Classic & Vintage - Speaking of Carltons

Bored at work, here's the one I'm building.

About a 1962 Franco/Suisse, 531 with Nervex lugs, braze-on shift levers and guides, Cyclo dropouts. I'm building it all Campagnolo Nuovo Record with a triple crankset and my typical 14/28 5-speed freewheel. Brooks seat, adjustable Ambrosio stem, high flange on 27" clinchers. Frame was from ebay a few months ago, everything else from my stash of parts.

This is the closest frame I've found to the one stolen from me years ago, though mine was all chrome; originally transparent red over the chrome, the decals and color had been stripped by the original owner, my college friend Jack.

I think we'll need larger photos!

And of course, updates :) .

East Hill

When I get it together I'll shoot some pics outdoors in the light. Someone on the CR list just posted this link to Carlton pics:

http://www.flickr.com/groups/568400@N24/

Nice! I like that purple Coureur...

East Hill

This is my favorite source for Carlton pictures:

http://www.carltoncycles.me.uk/mycarltons.htm

The mixte is wild :D .

East Hill

This is my favorite source for Carlton pictures:

http://www.carltoncycles.me.uk/mycarltons.htm

Yes, thats a great site. The other frame I have might get repainted, so great to see the two tone detailing. I also have an original 60s Flyer complete, only photo I have (scanned from a Polaroid). Look at those laid back angles! My other frame is the same as this one but with chrome for some reason.

I love the colors and feathered bands on this one:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/74418119@N00/2100994753/in/pool-568400@N24/

Mine has the chrome Capella lugs, but I've never been able to determine what model it is. It had no decals, headbadge or fork when I got it.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/180/415040338_3231056a59_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/153/415040695_20e2b2fdd7.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/133/415042422_3222fcb947.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/123/415042749_2592c3a57b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/125/415045454_fe32b60ca6.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/181/415047084_9edb9e9e61.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/165/415052924_3ad008d053.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/155/415052600_5a3613fa91.jpg

this was my daily rider for about a year. its currently just a frameset waiting a new build, and all the parts are on another bike.

ill try to take pictures of my calrton roadie today or tomorrow. its almost done (its ridable now but it needs a new wheelbuild and im waiting for my new rear derailleur to arrive)

"this was my daily rider for about a year. its currently just a frameset waiting a new build, and all the parts are on another bike."


So, is that a track bike or a path racer?

im not really sure. when i got it i was told it was a training bike for a british olympian, he would ride it on the streets/paths to the velodrome and then remove the brakes. it looks like it may have had a clamp on front derailleur too, guessing from the damage to the paint. its kinda lax, with a long wheelbase and designed for 27" wheels. im gonna say its a path racer?

Got a lot more done on mine today... got some shims for the stem from Velo Orange, and water bottle cage clamps, got the wheels dialed in and the tires installed; found some old Blackburn racks front and rear, got those installed along with the brakes calipers and crank arms. Dug up a set of pedals and a '62 Brooks swallow seat I think I'm going to use. Going slow because I have to find the parts, clean and rebuild and fix the missing striped pieces/screws. Maybe tomorrow I can finish it up and take some pics.

Interestingly, I've seen a guy waiting for the bus when I take my son to school in the morning, he has a bike that looks cool. I noticed last time I passed its an old Carlton, I'll have to stop and take a look next time I see him.

got more done on mine as well. found a pair of 27" ma2's in a corner of the shop I work at and talked the owner into giving them to me for 20 bucks, and rebuilt the wheels, finally getting rid of the awful weinnman touring rims with seized nipples. i accidentally crossed the valve on the rear, but we'll keep that secret between us, k?

got more done on mine as well. found a pair of 27" ma2's in a corner of the shop I work at and talked the owner into giving them to me for 20 bucks, and rebuilt the wheels, finally getting rid of the awful weinnman touring rims with seized nipples. i accidentally crossed the valve on the rear, but we'll keep that secret between us, k?

I have a 27" alloy rim with the same manufacturing defect. :o :D

That's a beautiful bike. I love looking at the bars, but that drop is waaaaay too deep for my taste. No way you should change it though - gives the bike mucho character.

oh the ma2s are for the carlton touring bike. the red one i posted above is currently out of comission and will be getting a 3 speed cyclocross inspired treatment. most of the parts are back on the stan miles, and the bars are on my geoffrey butler. they look deep but really they're quite excellent for sprinting and climbing.