1984 Claud Butler Majestic. #058569

What do you mean? Lady?

We were all thinking it but you had to go there didn't you.

Yup! The seat will eventually end up being part of a collection of “Catalogue kit” put aside for my daughters Majestique which I still harbour plans to return to its original touring set-up rather than its current instagram/miss Marple look!

Anyway... I have no shame in admittiing some ladies kit is rather comfortable

My 83 Holdsworth came fitted with a Kashimax sadldle. It was the first thing I threw away and fitted a Turbo. 35 years later I’m wondering if I made the right decision! Lol

It’s fine line between storing something special for the future and hoarding!

Whoop! Whoop! Success!

I have a Claud Butler Cape Wrath with seat stay straps on its way!

After scanning the old tinterweb, I thought I’d try a cheeky strategy... I’d noticed as usual that there were quite a few Majestic’s & Majestiques up for sale (it was Holdsworth’s most prolific bike I think) and of course plenty with a pannier rack still attached. So I sent each seller a message asking if they would consider selling the rack separately, blagging that these racks often just get removed anyway......
Of course a number replied that I must be mad, asking them to reduce the sale-ability of such a fine and valuable vintage machine....
But one fellow just replied, yup, no problem.

Ok, so this is the square backed version as shown on the Dalesman and the Majestique in the 1985 catalogue, but I won’t lose any sleep over that.

It’s turning out to be a good day, nice pair of good condition ESGE mudguards arrived in time for some weekend garage fun..

Found out something new today, Evapo-rust does wonders for dirty stained zinc plate as well....

In preparation for the winter months, I’ve been squirrelling away second hand (or probably 3rd or 4th) Ever Ready lamps. At last I’ve got enough bits (from 2 front & 3 rear) to make up a descent set, a little bit of 1500 grit & t-cut here and there and I think they could almost pass for NOS..

At last, my majestic 25.5” Claud Butler Majestic is fully dressed in its winter garb, as catalogue correct as I’m every going to get her.

Additions/replacements since the first build are;
Regina Extra 14-17-20-24-28 freewheel
Lyotard 460D pedals
Sella ‘Italia’ padded touring saddle (yes the Ladies one, but I’m quite secure in my sexuality)
SKS Super Sport pump (SKS took over Bluemels in 1984 so it’s legit)
Claud Butler Cape wrath plastic coated pannier rack
ESGE Chromoplast silver 1” silver mudguard set
Fork mounted lamp bracket
And a decent set of Ever ready lamps

Speciation now looks like this;
1984 Claud Butler Majestic. 25.5”
Frame Tubing: Reynolds 531 steel tubes and forks
Fork ends: Sun Tour semi forged
Braze-ons: Cable guides to top tube & chain stay, Lamp boss to fork
Frame angles: 72 head 72 seat
Wheelbase: Rear 17.5” Total 42” Fork offset 2.25”
Bracket height 10.75”
Headset fitted: Thun
Seat pin fitted: Alloy
Weight with fittings: 7 ¾ lb, 3.5kg
COMPONENTS
Hubs: Sanshin large flange alloy quick release 36 hole
Rims: Super Champion Mod 58 27” HP
Freewheel: Regina Extra 17-17-20-24-28
Chainset: S.R. alloy cotterless 36 x 50 teeth
Gears: Sun Tour VX GT 10 speed
Pedals: Lyotard 460D alloy
Brakes: Weinmann ‘999’ centre pull
Saddle: Selle ‘Italia’ padded touring
Bars & Stem: G.B. Avanti bars in Accord stem
Mudguards: ESGE Chromoplast Silver
Pump: Frame fitting SKS Super Sport
Carrier: C.B. Cape Wrath
Weight complete: 27lb, 12.2kg
Finished in Ice Blue Pearl

Replacement components;
Schwalbe 27”x1.25” white wall tyres
Continental inner tubes
Halo stainless steel spokes
Jagwire white cable set
Rustines (weinmann style) white hoods

Paint job by Bob Jackson Cycles
Decals by H lloyd cycles