[CR] Meteor by Carleton

(Example: Humor)

Date: Tue, 3 Mar 2009 18:56:44 -0800
From: "John Siemsen" <velorosso@flash.net>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: [CR] Meteor by Carleton


I've been lurking on the list on and off since moving to Portland in 2006. Hard to keep up, thought you'd like to see the Meteor.

Found this Meteor from an original owner who says he bought the bike in 1967, and his father soon bought an second one in blue. Parts seem right, squarish Campagnolo crank arms. Patent rear derailleur may be 68 or 69.

Archive post from Ted Ernst suggested Harding's Westwood shop as the origin, and sure enough, there is the sticker! A friend recalls Meteor as a 3-speed English brand.

Owner believes this to be Raleigh made, but I only see the Carleton and "Franco-Suisse" transfers. The bike is in quite good original condition with interesting pieces including NITOR pillar/saddle ensemble and old engraved Weinmann 999 centerpulls with the pretty, curvy straddle cable holder.

Here is a link to photos taken by the original owner, who is a pro-photographer:

http://www.integratedimages.com/meteor022509

Any more history on this - just a shop imported deal?

John Siemsen
Portland, Oregon, USA