Skyshroud

Hey all,

After relocating to the UK, I realized that I really needed a solid road, or touring frame in order to get about town and proceeded to have a look around in order to find a good frame. Luckily I came upon the Bike Rescue Project and their warehouse, which is a treasure trove of vintage frames awaiting to be restored/overhauled. After perusing the selection of road bikes that they had, a bronze Carlton caught my eye. Now, Unfortunately, I don't have any 'before' pictures, but the best way I can describe it's condition is that it looked like it was ridden hard, then left in someone's back shed for about 20 years. It looked altogether exhausted.

However, I was sufficiently intrigued by the frame, and after speaking with one of the head mechanics (a fan of C&V frames of all kinds), I decided to go with it. Not being very experienced in overhauls, I decided to trust the folks at the Bike Rescue Project (definitely check them out if you are near York), and after a three-week wait due to the sheer volume of projects, I picked her up, and was honestly rather shocked with what they were able to accomplish.

After the overhaul, the frame has been outfitted with contemporary-ish (also refurbished) Huret drivetrain, a new bottom bracket, new wheels and hubs, but most of the original details have been preserved and cleaned up - the gloriously purple fenders, Carlton-branded brake hoods, etc. I did manage to save the old high-flange hubs that I hope to clean up myself and use for a future project, and I just picked up a used Brooks Professional saddle (which I believe the Carlton would have originally had), complete with the patina of age. The frame also has a certain patina, which personally, I like. It gives it character and lets people know that its used.

Even with the sensible additions such as the fenders and rear rack, that frame is definitely capable of some serious speed and cornering . . .

Bandera

No doubt, a proper and very versatile Classic machine.
Good on you for the rescue.

-Bandera

Michael Angelo 

Very nice, good save, bike looks fantastic.
I like Carltons too.

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David325

Wow- purple Bluemel's fenders. Too cool!

daf1009

Nice bike...I particularly like all the details...such as the great head badge and some of the "made here" stickers/badges. Love the patina...but...the purple fenders...hmmm...just not my style...they seem shocking to me. But...that is just an opinion where the opinion does not matter! It is your bike...and if you love it, that is really all that matters! The second "but"...do love everything except the fenders...so, overall...great job...and great save!

Oldpeddaller

Nice!

Brings back some happy memories, thanks for posting the photos. We going to see a Brooks on that baby any time soon, Skyshroud?

Not sure about the purple Bluemels, but they are a fascination in themselves - I've never, ever seen that colour before. For that reason alone I'd keep them on there if it was my bike.

Enjoy your bike.

Edit - (I just re-read your post (too busy looking at your photos before) - Brooks Pro ready to fit, brilliant.

David Newton

OP we need pictures of the "Bike Rescue Project and their warehouse"!
And by the way, nice bike build-up.

Skyshroud

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Angelo

Very nice, good save, bike looks fantastic.
I like Carltons too.

[

Thanks, and that is a magnificent machine - it looks like it just came out of the showroom! Based on the graphics, I assume that its a 'Pre-Raleigh' Carlton? What's it like on the road?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oldpeddaller

Nice!

Brings back some happy memories, thanks for posting the photos. We going to see a Brooks on that baby any time soon, Skyshroud?

Not sure about the purple Bluemels, but they are a fascination in themselves - I've never, ever seen that colour before. For that reason alone I'd keep them on there if it was my bike.

Enjoy your bike.

Edit - (I just re-read your post (too busy looking at your photos before) - Brooks Pro ready to fit, brilliant.

I am just waiting on some Proofide from Brooks (it seemed to be the product that was most recommended by BF members), and I will hopefully have the 'new-old' saddle on the Criterium by next week or so. As for the fenders, I had not seen that colour anywhere before either, and I just thought that if they were salvageable, I should definitely use them. They are definitely conversation starters . . . in fact, I was told by the manager of the Bike Rescue that if I had declined to use the Bluemels, she would have absconded with them for her own daily commuter. I just find that the colour combination 'works' somehow . . .

Also, after doing some digging based on the serial number, I believe that this frame was the 7,284th frame made at Worksop in 1975 (this one was apparently made in September). I used a wikipedia article with Raleigh serial numbers (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raleigh...Serial_numbers), does anyone know how reliable this article is?

PS: I'll try to post a few pic with the Brooks, and if I get a chance to swing by Bike Rescue again, I will see if I can grab a few shots of their warehouse as well.

Michael Angelo 

Yes it's a pre Raleigh Carlton Professional, it rides very smooth, and fast. Only taken it out three times.

vjp

Nice!!

On the fenders, there is a tradition of clashing "mudgaurd" colours on British Club bikes and I love it!!