Chater Lea Track bike info needed. Pics included

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10-05-11, 06:36 PM

cyclecrazyjames

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Chater Lea Track bike info needed. Pics included

Hi all. I just saved this bike from sitting for the last 25yrs. I did some research before I purchased it, and didn't really come up with anything aside that the maker made bikes for only a limited amount of years and didn't make to many of them. From what I can tell everything is original, except for maybe the pedals that were made in France. I am not sure if the actual frame is a Chater Lea frame or not, but the bottom bracket shell does have Chater Lea stamped into it. There are a couple serial numbers on the frame, one on the BB shell, and one on the dropout. All can be seen in pics. The cranks, headset, hubs are all Chater Lea. Other than that, I don't really know anything else about these frames, how many were made. And what they are worth, which is not real important as I will be keeping it, but would be nice to know a value of it. Here are the pics. Also if there is something on the frame that you think would help out, I can take a pic and post it up.

Please, if any information can be provided I would be greatly appreciated!! Or if you know where I could post this up somewhere that could be of further help.

https://farm7.static.flickr.com/6216/6215981236_f7d7b20869_z.jpg[/img]

10-05-11, 06:37 PM

cyclecrazyjames

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Kinda hard to tell, its a sticker. Can't make out the first word, second might say Warson, and the third says Special:

10-05-11, 09:12 PM

aixaix

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Get in touch with Eddie Albert. His website is: https://www.thevintagebikelife.com/
He knows pre-war track bikes.

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10-06-11, 08:34 AM

753proguy

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An Emil Wastyn Special perhaps????

That is a very cool bike, sir.

Last edited by 753proguy; 10-06-11 at 08:35 AM. Reason: Added 'Emil'

10-06-11, 08:59 AM

rhm

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Chater Lea made expensive bicycle components, but not bicycles.

Is that decal on the downtube? Maybe it says Drysdale Special on it?

If so, check out this site:

https://www.classicrendezvous.com/USA/drysdale_alvin.htm

10-09-11, 06:21 PM

jmagruder10

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Wow another Missourian on the forum. I just sent you a PM with some info about the bike. I own a drysdale and have seen 3 others that a friend of my owns. I can that the fork crown and lug work look nothing like a drysdale , and I have never seen a drysdale with Chater Lea Bottom Bracket Shell either , but I am far from an expert. , Jarrod