Originally Posted by
justin10054
Oh man, Claud Butler was never even on my radar before, but now I really want one. I'm assuming they're hard to find and when you do find one, it's expensive.
Just out of curiosity, what makes you think this bike isn't a Butler? It seems to tick all the right boxes from what I can tell. Unless, did Claud Butler sell lug sets to other builders?
No, I don't think Claud Butler frames are that hard to find. Look at Hillary Stone's website now and then and you'll get a fair idea of what's available. I'm sure you can get a lovely classic Claud Butler for less than a new custom or even semi-custom.
Why don't I think this is a Claud Butler frame? Well, what do I know. The stay caps are a standard Brampton or Ekla product and I can't remember ever seeing a Claud Butler with those end caps... and likewise the long lug extensions on the down and top tubes. But I'm no expert, don't quote me!
By the way, somehow the paint looks original to my eye, at least very close to the frame in age, and if it were a Claud Butler it would have his decals. This also rules out Mercian, of course.