Carlton Criterium 1975

Spokesmann

rBoTM Triple Crown
rBotM Winner
PoTM Winner
Got around to taking some better pictures of this fine looking machine, today.

This model was near the top of the line in the mid-1970s. Although it lacks what some call 'top end' components I very much of the mind that the whole package hangs together very well to make a very elegant machine indeed. Yes a lot of the parts are pretty much standard Raleigh issue, but there is still that Carlton indiviuduality that shines through in the frame with its Crespera lugs and wrap over seat stays.

This bike hasn't been ridden for while as I need to get a broken spoke fixed on the rear wheel which is slightly out of true. Must do it as I want get back on the saddle of this one.

Ive kept this bike very much as it would have been in 1975, hence shorty mudgaurds and Pifco lamps. Overriding image of this bike is it has lots of chrome, save for the utterly gorgeous Campagnolo Gran Tourismo steel rear mech, the whole bike is standard. The double chainwheel steel affair is a 42/52 set up with a 24-tooth rear sprocket. Brakes are Weinmann 999s CP. Saddle is by Wrights. Wheels have their C nuts in tact and the chrome on the steels rims is unmarked. This is very much how I remember racers in the 1970s, this bike being made in August of the 1975 - the year I left primary school.

Frame size is 22" and the colour finish is a coffee polychomatic with contrasting panels - beautiful!

Enjoy.

P7300747.jpg


Standard graphics for the time
P7300750.jpg


Transmission is the standard Raleigh 3-pin detachable of the time....
P7300751.jpg


The overall set up is a very solid and dependable transmission
P7300758.jpg


A few views of the Gran Tourismo rear mechanism, this is just pure art. It works very well on this bike and dates from about 1970. Its a big and imposing affair!
P7300752.jpg


P7300755.jpg


P7300759.jpg


P7300761.jpg


Some other frame detailing...
P7300764.jpg

Huret double levers are mint.

Race proven...
P7300763.jpg


P7300768.jpg


P7300766.jpg


Tyres are quite thin for 27x1-1/4
P7300767.jpg


Philips stem
P7300762.jpg


P7300748.jpg
 
Nice bike that looks tidy. Interesting mech. I do not run them in my stable atm. You did a great job with the pictures. They are of good quality.
 
Elev12k":29x0bdpm said:
Nice bike that looks tidy. Interesting mech. I do not run them in my stable atm. You did a great job with the pictures. They are of good quality.

Thanks for taking the time to look.
 
Btw that crown looks similar to the one used on the early Gazelle A-frame. Possibly of the same manufacturer and model.
 
'vagner' fork-crown?

am intrigued about the campag rear-mech; if it's a non-standard jobbie,how come its two pivot-bolts sport the carlton 'c',similar to the hub-nuts?
 
jansteve":337oc2xv said:
'vagner' fork-crown?

am intrigued about the campag rear-mech; if it's a non-standard jobbie,how come its two pivot-bolts sport the carlton 'c',similar to the hub-nuts?

C for Campagnolo, that said I had a Campag Extra Valentino with C bolts too.

The fork crown is indeed a Vagner....
 
Ive managed to find another example of this machine and will be picking up the bike on Sunday. This one is in completely original condition from 1975 like this one.

Pictures next week.
 
Ive managed to bag another of these fine machines, this example is totally original and save for some bar tape will stay like it.


These are the images supplied by the current owner.

CC1.jpg


CC2-1.jpg


Again this is a 1975 10-speed model. Nice thing is it has its original large flange QR hubs. I looking forward to picking this one up this weekend. Full pictures and details will follow for those that can stomach some more Carltons...
 
After a 300 mile round trip Ive picked up my second Criterium from c1975. This machine is very original, right down to the original Raleigh racing tyres, although I think they may have to go. I haven't seen a pair of these since my olympus of 1976. Overall everything is fine, it just needs a damn good clean, polish, re-oil/greasing and a bit of TLC. Only things to be replaced are the bar tape (should be white), Some new toe clips and Im going to replace the lever hoods with some better Carlton embossed ones I have tucked away...

This is every inch a time machine cycle as its been left untouched save for a new rear mech cable and some bar tape. The original owner tells me he had this when he was 16 in 1975, saved up all hi pocket money on it. He is happy its going to a good home. Rest assured it will be ridden once its been through the works.

Apologies for the flash photography, Ive just taken these in as found condition. Ill start a new thread for the refurbishment.

Enjoy.

P8220107.jpg


P8220118.jpg


Graphics are very crisp. These waterslide type decals tended to scrape very easily.
P8220111.jpg


I really happy its got its original QR large flange hubs. Wheels are both true.
P8220109.jpg


P8220119.jpg


P8220120.jpg


P8220108.jpg


Curious R bolt on the handle bars, the mark of the real Carlton 'owners'.
P8220112.jpg


P8220121.jpg
 
Moved the bike to the workshop today to start stripping down and refurbishing.

P8230127.jpg


P8230128.jpg


P8230123.jpg
 
Back
Top