Carlton worth refurbishing?
08-09-07 | 10:41 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Overacting because I can
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From: The Mean Streets of Bethesda, MD
Bikes: Merlin Agilis, Trek 1500
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.
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.
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08-09-07 | 10:46 PM
#2
crotchety young dude
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From: SF, CA
Bikes: IRO Angus; Casati Gold Line; Redline 925; '72 Schwinn Olympic Paramount
Yes.
08-09-07 | 10:50 PM
#3
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From: Hardy, VA
Bikes: Mostly English - predominantly Raleighs
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.
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.
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08-09-07 | 11:10 PM
#4
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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.
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.
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.
08-09-07 | 11:17 PM
#5
Senior Member
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From: San Jose, ca.
Bikes: 2006 Orbea Volata, 84 Trek 760, 83 Trek 720,
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.
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.
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.
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Last edited by Mhendricks; 08-09-07 at 11:18 PM. Reason: corrections
08-10-07 | 09:43 AM
#7
08-10-07 | 09:51 AM
#8
The Improbable Bulk
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Wilkes-Barre, PA
Bikes: Many
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.
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People do not seem to realize that their opinion of the world is also a confession of character.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
08-10-07 | 10:00 AM
#9
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
)
)
