[CR]Help with my 74 Raleigh International?

(Example: Framebuilding:Tubing)

From: "devotion finesse" <devotion_finesse@hotmail.com>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Date: Thu, 06 Apr 2006 01:45:42 -0400
Subject: [CR]Help with my 74 Raleigh International?

About a year ago, I purchased an incomplete 1974 Raleigh International that I wanted to configure as an "about town" fixed-gear commuter. Although it's a tiny bit small, the price was next to nothing and I couldn't pass it up. The current build up can be seen here: http://www.fixedgeargallery.com/2005/dec/DevotionFinesse.htm This was my third fixed-gear bicycle, my first two being a 1973 Lejeune track bike and a 1980's Somec track bike that I built up with vintage Campagnolo and steel Cinelli components. After spending 5 years on fixed-gear bicycles on the streets (and occasionally the Kissena velodrome) of New York City, I figure that ownership of a classic road bicycle is long overdue. I have come to love and respect all types of bicycles from the "golden era" of bicycle building. My interest in hand-built lugged steel frames and my incessant research into components has left me longing for a bike upon which I can put some vintage goodies back into full-time duty. I am not in a position to build that "dream bike"...or to buy anything new, for that matter...So I figured... What better platform on which to build one's FIRST road bike than a Reynolds 531 frame with chromed Nervex professsional lugs? My International seems an obvious starting block. As you can see, my Raleigh is far from a show piece. I am not looking to do a concourse level restoration here (although that Sachs Masi has got me thinking in a whole new direction) nor am I looking to complete the bike with entirely OEM or 100% period correct parts. (Is this a sin around these parts???) What I am looking to do is build a classic and comfortable 1970's bicycle to be used as a daily rider, without breaking the bank. Below is a list of some parts I need to complete the build as a road bike. I'd love the input from the list here, as I am relatively new to the classic bicycle thing and would love to know if you guys feel that I am making an uneducated decision as to what I think might be appropriate for the build. Being a New Yorker in my twenties, I presently don't have space or resources to have a collection of gorgeous vintage bicycles and parts. (One day...One day...) For now, I'd be happy with a rider and subsequently don't need any of these parts to be NOS or even that clean, really. More function than fashion. I have most of the original Campagnolo Nuovo Record parts: front and rear deraillers, downtube shifters, headset and bottom bracket. I got my grubby little hands on a clean 170mm Strada crankset and am on the lookout for the following:

1) 700c Clincher wheelset with Campagnolo high flange record hubs. 5speed cassette on rear, 120mm spacing 2) Cinelli old logo 64-40 bars and 1A stem (100mm reach or so). I prefer the looks over the GB which came originaly. 3) Campagnolo Nuovo record long reach brakes and levers with gum hoods. Weinmann 900 centerpulls were originally on this bike. Is this substitution a bad idea? 4) Campagnolo NR seatpost 27.2 complete in any condition

My budget is tight but please let me know if you are looking to part with ways with any of this stuff. I am looking forward to getting on the road...and coasting, shifting and breaking for the first time since my childhood BMX!

Matthew Bowne
Brooklyn, NY