I have recently acquired a (quite lovely) Carpenter Path racer frameset (thanks Peter Brown) and have begun the project of acquiring the appropriate bits. I WILL build this up as a fixed gear with inch-pitch drive train. That part is decided.
Otherwise, I plan to build up Airlite hubs (rear is double sided fixed) on 32/40 shiny aluminum tubular rims (thanks Ebay and Ray Etherton) with 3X in front and 4X in rear. Still undecide wrt Chainset. Would prefer CL but some recent prices have been 'a bit much'! A Brooks Swallow saddle on an appropriate seatpost. Might put BSA on so I can ride it.....
Handlebars. (and stem) this is the problem. I have been informed that a GB spearpoint stem with Maes bars would be appropriate. I have these but they just don't do it for me. Is there something else that would be appropriate that might have a bit more 'bling'? Without committing some restoration sacriledge? I have a georgeous Cinelli badged stem and steel #14 Cinelli bars that I have been looking for an appropriate frame to add them to - but I confess they might be inappropriate here. Is there something British (and acquirable) that would work? My understanding is that this bike would have been used for time trials, training, and also track events.
Any suggestions appreciated.... (I can forward a couple of picts of the frameset if anyone is curious - I have not figured out how to load them to a site.)
Ken Sanford
Kensington, MD