[CR]For sale - A Bates, two Clauds and a terrific pair of wheels

(Example: History:Norris Lockley)

From: "David Blight" <davidblight@rya-online.net>
To: "Classic Rendezvous" <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Date: Wed, 15 May 2002 09:10:43 +0100
Subject: [CR]For sale - A Bates, two Clauds and a terrific pair of wheels

Due to the illness of a well-known UK collector I have three superb classic frames and a set of wheels to offer to the list. Photos of all items can be viewed on

http://photos.yahoo.com/bikepacker2001

If you need a password, use Triumph with a capital T. If you have any problems with this, let me know.

BATES BAR CANTIFLEX/DIADRANT FORKS

Frame number (matching on forks) V10692. I have done some research and according to the dating list, the frame dates from between 1942 and 1946, although looking inside the bottom bracket and head tube this frame is as clean as a whistle.

22.5 height centre to top with Top tube length of 23 inch. This frame is unusual but not unique in that it has Cantiflex tubing only on the down tube and seat tube. There is absolutely no evidence of repairs or alterations at any time. The original plain Chater Lea road ends have been retained and these have been rechromed as have the head lugs. Rigida mudguard bosses front and rear. I will be including the correct chrome bolts for these bosses and a new plain alloy pin. All correct transfers including special Bates 531 and Bates Diadrant and Cantiflex. Fully restored last year but never built up due to the long term illness of the former owner who has had the frame for many years. Beautiful dark plum enamel with pink panels. There are three very small pits in the paint on the downtube which you can see in the pics, but that is all and certainly doesn’t stop this magnificent frame being truly concours. Including correct headset and Bayliss Wiley BB and cottered axle. This is a rare opportunity to buy an absolutely beautiful classic frame. 800 dollars to include airfreight and insurance from the UK.

CLAUD BUTLER AVANT COUREUR TRACK FRAME 1950.

A lovely 22 inch pure track frame with round fork blades, open type crown and some very pretty lugwork. 22.5 Toptube and 40.5 inch wheelbase. 110 mm rear spacing. Matching numbers on frame and forks 5053014. All absolutely correct with no brake drillings and close clearance. Again no evidence of any alterations or repairs. Re-enamelled in metallic mid blue with all correct decals including small 531. New half chromed rear end and completely chromed front forks. Correct period headset, rechromed seatclamp and narrow Chater Lea bottom bracket. 600 dollars to include airfreight and insurance from the UK.

CLAUD BUTLER ROAD FRAME EARLY 50S.

If you are looking for a bright yellow bike, look no further! Another high quality newly enamelled frame with correct period transfers, this time a fillet brazed 21.5 inch road frame with pump pegs, period headset and cottered BB set. Matching numbers on Frame and forks. 350 dollars to include airfreight and insurance from the UK.

HARDEN HI FLANGE HUBS WITH CONLOY SPRINT RIMS. 32/40.

If you are looking for a set of what are undoubtably the Rolls Royce of 1950s bike wheels, then take a look at these. The hubs are the incredibly rare Harden alloy large flange track hubs with plain undrilled flanges and the grease nipple in the barrels. Threaded on one side only with an 18 tooth fixed sprocket. Bearings are as sweet as any hubs I’ve come across. They are matched to hollow Constrictor Conloy Sprint rims. Spokes are double butted stainless. The only thing that says these are not NOS is a light layer of old tyre cement on the rims. Otherwise these wheels are in fantastic condition. I have put a NOS set of Reynolds wing nuts with them and I will also include two pairs of sew-up tyres - one a used pair of good condition lightweight period tyres and a brand new pair of green Vittoria Competition Kevlars for day to day use.

I’m afraid they’re not cheap. I’m asking 450 dollars for these superb period wheels, but this will also include airfreight and insurance. There are pictures of these alongside the frames. By all means ask me questions!

I accept credit cards, but prefer Paypal and money!

David Blight

Exeter UK