I have two Internationals, a '71 and a '73, as well as a '71 Pro. They are very different machines! The Pro is relatively light (21# or so), solid, and responsive. It is great on smooth roads when you want to go fast! The Internationals are much more comfortable if a bit less solid when really pushed hard. They handle very sweetly are my favorite bikes. My '71 International does have longer chainstays, and maybe a bit more rake than the '73. In any case the '71 has a much prettier curve to forks which really curls out there for the last few inches. I would guess the Pro may have 74/74 angles where the Internatational are probably 73/73 or so. I think the big difference in ride is due to a couple more inches in wheelbase and generous fork rake. I also think that they were among the nicest production bikes of the day!
Paul Raley
Leonardtown MD
On Tue, 16 Oct 2001 20:44:40 -0500, Steve Kurt wrote:
>
> > From: Doland.Cheung@sce.com
>
> > Can anybody comment on any ride differences between the two? I have a
Pro
> > and it rides great, but have never ridden an International. My
> > understanding is that the International has slacker angles?
> >
> > doland cheung
> > la, ca
>
>
> What a world! I have two Internationals, but have
> never ridden a Pro! The catalogs never called out the
> angles, but the International appears to have fairly
> middle of the road angles. My '74 has medium length
> chainstays, while the '71 has rather long chainstays.
> Both have considerable rake.
>
> To be honest, the '74 International doesn't strike me
> as riding much different from my old '75 Raleigh Gran
> Sport (but it's much prettier!).
>
> I can provide jpgs from the '74 or '75 catalog, or you
> can visit the Retro Ralieghs site to get a general idea
> of how their photos compare.
> http://www.speakeasy.org/
>
> If I had to compare it to the one racing bike that I
> own (a '82 Olmo), it's slower handling, but more
> comfy. Not much of a ride report... sorry.
>
> Steve Kurt
> on the banks of the Illinois River, in Peoria, IL
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