Claud Butler track/path frame 1955?
 

Hey all. I know I've been saying no more frames or projects, and I did mean it when I said it last. "Did" is also past tense! :roflmao: Saw this one, and had to pounce. Not a value pick up due to shipping, not perfect, but good for my use. Refinish is meh, but I believe the burgundy showing to be original paint color at least. Missing original head badge. Chrome is strong and clean. Plans to build it w/27" per catalog specs (looking for 32/40 hoops and fixed gear hubs if you have them, let me know!). Likely a Sprint? Previous owner added a deraillieur hanger (not the cleanest) but frame condition overall is great. Fork and track ends show very little use, and look great. Threads are clean, and tubes don't appear overly rusty.

Weighs approx 2030g w/single race for frame. Round bladed fork weighs 770g w/race. 58x58 ctc. Accepts 27.2 seat post. Serial # is 2696 over 555 steerer and BB match.

Any opinions, thoughts, etc appreciated. Always appreciate the form, and C&V especially. Very excited to get this one rolling. Let me know if myself and seller are wrong on year/model? As always, any and all insight. Can and will post additional pics if needed.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...5d86d37c4b.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...5ef9a13be3.jpg
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https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...387b33f6a4.jpg
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https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...a6ba664133.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...1e1c367b13.jpg

Moar pics, some catalog scans as well:

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...61de3548e3.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...23515a09b6.jpg
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https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...dcde267336.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...a64916f335.jpg

All I want to say is that if you decide to ever part with it, contact me first plz! :love:

I'd make an exception for a frame like that too. A path track frame is definitely on my list. Good luck with the build.

Very, very nice. :thumb:

Nice!

What are your plans as far as the crankset goes?

Cottered would have been standard. Prefer cotterless. I have SL 49d on hand and TA as well to get her rolling. Ideally a Williams cottered chainset would be ideal though from a maintenance standpoint I am not looking forward to it.

What's with that nut on the bottom bracket shell?

Oil port. The old guys had them.

That color combo is absolutely stunning!
Best, Ben

A 49D would look nice. Hard to not go steel cottered on a frame like that, but I understand the concerns.

Yeah, gotta go cottered chainset. No question. But still don't have to be excited about my foray into cotters and more specialty tools! :foo:

No, me. ;)

Hammer is a special tool? :D
Bike is very pretty though.

Very cool, I’d have made an exception for that as well! Will be fun to see it come together. Enjoy!

Weird to see the BB oil port same colour as the frame...overspray? Maybe original paint was the burgundy.

Cool machine!

Yes, I thought I mentioned, but definitely a refinish. Not pro by any means, but charming. Hoping to polish out some of the imperfections and smooth some areas out.

I believe a lot of ports become victim to prevent the threads from getting paint in them maybe?

Got some stuff brewing! Excited with this one. Very cool.

I've gone the Williams cottered crank route with my '53 Sun Wasp project. The cotter press from Mike Stronich at Bikesmithdesign makes working on cottered cranks a piece of cake (if you get the quality cotter pins, which he also sells - very recommended). I bought the press originally to work on my old English three-speeds, and eventually a few colleagues' cottered crank equipped bikes as well. It pays for itself in saved time, avoided angry outbursts, tool throwing, etc. Have fun.

https://www.bikesmithdesign.com/CotterPress/

Splendid! I would also overlook all the stuff you mentioned and just allow my eyes to gaze and my heart to palpitate.

Lots I don't know about frames/bikes from this era, but it's always interesting how little the basics have changed. Two unfamiliar details did grab my attention, though.

1. Looks like the front/top edges of the front dropouts have a right angle instead of a curve? Or is that just a camera angle thing? If it's not a camera angle thing, what's up with that?

2. The ends of the rear track ends have kinda protruding tabs pointing back? Looks like they'd be handy for attaching a modern/current MKS chain tug, but is it a functional thing, or decorative?

Makes me happy to think about the smile on your face when you get your first ride in, regardless of what parts you hang on it to make that happen.

I've looked into that already. RJ on youtube also has a homemade version he has a tutorial on. I've also researched the vice method as well. Appreciate the info!

1 - camera angle/light reflection/distortion. They are curved for sure.

2 - decorative, I've seen some that are more distinct, and believe it have been popular during this time period. This one is a little more understated, I think it looks cool.

And agreed. I will be going with period appropriate. Some items are unobtanium or cost more than the frame did so some considerations will be made.

Can't wait. Half of the fun is the research and finding parts. Appreciate all the kind words!

i would avoid 27“ . The original would have had "sprints" which are tubular tires, sometimes called 27“ but really the same size as 700c. With luck you may manage to find 700c rims that resemble tubular rims visually, but finding any pair of rims in 32/40 is going to be a challenge.

I think you would do well to consider berkleydriskill's outcome maybe with your own spin. His turned out the way I would have hoped for if'n I was him. ;)

Good looking old Brit frame, love it!