particular crank/bb/spindle length combinations that I have found to work. It's been an ongoing education. You can have your Int and ride it too.

From steep WV, Larry "if the world gives you hills, you might as well enjoy the climb" Osborn