Help Dating a Carlton Franco Suisse
 

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I will update the post with photos when I have a chance.
I found this Carlton Franco Suisse, and I am trying to figure out when it was built. Stamped on the dropouts are K 1149. Reynolds 531, Nervex Lugs, Campy Gran Sport Fr & R Derailleurs, DT shifters are campy as well. GB Spear Point Stem, GB Coureur 66 Calipers, & GB Brake Levers. Carlton Head badge is intact. Paint has quite a bit of patina, decals are rough, but surface rust is almost nonexistent. Unfortunately, wheels are not original, & the leather on the Brooks Saddle is dry & severely cracked. Anyone familiar with the Carlton Franco Suisse model? Any help with dating would be appreciated.

If this is correct, sounds like it's a 1962 model.

Dating Carltons

The components and Carlton levers would date it to early 60's lostarchitect's date of 62 would be about the only year that would be consistent with the components if there original.

Great looking bike. I love the flamboyant style of 60's English lightweights.

Great looking bike I really like the look of these early 60's when the had the two tone and chrome finish and were still somewhat Carlton before they fully became a second tier Raliegh /BBC brand.

Trying to decide what to do with it. It's a little small for me, & a Technomic stem on it just does't seem right. An early 60's Franco Suisse frame & fork in a similar condition just sold on the-bay UK for $260. Decisions Decisions

Why date her if you can own her, lol...JK, no real (or serious) commentary on this bikjust found out I need 6 more posts to upload / edit my previous posts...1 down 5 to go.

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Make that "flambouyant" - :lol:

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Looks a little big for me, or I'd consider making an offer. Frame and fork should be worth $200 or so, I'd think.

OutnBack-

What is the center to top frame size? Stand over height? It's a lovely bike and it must fit someone.

Is that all? I can practically hear the drool hitting the floor from some members :lol: That half step gearing looks awesome what size are the rings? Nice machine with great looking patina.

Center to top of ct is 22", & stand over is 32.5"

Crankset is a steel, cottered, Williams C 1232. Apparently it was their top of the line crank, & it seems to be collectible. One just sold on epay for $114, which is almost twice as much as I paid for the bike. The half step gearing is 52 46.

A fellow just sat on a 62cm Carlton Corsa Strada frame from 1968 on Ebay for over a month, slowly dropping the price to $300 or thereabouts plus nearly $100 shipping. It finally sold. The paint work was in nicer condition than this but it had rather Boring prugnat lugs. There are a growing number of people interested in these bikes for their collectible value - Carltons in particular - and I'm sure if you cleaned it up and were patient on Ebay you might be surprised what someone is willing to pay. I'm certain the whole bike could fetch a few hundred dollars as is.

-Gregory

Decent size and colorful. I would turn bars down some and sell as is. Would be nice on some orig wheels.

Good one Juvela. :)

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Is ends set Cyclo?

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Yes, they are Cyclo

Velobase lists the Courer 66 as beginning in 1963. Not sure how accurate that is but everything does seem to fit early 60s.

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In case anyone wishes to do a search on the arrestor set it is Coureur 66.

The posting at classiclightweights gives a launch annum of MCMLXI. Would give greater weight to their information in this case.

http://i67.tinypic.com/2e1dehi.jpg

http://www.classiclightweights.co.uk/components/gb.html

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http://i65.tinypic.com/9zq1pd.jpg

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Still fiddling with the Carlton & need to find a replacement set of 27" wheels w/ High Flange Hubs & 120mm spacing.

Any thoughts on model year of mine? Crankset and derailleurs are obviously not original.
UPDATE: I am told by reliable sources that mine is a 1962, based on the serial number (see signature). Frame size is 55cm C-T, which is not only my size, but also the size of my Bianchi and my Capo triplets.
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Two year old post but that is a beautiful bike.