Hey everyone! I feel like some kind of bicycle archeologist every time I check out a vintage frame… this belonged to a friend of mine who said he bought it from someone that restored it. He had it for while but recently asked if I wanted to buy it or if I can help him sell it, trying to decide if I want to keep it or sell it for him.
Few things that stand out to me
-Serial number: the “G950” ? Seems legit for a 1972 international… not sure what the “TT” is?
-Fork: kinda weird, maybe it used to be on a bigger frame that was cut and threaded a little? Also was filed down on one side for the tabbed washer
– fork serial number? Something hand engraved and another “8 C” ? Marked on the steerer?
– head tube: kinda looks a little crooked
– chrome: all the chrome looks fantastic, no pitting or anything.
– paint: seems like whoever painted it put a super thin / splotchy layer of clear coat. Some areas are super smooth to the touch and others are rough.
– decals: the Reynolds 531 sticker seems to be under clear coat, the rest of the decals / pin striping seems like I could scratch off if I wanted to
-size is 54cm C-T with a 56 cm top tube
-also the seatpost is just a cheap 27.2 i had to put on my repair stand
Personally I’m not to picky, i would build this up and ride it without worrying about it. Or maybe work with someone to put a protective clear coat layer over it? Never done that before.
If I were to sell this, I know some collectors would prefer something authentic and this repaint would lower the collector appeal. I would point all the above out if I listed it. Might just put it on an eBay auction, cause not even sure what a realistic value for this is.
Also, Is it possible this might not even be a 72 international? Like was it painted over a different frame? Is there anything else that stands out to you guys? I’ve never owned one so only going off what I learned online. Thanks everyone, I Appreciate your help!
by bruski
12 Comments
Those are great frames!
Edit: I meant to say the headbadge looks crooked not the head tube
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/retroraleighs/dating.html
It probably is an authentic international, with the nervex lugs and campy forged drops. It’s definitely a quality frameset.
Agreed that the repaint drastically hurts the resale value. Also it’s a tiny size so that can be detrimental to value/market.
Should be a great rider. I’d buy it from your friend if it fit and if the price was right (idk.. maybe like $200-400 range?)
You may get additional info here:
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vintage/
The Raleigh International was a nice bike, no question. It was also one of the most produced high-end Reynolds 531 bikes, along with the Schwinn Paramount and the Peugeot PX10, at about 6000 frames per year in the mid 1970s. It’s not a rare collector’s item whose value would be affected by repainting, it’s a frame that can be turned into a serious user.
Those lugs are amazing.
The worst is the hacked fork. Makes it look like it will be hard to start a cup or locknuts on it, and the threads are quite bunged up. You’ll want to find a shop that has the specialized tools to clean it up.
That color looks correct for the year. 1972 was peak bike boom too, so I wouldn’t be surprised if it had sloppy clear coat from the factory
I have an Old Super Course with a steerer that’s rough cut and filed like that. The previous owner said he bought the frame NOS, and my experience with Raleigh Carlton frames of this era is that that sort of workmanship is not abnormal from the factory.
I like the color and decals. It’s interesting to me that they dimpled the chainstays on the 1972 model. I’ve got a 1971 International without the dimples for extra tire clearance.
It’s a known nice riding frame. But it isn’t rare at all. Just a good frame made from good tubing.
Build it and ride it. Anyway you want.