Dear Listers,
I just acquired a '74 Ral Int'l that's original in all respects except for perhaps both f&r brake calipers. They can be described as identical in design to the correct Weinmann c-pulls but not having any name and crudely made with thicker castings and file marks. Another way to describe is if you gave a Weinmann centerpull caliper to a blacksmith to make a quick copy, they probably would turn out like these. Also, pivot bolts are un-plated Allen bolts instead of chromed hex-bolts and no red bushing behind bolt. And I just remembered, upon taking off one of the calipers, the nut was oversize and made of brass! Levers and brake shoes are correct and marked Weinmann but straddle cables are weird too...anyone ever seen this before? I'm not sure what to do, replace with correct calipers or leave as another example of bike-boom Raleigh parts-bin mystery?
Jack Romans
Sacramento, CA