Kilroy1988 

Hello folks,

I'm hoping that perhaps someone around here could help me out... I have a super secret exciting 1950 build project going on but am missing a critical component(s). Brakes!

This is the set I'm specifically after... It's the first generation alloy stuff from GB right after the war. I had the exact same stuff on a Carlton I bought last year but of course didn't part that beautiful bike out, so now that I'm putting together something else from scratch of course I'm in need!

If anyone around here has either the levers or calipers or both and can part with them for a reasonable price or perhaps in trade, do let me know. Cheers!

Andy@64

I got a similar pair from ebay for a good price, perhaps the best starting point?

Kilroy1988 

eBay UK has a fair share currently available and I'll probably have to wait for some there with reasonable pricing. I just bought some first generation GB coureur calipers (1950) and levers with integral adjusters (1953) from eBay UK. However, those are for another build!

nlerner

I’ve got a varied and sundry supply of GB calipers and levers, but none quite that early. I can dig them out if you’re interested.

Kilroy1988 

Thank you, but it's for a period-correct build (1950/51). I have some later stuff I can use it necessary but since I still need to repaint the frame I figure I'd look out for the proper stuff. Cheers!

juvela

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would think first order o' business would be to practice a wee dram o' metrologie and check Claud's brake centres

he appears to have been designed for 27" round things


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Kilroy1988 

Hmm?

Kilroy1988 

I guess you might be confusing me with the fellow who recently acquired that nice Claud Butler Jubilee? In any case, I've had these calipers on a bike and have fitted both 26" and 27" rims to them. The calipers only came in one size and were fitted to many high end bikes right around 1950, which were often available with a choice of rim sizes, or one or the other, per catalog specifications.

The bike I'm going to be using them on is a 1950 Sun Wasp Massed Start, which came standard with 27" rims and these GB calipers and levers.

-Gregory

rhm

Yes, that has been my experience as well. English bikes of this era were made to fit EA1, EA3, or 27" clinchers. At one point I had these calipers on my Fothergill, and they worked with EA3 wheels with the brake shoes all the way to the bottom of the slots. For 27" wheels, all the way at the top.

I wonder what I did with those calipers....

gpdave

I am also looking for a set of calipers for my 1948 Carlton Continental.
I already have the levers.
Dave

Kilroy1988 

Care to post a photo of your Continental? I had one from right around 1950 last year in great shape with a lovely flamboyant red and green paint job. Alas, it was an inch or so shorter than I wanted so I let it go! It was already equipped with these levers and calipers.

hwheel72 

Are you referring to me? LOL

gpdave

Mine was modified by the previous owner. The paint is gone , the wheels were rebuilt with Araya 27" rims, the brakes were replaced and it has what looks like Schwinn Suburban bars.
But it does still have the Airlite hubs Charter Lea cranks and Simplex derailleur.
I am trying to get it back to more like original but I do enjoy riding it the way it is.
Dave

Kilroy1988 

Very nice! I can tell what it is just by some of the details. Here's the one I let slip away...

gpdave

Wow
To be honest that is the bike that helped me identify mine.
When I bought it (at a yard sale) it was pictures of your bike and the Carlton date code that helped me ID it.
Dave