Carlton 531 Identification

[Sam1984]

Thought I would update this thread with some finished photos. Unfortunately, it's too small for me. But it was great fun doing it so I'm looking forward to my next project! Bike available on ebay soon!

 

[Spokesmann]

Looks much better! However, please don't take this wrong, this still needs work. A couple of suggestions...

Match up the tyres it looks bad and puts buyers off.

Lamp bracket.

Adjust that cage on the front to correct height.

Finish off the polishing on those brakes and alloy, it sets the whole refurbishment off.

Maybe look at that tape its too bulky and off-putting, cloth tape is period correct.

You'll get a lot more intent then and should be able to ask more.

Mike

 

[Sam1984]

Re:

Hi Mike, thanks for the suggestions, they are all good points. Apart from the lamp holder, not sure that adds anything! I was trying to get it to a stage to try it out, then found out it was the wrong size and was put off doing any more. The bar tape was a bit of a mistake, but is super comfortable.

What do you think it would go for as it is now?

 

[Spokesmann]

Re: Re:

Hi Mike, thanks for the suggestions, they are all good points. Apart from the lamp holder, not sure that adds anything! I was trying to get it to a stage to try it out, then found out it was the wrong size and was put off doing any more. The bar tape was a bit of a mistake, but is super comfortable.

What do you think it would go for as it is now?

With my suggestions maybe £130...

As it is you can ask the same but may find it harder.

As a Carlton fan and someone who knows a lot of Carlton owners, they're a picky lot! They love originality, however its a cycle has been 'updated' then it needs to look 'right' and well done. Its all in the detailing.

 

[Sam1984]

Re:

The economics of vintage bikes is really strange. New tyres and bar tape would be another, say, £40. But the value of the bike doesnt really reflect that. Plus time spent polishing.... Maybe I will never understand economics!

Would be a shame if nobody wanted it though.

 

[Spokesmann]

Re: Re:

The economics of vintage bikes is really strange. New tyres and bar tape would be another, say, £40. But the value of the bike doesnt really reflect that. Plus time spent polishing.... Maybe I will never understand economics!

Would be a shame if nobody wanted it though.

TBH there isn't any money in doing up bikes, unless they are very high end or a particularly collectable model. I had a Catalina renovated this year, £230 for the respray, £150 on parts, a further £150 was saved by me using my 'store' of parts. Were up to £500 plus already, then take into account my time say for rebuilding and refurbishing, even if I allowed myself say £120 for a days work, £600+ for a nice but mid range bike isn't going to attract much in the way of bidders. The money is in the high end stuff, mostly i do if for the love and that fact that Im keeping the machine.