Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Ontario
Posts: 52
Bikes: Miele Latina, Worksman INB, Rapido Eska Folder, Raleigh Superbe, Raleigh Sprite, Soma Stanyan 650b, VeloSolex 3800, Raleigh Competition GS, CTC Supercycle, Raleigh Sports
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
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Quoted: 25 Post(s)
I'm going to build a faux Clubman this winter along the lines you outlined. I like the look of bikes from 1946-1951 and was inspired by Peter Kohler's excellent On the Drops blog. For a frame, I'm using a 1973 English made Supercycle - mostly because I got the bike really cheap and the frame was straight. I can't comment on ride quality or geometry but the weight of the frame and fork is about a pound heavier than my 1978 Raleigh Competition GS frame and fork. The Raleigh is supposedly double butted Reynolds 531 - the Supercycle is gas pipe. Note that my Supercycle has a 21" frame while the Raleigh Completion is a 23" - not exactly the same size, so interpret your own results. I expect to more than make up the difference in weight by using alloy parts from the vendors you mentioned.
I'd say go ahead with your project - its lots of fun making a bespoke bicycle.