Hello everyone!

I was wondering if anyone could help me identify this Carlton frame I inherited. I am running it as a single speed at the moment and it is doing me proud!




(original Weinmann centre pull brakes)

From the research I've done so far, I think it could be a Continental or a Corsa. Details as follow:

Frame Number: WL5002103

Was built in Worksop Carlton works in August 1975 and features Crespera Lugs according to:

https://www.carltoncycles.me.uk/mybik...ontinental.htm

Seatpost: 25.4mm
65cm frame.


I am struggling to find out what it is made from. Does anyone know, and can anyone correct any of my details?

Many thanks in advance!

Weigh it. If frame and fork, stripped of everything except the pressed-on fork/headtube races, weigh 3 Kg or less (maybe a bit more than that for a frame that large), then it's almost certainly Reynolds 531 double-butted.

For instance, I have a 1980s Raleigh 57 cm frame that's Reynolds 531C DB: frame is 2015 g and fork is 832. A 1970s 61 cm Bob Jackson that's also R531DB is somewhat heavier at 2195/862. Those are forks that are on the heavy side (though I am positive that they're butted blades, because they both have stickers). A Motobecane from the 80s, has a fork that's under 700 g, while a Guerciotti fork from the same era is 768 g -- both of those are Columbus tubeset frames. At the other end of the scale is a 70s Falcon 63 cm frame with seamed, straight-gauge tubing has a frame weight 400-600 g more than these, and fork weighs an additional 100 g, for a total over 3.6 kg.

Seatpost size can tell you something too. Reynolds DB seat tubes are actually only butted at the bottom and generally take a 27.2 mm seatpost. But with a venerable frame with a "history" may have been outfitted with a too-small post along the way, and the top of the tube may be ovalized or otherwise misshapen. The size of the tube somewhat below the clamp, where the tube is likely not messed up, is a better indicator of what size post the frame should take. Aforementioned Falcon was a case like this, and ends up taking a 26.4 mm post. A good bike shop will be able to diagnose this -- using old posts of varying sizes along with hammer encouragement to get tightish ones out when driven in. Note: a large frame like that might have a straight gauge seat tube, even if the rest of the frame was double-butted.

Very old thread, just wanted to say this is 99% a Carlton Continental with High Tensile tubing. I have a very similar colored one, but the lugs and crowns are not chromed, but have the exact very shape.

Yes, this tubing was branded as 'Tru-wel 205'. Not exactly gas-pipe and often a sweet ride, but not 531 or Columbus either.

Yep, in fact I ride on it very nicely indeed. I'd like to find a 531, but I'm not worried about it either as I ride for pleasure and my blue Carlton is a pleasure to ride indeed