Carlton worth refurbishing?
 

I was encouraging someone I work with to get back into cycling. He mentioned that he own's a Carlton (a company bought by Raleigh) touring bike with the original Campy components. Frame is Reynolds 531 tubing. I suspect this is a late 60s bike but not sure.

Anyway, are these bikes of any value (beyond enjoying them) such that refurbishing it would be worthwhile? Also, any recommendations for someone to do the job in SF/bay area would be helpful.

Yes.

Refurbishing? Unless repainting is involved, I'd think it's definitely worth it. If repainting is needed, a certain amount of love for the bike (or a "money is no object" attitude) is a prerequisite.

As to who? I'd suggest you contact bigbossman. If he is too busy to help you, mhendricks, or possibly el twe might be able to.

Since it is not a pre-Raleigh Carlton, I hardly think it is worth a pure restoration. I would simply make the bike rideable. I came across a very similar bike, and gave it to a friend. It is a very decent lugged steel bike--- but nothing particularly special or valuable. It should be ridden- or converted to a fixed gear.

Zorro,
Thanks for the mention. Funny I'm just about finished with a 1974 Raleigh SuperCourse Mk. II. that I picked up at a garage sale not too long ago. I'll have pics in a couple of days.

Carltons are great bikes!

I love my old Carlton.

http://good-times.webshots.com/album/559341390NROHtj

You read the OP differently than I do... I read it that it IS a pre-Raleigh Carlton...

Either way, I think any vintage full 531, full Campagnolo is worth consideration for a full restoration... Whether it is cost effective or not may be questionable, but it would definitely be worth considering if the existing components and frame are in good condition.

Since Raleigh purchased Carlton in March, 1960, it is likely a post-Raleigh Carlton...but that doesn't detract from its value, IMHO, since it's 531 it's worth a fix-up to make it rideable. (or as filtersweep says: "ridden or converted to a fixed gear", which means a poseur's accessory, I guess:))