First of all; hello to everyone. I've been reading the archives for a couple of days, and you all seem to be a good-humoured and helpful bunch. I look forward to picking your collective brains over the coming months!
Until about two weeks ago, I cycled into work (7 miles each way) on a 70s Claud Butler Corsa, when it was stolen. It was possibly the best thing that could have happened, as it was slightly clonky with steel rims and a little bit worn out, and most importantly, it made me go out and look for a hand-made vintage racing bike.
So I bought my Carlton for £40, not really knowing a great deal about them apart from them being swallowed up by Raleigh to make their professional frames in the early sixties. I wasn't even much of an expert on equipment either, but the last few days have been a very steep learning curve!!
So here we go with what I know about it; any extra info or help would be greatly appreciated:
Frame: late 50s or early 60s (I think!), it has script (white on black) on the downtube and a long red, white and blue transfer on the seat tube. The paint job is metallic blue with the head tube picked out in dark blue. It has (what I now know to be) Capella lugs and flat fork tops. Dropouts are marked 'Cyclo'.
Handlebars: Drop GBs with engraving on them like the rare ones in the GB section on Cyclesdeoro.com
Derailleur/rear hub: Shimano 'Titlist' ten-speed
Front hub: Milremo
Rims: Weinmann wide flange aluminium
Saddle: Milremo Professional suede with a streamlined seat post marked 'Stronglight'
Brakes: Weinmann Vainquier 999 centre-pull with 'Galli' levers
The frame is in dreadful condition - rusty, pitted and chipped, and ripe for a restoration (I've bought replacement transfers already!) but the bike is mechanically perfect and rides like a dream compared to my old bike.
So my questions are;
1. What model is it and how old? 2. What equipment should it have on it? (I have a feeling it was rebuilt in the 70s). 3. Are there any Carlton owners out there with websites? I can only find general enthusiasts' sites (of which Cycles de Oro is the best of course!) or vintage bike dealers, but not anyone who actually rides them. I'm tempted to do my own if it helps someone like me in two years time, but obviously I'll need to learn from you lot first!!
I'll sign off with the thought that better quality bikes are worth it - it used to take me 45mins to cycles the 7 miles to work and it now only takes me 35. Just shows you what a difference a bit of weight can make.
Sorry this first one's so long!
Regards
Chris