I certainly do not refute a discussion of construction quality of Raleigh frames by Brian Baylis. I am not an expert as I consider Brian Baylis. I believe any mass produced frame is not likely to receive the fit and finish of a custom frame. the mass producer looks more at the bottom line and time is money. Likewise a small production shop has more at stake than the biggie like Schwinn, Raleigh, or Peugeot in their day. The small production shop bases it reputation on its entire output, with each frame. One clinker is not acceptable. Raleigh, Schwinn and Peugeot shoved mass produced frames out the door as fast as possible, in the 70s. their top of the line consumer frame is not likely to be the exact same frame, although they look the same frame 10 feet, that its sponsored team riders use. The top of the line consumer frame is a vanity product that still needs to make money. I have ancient blue PX-10s, a '71 Limited Edition Professional, a green International older than
the Pro, and a '73 Paramount, among others. They are none of them perfect. I love the International for its stable and comfortable ride. It has the earlier straighter fork, more like the Pro', rather than the more common and more extreme curved fork usually seen. Compared to the chrome Paramount that is the same in every geometry measurement than the fork curvature, the Paramount is a truck, that is my opinion. It is however my least favorite to ride. The chrome Paramount cannot hide its flaws, under paint. It is better finished. The PX-10s are very lively in their ride, but not as stable downhill as the International, not as well finished, but responsive if a bit whippy. We all have our choices. I really enjoy my Sears/Puch single conversion. The construction is the worst of my meager collection, but it is fun to ride. Sure I would like a Hetchins or a Gloria would be terrific. Or how about an Alex Singer? It is not likely to happen this year, or even next year. I would
really love to have an old John Padgett, a builder from Davis California in the '80s.
Heck I would be happy to have a Fake Windsor like Eddy Mercyx rode for the mile or a team bike built by Jim Redkay for a certain mass marketer. Gee how about a Gitane built in Reno Nevada for Greg Lemond. I digress into insanity. the point is that the "team" bike sold to the consumer is not exactly like a bike a team rider actually rides. I will bet many collectors have team bikes that are not exactly what the team rider had.
In conclusion I don't collect for you. I collect for my own enjoyment. I don't expect my production bike to be like a custom bike in its quality of construction. I expect it to be typical of it contemporaries, no more no less.
You might like to know that Ferraris from the 50s are finished like junk. Would you turn it down because the panel fit is bad? I think not.
Oh well, it is late and I tire of ranting. Just go out and have some fun.
John Strizek
Sacratomato, California In the USA