Hi all,
This project came about a bit unexpectedly. I wasn’t actively hunting for a tandem or even a new bike until a couple of weeks ago when a crazy idea popped into my head, and when this 1948 Claud Butler Ultra Short-Wheelbase appeared on eBay, something about it just clicked. It’s got the lines, the character, and importantly — I think it's got the potential to be turned into a really usable and enjoyable bike for my partner and I to enjoy together.
The hope is simple: to get us out cycling more regularly, keeping pace together, instead of me half a mile ahead while she gets overtaken by joggers.
This Claud Butler already carries its own history. It apparently held a couple of Welsh Road Racing records back in the 1900's and was restored by the previous owner back in the early 2000s using parts and approaches that were appropriate for the time. Now, over 20 years later, it’s due another refresh — not to return it to original spec, but to gently modernise into 2025 so it can keep doing what it was built for: riding.
I’m not chasing originality or building a wall-hanger. This will be a modernised classic, with updated components aimed at comfort, reliability, and the kind of usability that encourages us to actually ride it — not just polish it.
Here’s the plan so far:
The frame itself will eventually be resprayed (at some point in the future once the bike has proven itself as a useable ride) probably in a rich aubergine tone.
I’ll be using this thread to share updates as the build progresses. The aim is a tandem that looks sharp, rides comfortably, and earns admiring glances — not for being a museum piece, but for being something people can imagine themselves riding.
Looking forward to hearing thoughts, tips, and recommendations from anyone who’s tackled a similar project — especially those who’ve brought vintage bikes into the modern world without losing their soul.
This project came about a bit unexpectedly. I wasn’t actively hunting for a tandem or even a new bike until a couple of weeks ago when a crazy idea popped into my head, and when this 1948 Claud Butler Ultra Short-Wheelbase appeared on eBay, something about it just clicked. It’s got the lines, the character, and importantly — I think it's got the potential to be turned into a really usable and enjoyable bike for my partner and I to enjoy together.
The hope is simple: to get us out cycling more regularly, keeping pace together, instead of me half a mile ahead while she gets overtaken by joggers.
This Claud Butler already carries its own history. It apparently held a couple of Welsh Road Racing records back in the 1900's and was restored by the previous owner back in the early 2000s using parts and approaches that were appropriate for the time. Now, over 20 years later, it’s due another refresh — not to return it to original spec, but to gently modernise into 2025 so it can keep doing what it was built for: riding.
I’m not chasing originality or building a wall-hanger. This will be a modernised classic, with updated components aimed at comfort, reliability, and the kind of usability that encourages us to actually ride it — not just polish it.
Here’s the plan so far:
- New handlebars: I’ll be running Ritchey Beacon-style drops up front for a more confident position, and fitting the stoker (who has arthritis in the thumbs) with comfortable, multi-position bars to keep hand strain at bay.
- Suspension seat posts for both positions, paired with new saddles to make longer rides much more enjoyable.
- A fresh drivetrain setup — Matching Stronglight (or similar) cranksets, new cassette, and chains — tailored for simplicity and reliability.
- Matching wheels are on the list — the current setup has a bit of a “parts bin special” look — and we'll be keeping the existing chrome hubs where possible.
- Tyres will likely be 32–35c tanwall with a tread that’s suitable for sustrans cycleways, canal towpaths and rural roads.
- The Macfac Racer brakes are staying — they’ll get new pads and a check over, but they’re part of the bike’s charm and hopefully more than capable with a bit of modern TLC.
The frame itself will eventually be resprayed (at some point in the future once the bike has proven itself as a useable ride) probably in a rich aubergine tone.
I’ll be using this thread to share updates as the build progresses. The aim is a tandem that looks sharp, rides comfortably, and earns admiring glances — not for being a museum piece, but for being something people can imagine themselves riding.
Looking forward to hearing thoughts, tips, and recommendations from anyone who’s tackled a similar project — especially those who’ve brought vintage bikes into the modern world without losing their soul.
