It has been some time since I last participated on this list, but I hope that this offer for a classic Carlton Raleigh will be accepted by the group.
I am reducing the size of my bicycle collection to fund my interests in other areas. I have been selling a few choice examples of classic bikes as they seem to be of interest. Other bikes and numerous components will be offered soon.
Offered to the list for a few hours prior to general availability is a beautiful 1974 Carlton Raleigh International configured in classic sportif fashion with new, mint, NOS, and other appropriate componentry, including Honjo hammertone fenders and a chrome rail B-17 saddle. Although it is not a faithful restoration using all of the originally supplied components, I think that the bike retains the charm and spirit of the machine, and in most respects exceeds the performance of the original.
The frameset measures about 55cm to top of seat lug. However the top tube measures 57cm center to center, and the bike fits a bit large. So a rider who is comfortable on a 56cm bike will probably feel at home on this machine.
The frame and fork have their original copper paint and decals, and are in extraordinary condition. There are a few small blemishes and patina in the finish, but this is one of the nicest examples that I have seen. The International was built in the Carlton Worksop factory using Reynolds 531 butted tubes and stays in a classic sport-touring geometry. It features chrome Nervex lugs and Campagnolo dropouts, the rear being long horizontals with threaded adjusters. The fork crown is flat and chrome plated, and there is chrome on the fork and rear triangle. The chainstays feature the Reynolds "Rapid Taper", a unique and elegant profile.
The bike was assembled from the frameset up to exemplify the traditional European sportif machine. Prior to assembly, the interior surfaces were treated with JP Weigle framesaver, and the original Campagnolo Nuovo Record headset was repacked.
The crankset is the Sakae clone of the Campagnolo Nuovo Record, it has 170mm arms and 42/52 chainrings. The crankset is top quality, and was also produced by Sakae for OMAS and Mavic. The wheelset has 36 hole Campagnolo Nuovo Record hubs laced to polished Mavic Module E 700C rims. The derailleurs are the early SunTour Cyclone models, the rear being the long cage variant. They are operated with SunTour Power ratchet downtube shifters. I have SunTour Power Ratchet barcons, if the new owner would prefer them. The freewheel is a 13-26 SunTour Winner Pro 6 speed unit. The brakeset is a 57mm reach SunTour Cyclone sidepull, with matching levers.
The handlebar is the 45cm wide Nitto Randonneur, installed into a Nitto Technomic Deluxe stem, with black cork tape and black Velox plugs in the ends. As mentioned above, there is a chrome rail Brooks B-17 Champion Standard saddle held with a Simplex style two-bolt Sakae seat post. The seatpost and shifter clamp carry the Raleigh brand, being specially produced for the company. The pedals are the Sakae SP-11 platform touring model, an alloy copy of the steel Lyotard, and they are equipped with MKS leather covered chrome toeclips and Christophe black leather straps.
Honjo 700C hammertone fenders top off the build, and there is room for tires up to about 30mm underneath. Presently there are 23mm Specialized tires installed. There is a rare vintage chrome steel clamp-on bottle cage fastened to the downtube, and I will provide a Silca Impero framefit pump with the bike.
In my opinion, the bike looks gorgeous, reminiscent of the machines seen in Frank Patterson pen and ink drawings gracing the English countryside.
I'm offering it for $795 plus $55 shipping to anyone in the Continental US. Overseas shipments may be possible, however I have no experience shipping bikes internationally, and so I would need time and assistance to determine costs and shipping companies.
Interested parties should contact me directly off-list. Pictures are available on request.
thanks,
Ed Braley
Falmouth, Maine