Re: [CR]1937 Claude Butler

The Tandem Club in the UK can supply adapters to convert the oversize BB shell to std English threads. The adaptors simply screw into place - its probably a good idea to use some Loctite on the adaptors though ones I fitted to my sister's Carlton have been in place for 20 years... And they only cost 14.85 GBP. See http://www.tandem-club.org.uk/_clubshop.htm They are most useful when you want to use a modern cotterlees chainset. Chater Lea oversize BB cups are available - I think Chris Grange who bought most of the Chater Lea spares when they closed probably can supply cups and axles - I cannot trace Chris Grange on the net but he does trade under another name, He has remanufactured many spares for classic purposes. I will see if I can find out more tomorrow. They also turn up reasonably often aty cyclejumbles and Brampton and others also made cups with the same threading as this was the standard tandem size in the UK in the 1930s but tandem axles are either too wide (the rear one) or too narrow (the one in the eccentric). The bearing track on the axle is slightly different to take account of the 5/16in ball bearings but standard axles would probably work. The Chater Lea oversize size was very popular with several makers - especially Ellis Champion and Carlton in the period 1938- 52. Hilary Stone, Bristol, England
> From: "Doug Smith" <doug@kingsweir.plus.com>
> Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2006 21:13:29 +0100
> To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
> Subject: [CR]1937 Claude Butler
>
> In reply to Don Wilson's subject and his questions has surprised me
> because only a week ago I wrote a caution to any buyers/ bidders
> thinking of purchasing Claud Butler frames of this era be aware of the
> possible over sized bracket. More surprised I did'nt receive any
> comeback on my efforts to alert members of this problem!
> However to answer Don's questions , yes they did have a head badge in
> genuine brass and CB painted logo plus an oversized Chater Lea bottom
> bracket shell.They may still be obtained as second hand and used but I
> would think hard to get,no doubt !.
> All is not lost if anyone has no chance of buying an over size cups and
> axle as the shell can be replaced/re.sleeved with the normal sized
> threading by any competent frame builder. Although this adds to the
> cost, it has I have discovered in the past well worth the extra costs
> and overcomes any future problems.
> There would be no problem with the chainring /crank set fitting as the
> axle diameter is exactly the same size of all the normal bottom bracket.
> The subject of gearing is a personel choice especially as derailleur
> gears were limited and fix wheel riding was the choice by most riders
> as being unable to afford gears of any description was the reason. The
> other alternative ofcourse to this is the old faithful Sturmey Archer
> three speed.
> Doug Smith

> North Dorset

> UK