Is anyone able to tell me if there are any differences between a carlton professional with the fast back seat stays (mid 70s painted team colours of lagoon blue and white) and a Raleigh Professional 1970 - 74 and with the same fast back seat stay designsame. It seems to me they are identical bikes - fast back stays, Reynolds butted frame, forks and stays, same portion of front forks and rear stays chromed etc.
I have noticed that the CarltonProfessionals I have seen on the web (very few!) have semi ornate lugs, but so do some (1972) Raleigh professionals. (the Raleigh professionals that have the semi ornate stays also have eyelets attached - which some say means they were originally destined for the UK market . As Carltons?). I bought a new Carllton Professional in New Zealand in the late 1970's. Lagoon blue and white. I have never seen a Raleigh Professsional here. (except for later red black and yellow UK style team Raleighs which didn't have the fastback seat stay). I see on the web the mk V Raleigh Professional (76 Catalogue) also lost the fastback seat stay and also the butted forks and stays (frame still butted).
I may restore the Raleigh Professional I have purchased as a Carlton if I can establish they are identical bikes off the same English production line (which I am 99% sure they are). And if I can access new Carlton transfers, head badge, correct colour paint codes etc
Any and all information on the bikes and on accesing Carlton Professional transfers, head badge, correct colour paint codes etc (or Raleigh for that matter ) greatly appreciated
Regards,
Grant Christchurch New Zealand
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