Claud Butler European

jaso

Retro Newbie
Hello I am honestly quite new to vintage bikes although I am getting quite vintage myself... bit of a late developer. I have recently bought a frame for a Claud Butler European. The serial number is 22840 and it is stamped with CB on the bottom bracket which make it a 1957??? I think. My question is am I right and could this be one of the last bikes to come out of the Clapham Manor Street CB factory. Also I have found the CB catalogue for the European but does anyone else have any information about them.

Thank you and I wish you well.
 

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22840 - just from the frame number page linked above = ? might be 1964?

I have no CB knowledge but like the ride of my Holdsworths - '72 Pro (special order numbered), '82 Special.
 
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Reynolds tubing transfer appears to indicate plain gauge 531

bottom bracket assembly looks to be TDC

front brake hanger may be GB

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pleasing! 👍

lug pattern Prugnat 62/s

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fork crown Vagner model 12

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pump pegs Cyclo Ref. 25

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headset Thomas D. Cross & Sons Ltd model "J"

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in case you have not as yet discovered it there is a wonderful resource here:

Holdswoth, Claud Butler & FH Grubb For Classic Bike Buffs


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Norman Kilgariff
https://nkilgariff.com
https://nkilgariff.com/
please keep us posted as you work with this ;)

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I certainly will and thank you for your wonderfully detailed reply. It is appreciated and has helped enormously. Thank you
 
1752833248867.webp


1964 European. Here is your build list! The most expensive single part on this list is the "Cinelli steel headstem with badge".If you see one cheap let me know for my 1959 European! LOL.
 
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thanks so much for sharing this page! :D

text description states cycle fitted with Campag Gran Sport gears front and rear yet illustration shows a machine with a single plateau drive train

subject frame shows smudge/scuff where a front mech would have mounted so perhaps it was originally the two plateau edition

perchance the two plateau drive train was an option

front brake hanger of subject bicycle frame is not MAFAC; makes me think its brake set was other


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thanks so much for sharing this page! :D

text description states cycle fitted with Campag Gran Sport gears front and rear yet illustration shows a machine with a single plateau drive train

subject frame shows smudge/scuff where a front mech would have mounted so perhaps it was originally the two plateau edition

perchance the two plateau drive train was an option

front brake hanger of subject bicycle frame is not MAFAC; makes me think its brake set was other


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Thank you. I will have a better look at the brake hanger. Very interesting about the drive train too. I see Campagnolo Gran Sport drive trains are available on ebay.
View attachment 982115


1964 European. Here is your build list! The most expensive single part on this list is the "Cinelli steel headstem with badge".If you see one cheap let me know for my 1959 European! LOL.
Yes I saw an identical Cinelli steel stem for sale..£95..I will keep looking and if I do find any reasonably priced I will let you know. Thanks for the catalogue description...absolutely brilliant.
 
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Campag Gran Sport gear ensembles are plentiful

you can be selective with respect to cost an condition by comparing them

Lyotard model 15S pedals are also easy to find and not costly

Lyotard model 15S pedal  .webp

the three-piece Campag Gran Sport hubs of the cycle in the catalogue page are sought after an fairly costly

another period correct Campag hub you could use is the Sportman model, these are less costly

Campag Sportman hub a)  .webp Campag Sportman hub b) .webp Campag Sportman hub c) .webp

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