Re: [CR]Capella-lugged Raleighs

(Example: Framebuilders:Masi)

Date: Wed, 7 Feb 2007 01:28:52 -0800 (PST)
From: Donald Gillies <gillies@cs.ubc.ca>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: Re: [CR]Capella-lugged Raleighs

capella lugs were designed by carlton in about 1960, for a new series of bikes whose names started with "C" (constellation, catalina, clubman, etc.)

see: http://www.carltoncycles.me.uk/details/lugwork.htm

The last time they were used on regular production bikes was in 1973, and I suspect that Carlton decided to use up this stock of lugs (as the super course, competition, and international all came with those lugs in that year only.) Previous to 1973, only the Raleigh super course had sported those lugs. I know of at least one person who hated the 1973 lugs and lugwork and sent his international back to raleigh asking for a replacement frameset - which he got.

The presence of Capella lugs almost always guarantees that a Raleigh Carlton is a 1973 model.

I have seen one bike - an Ilkeston Team Pro from the late 70's - with capella lugs in my 3 years on ebay. A rare bird indeed.

- Don Gillies
San Diego, CA