1984 Claud Butler Majestic

[Captain Stupido]

Just picked this up following a probably not particularly smart eBay bid. It's lovely, but tatty and in need of a total rebuild. The spec appealed, as did the size and the (relatively) short stem. It looks like it will fit me without tweaks - but mechanically and cosmetically it's a bit sorry. Been looking for something with 27" wheels and Weinmann centre pulls for a while - this is the first local affordable thing to turn up.

So far all I've done is pulled out the seatpost, cleaned and regreased it, and put the clamp the right way round. It put up a bit of a fight but is AOK now so that's one worry out of the way...

Plan is for my usual clean up and rebuild but ignore the cosmetics. Maybe touch-in the paint, we'll see. It will remain a survivor and I plan to ride it. I'll try to keep it as original as possible but might treat it to a 7 speed indexed drivetrain to make it a bit more user friendly. I'll try to spend as little as possible... but then I've said that before.

I haven't yet decided whether to do this as a rolling resto or take it apart completely and do everything in one hit. I'll decide once I've taken it for a short test ride. Tyres seem to be holding air so we'll be good to go tomorrow morning.

Welcome thoughts on year. I think it's original apart from the rear mech (and the numerous accessories...)?

 

[Peachy!]

Re: Claud Butler Majestic

Very nice... miss mine every day whilst my Colstar is off the road... saddle and as you said, rear mech not original.
I've got both in very good condition if you are interested?
Although obviously the Suntour mech isn't SIS compatible, but the Anatomic is very comfey

I've got some 105 kit that fitted well on mine;

Levers: Shimano SL-S434 (6 speed SIS)
Front Derailleur: Shimano FD-105SC
Rear Derailleur: Shimano RD-105SC
Cassette: Shimano 6 speed SIS 13,15,17,19,21,23

 

[Captain Stupido]

Re:

Thanks Peachy. Am half tempted to revert to original rear mech, what model is it? I actually have some 105 bits here that I was thinking about using.

Re saddle: thanks, but I think it deserves a Brooks.

I'm looking forward to riding it - had a go on one a few years ago and my memory is one of unparalleled smoothness...

Bits I really need are a rear mudguard and a right hand brake lever hood.

 

[hamster]

Re: Claud Butler Majestic

I can do you a pair of slightly scruffy but functional mudguards for a fiver plus postage.

 

[Peachy!]

Re: Re:

Thanks Peachy. Am half tempted to revert to original rear mech, what model is it? I actually have some 105 bits here that I was thinking about using.

Re saddle: thanks, but I think it deserves a Brooks.

I'm looking forward to riding it - had a go on one a few years ago and my memory is one of unparalleled smoothness...

Bits I really need are a rear mudguard and a right hand brake lever hood.

Original mech was a Suntour VX GT. very capable, just a shame it’s not indexed.

I respect your personal choice re-saddle, the Dalesman of the same year had a B17, so it’s not like your breaking the law

 

[allenh]

Re: Claud Butler Majestic

Snap sort of, I think mines a bit later than yours.

This I bought as a bare frame, built it up once with period kit and its back as a bare frame again so will probably get built up again in the summer.

 

[Peachy!]

Re: Claud Butler Majestic

Your stickers Allen look like a 79-81 version, Captains would be 82-86

Numbers please gentleman and we’ll soon sort it... (if anyone’s really interested :roll: )

 

[Captain Stupido]

Re: Re:

Thanks Peachy. Am half tempted to revert to original rear mech, what model is it? I actually have some 105 bits here that I was thinking about using.

Re saddle: thanks, but I think it deserves a Brooks.

I'm looking forward to riding it - had a go on one a few years ago and my memory is one of unparalleled smoothness...

Bits I really need are a rear mudguard and a right hand brake lever hood.

Original mech was a Suntour VX GT. very capable, just a shame it’s not indexed.

I respect your personal choice re-saddle, the Dalesman of the same year had a B17, so it’s not like your breaking the law

Hehe... it might be a Team Professional for now. A B17 would be perfect, but I don't own one any more. I wonder what happened to my old one... I've actually got a VX GT here. Might have to try it. Is the Mountech front original do you think?

I can do you a pair of slightly scruffy but functional mudguards for a fiver plus postage.

That's generous, thank you. The fitted (ESGE?) mudguards are practical but I think the rear has been cut short. Ideally I'd like to get hold of a replacement rear with the same natty red stripe...but then I suppose beggars can't be choosers!

 

[Captain Stupido]

Re: Claud Butler Majestic

Your stickers Allen look like a 79-81 version, Captains would be 82-86

Numbers please gentleman and we’ll soon sort it... (if anyone’s really interested :roll: )

Sounds about right. Here's a picture, I'm not sure I can read it. Lots of 8s.

 

[Peachy!]

Re: Claud Butler Majestic

Ok, looks like 051988 to me? That would put yours firmly in 1983


Front mech would also have been a VX, but there’s not a lot between that and a Mountech really..