OutnBack

I bought this off of the son of the original owner for $300, plus a signed copy of my novel Savannah Gone. Handlebars are very narrow, like the International came with, but they are covered in "nerf" foam grip. Seller thought his father may have added the grip, but he was not sure. The original Brooks Professional saddle was removed back in 1974 & replaced with another saddle, and it is pristine & came with the bike when I purchased it. Size is 24.5, & it seems to fit me perfectly. Campy hubs, F & R derailleurs, & shifters are in beautiful condition, as are the Weinmann Brake Calipers & Levers and the Nervex Lugs. Bike is clean, w/ nice paint & zero rust. Cell phone pics don't do it justice. I'm anxious to put the Brooks back where it belongs & take it for a spin.

juvela

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WOW!

Looks like you did just great!

Foam handlebar covering is called Grab On and is widely despised by enthusiasts.

https://www.grabongrips.com/

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OutnBack

Thank you, Juvela. Any idea how difficult it is to remove the Grab On Foam? Would love to wrap the bars in something more appropriate.

juls

Ditto on the WOW factor! Very gently use a box cutter to remove the foam. No heavy handedness

juvela

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It is usually mounted without adhesive - just a slip on.

After it has been on there for forty-four years it may require some persuasion to remove.

Try twisiting first; if it fails to move go to "step two."

Step two -
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Using the small diameter tube attachment which comes with spray lubricant nozzles try lifting up the ends of the stuff and squirting some lubricant in.

Again try twisting the foam to see if it can be broken loose.

You may have to let it sit for a spell and then try again.

Alternate method -

make a lengthwise cut in the material with a razor blade. a challenge to do this without scratching the bar however.

Bike certainly in fabulous condition for being forty-four years young!

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bikemig 

Very, very nice bike. It would not surprise me if you need to cut the grips off, no fun.

TugaDude

Just cut the grips off. You only have to cut partway through the foam, it isn't rocket science. Cut halfway and then pull it apart. I've done it several times and it comes off no problem. If any is stuck to the bars, unlikely, use Goo Gone or similar and it will come right off.

You did great. Would love to find one in my size someday. I have a Super Course in same color scheme and I've always lusted over the International's chrome lugs.

randyjawa 

That is exactly the way I do it too. Were I going to save the stuff, and I can't imagine why I would, just get a narrow instrument, even a use spoke. Dip it is dish soap and then work it under the foam. Repeat a few times and then try the twist thing to see if things are freeing up. Once it moves, the rest is easy.

zukahn1 

You did great I would put the value on the bike at $300-350 even with the odd changed bars and stem based on the great condition and paint I could easily see someone paying a $100 premium on this bike over FMV. Also you got a nice book odd none related item but I buy and sell a lot of vintage books and would put a $40-50 on the book.

OutnBack

Thanks for all the great suggestions, & foam grips came right off. A small amount of residue needs to be removed. Handlebars & stem appear to be original. I'm thinking cotton cloth wrap would look great.

ramzilla

They still make the black foam handlebar cover. Personally, I think it's great. I've got it on a couple of my bikes and, love it. At 62 years old I need all the help I can get to reduce hand pain while riding.

jj1091

I'd go with the white cotton tape as well.
https://www.bulgier.net/pics/bike/Cat...ernational.jpg

Kactus

If that were in 22.5" or 23.5" size (and the stem and bars replaced with originals), in that condition that would be an $800-$900 bike in my area. You did GREAT imo.

big chainring 

Looks like a GB stem. Thats original equipment.

machinist42

I believe the OP is the author of Savannah Gone and included a signed copy with the entirely reasonable $300 he paid for the International.

If memory serves, the International sold for $375 back in 1974, which is what I paid for my nearly identical 1974 Raleigh International.

(I think Mr. Keeler did quite well, as if I'd been the seller, he'd have had to pay at least twice the price, as authors by and large are egotistical ne'er' do wells who could greatly benefit from being taken down a peg or two. They are also prone to over generalizing, all of them, the entire indolent lot. Pesky annoying writing people; they should be sentenced to ride old bicycles! Don't get me started!)

HooBikes

I am also refurbishing a 1974 International. Does anyone know what grip tape (cloth or vinyl) was used originally in 1974? Seems that is around the time Raleigh switched from cloth to vinyl for some models. I'd like this one to be as original as possible for historic purposes. I actually prefer cloth and might do that anyway, but thought I'd ask about original configuration since I cannot find a reference to it in catalogs or forum posts. Thank you!

repechage

Subject to change, but the International most often had smooth vinyl bar tape, in a white that very closely matched the white Carlton hoods.
REG plugs.
that tape frequently never made it out the bike shop door. levers got moved, (horrors, some clients wanted Comfort levers) so the hoods went off, different tape.)

peashooter

Very nice! Now just go for a ride!

Phil_gretz

Burn them off with a propane torch.

Joking, of course. Lovely bike. You did great finding it.

Kabuki12

You did very well! That is a nice bike and will give you many miles of happy riding. I am in agreement with the $800-$900 estimate after getting the Brooks Pro saddle back on and the handlebars wrapped. It looks clean so not much needed. Good score for sure.

repechage

Solid purchase - I bet the grease in the hubs and bottom bracket is original-
I would:
remove the rear wheel and oil the freewheel
inspect the axle to make sure it is not bent
( big guys bend things)
repack the front and rear hubs, bottom bracket and then the pedals. ( pedals could wait a bit, the others not)
headset eventually too
new brake pads ( jagwire X pads or similar )
save the old holders of the new come with holders.
all could do with a full tear down, shift levers etc
the hubs and bottom bracket are high on my list as old grease can allow quick damage after hibernation.
new pads to improve braking.