Path Forks 1940s/50s
 

Hi,

I’m looking for forks for my Claud Butler Path frame. I think it is a 1949 Olympic Path. In a perfect world I’d like the exact original forks but am happy with period appropriate. The forks would ideally have biplated lugs and a relatively short rake. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Any advice welcome.

Thanks, Duncan

Where are you located?
You're going to need the axle to crown measurement as well as the rake, and of course, the steerer length, then searching might be a bit easier. That said, you may have better luck finding a wrecked CB frame with a good fork. Good luck.
Phil

The 1949 Claude Butler in my shop to be repainted does not have the characteristics you described. It is definitely low trail. It has 2 3/4" fork rake (the Brits weren't using the metric system right after the war) with a 74º Head angle. Yes 74º. I am sure because I put it in my framebuilding fixture to find out what angle it was. My fork alignment tool allows for accurate rake measurement too. Its lugs are bilam but the fork crown is a standard Wagner (i think) no bilaminate construction involved with the fork crown.

In the UK.

Got the details from the catalogue page on nkilgariff.

The frame number is 993563 which I think corresponds to 1949. Looking at the catalogue page on nkilgariff the path bikes forks have a rake of only 1 13/16 inches(46mm).

My observations are only to make sure the kind of fork you want matches your frame. There is a big difference between the fork on my Claude Butler with 2 3/4" of rake and your 1 13/16". When I was learning how to build frames at Ellis Briggs in Shipley West Yorkshire in 1975, I don't remember any fork specification measured to a 16th. That does't mean Cluade didn't do it - especially if their own information says so :). Philfo already mentioned the need for an axle to drown measurement that could be different between models and their intended tire sizes.

I was surprised the Claude Butler in my shop is a low trail model. I thought only the French did that back then. Your rake would be standard for a high trail bike. My seriel # is 9125962. On the other side of the fork steerer (opposite the serial #) is stamped 30226 (whatever that number means). Here is a quick pic. I can do a closer up one if desired.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...411d17aca.jpeg
A bilaminate Claude Butler frame with a fork that has 2 3/4" of rake and a 74º head angle

The best information I can find is “11 inch bracket height with 27s”. Not sure if this is axle to crown though?

Thanks for a image, I wonder if you could take a front on image of the fork crown/lugs please?

Does anyone have any suggestions where to look for these, or something similar?

Thanks