Please help me identify the model of my treasured Carlton. Despite being 40 years old is still run regularly alongside my lightweight bikes, it remains superb to ride and is very sentimental. I acquired it in 1985 and know its full history from its build in 1977, however, I have never been able to identify which model it is and whether its all 531 or only main tubes, stock model, built to order, etc...
I know the Carlton was a later (Raleigh owned) build from 1977 per the serial nos and the owner purchased new from Sutton Cycles in London in 1977/8. I owned it from 1985 at 15 years old it became my one and only road bike until 2014. I have covered well over a hundred thousand miles on this bike.
The Carlton was originally lime green with block lettering in black & white and ‘Handmade in Nottingham/or Great Britain’ transfers around the seat tube, with a square 531 transfer. It has very ornate nomex lugs except for the bottom bracket which was plain.
In 1991 I had the frame resprayed as it was in poor cosmetic condition. The Carlton hasn’t been recreated as a vintage tourer, its evolved as my only bike through the years with new parts and better components added as the years progressed, it certainly won’t please the purists.
I still use it regularly and still holds its own on Sportives and Winter duties mainly but is used all year round weighing in around 12kg (26lb).
If it helps I recall vividly it originally had Mafac centre pull brakes, Suntour Cyclone rear mech, Suntour Chainset, Suntour GT dropouts, GB extension, mudguard braze-ons and solid axle only wheels. I don’t expect its anything special and clearly one of their touring models rather than a racing geometry. Appreciate any help. http://i58.tinypic.com/bhf5sw.jpg
I know the Carlton was a later (Raleigh owned) build from 1977 per the serial nos and the owner purchased new from Sutton Cycles in London in 1977/8. I owned it from 1985 at 15 years old it became my one and only road bike until 2014. I have covered well over a hundred thousand miles on this bike.
The Carlton was originally lime green with block lettering in black & white and ‘Handmade in Nottingham/or Great Britain’ transfers around the seat tube, with a square 531 transfer. It has very ornate nomex lugs except for the bottom bracket which was plain.
In 1991 I had the frame resprayed as it was in poor cosmetic condition. The Carlton hasn’t been recreated as a vintage tourer, its evolved as my only bike through the years with new parts and better components added as the years progressed, it certainly won’t please the purists.
I still use it regularly and still holds its own on Sportives and Winter duties mainly but is used all year round weighing in around 12kg (26lb).
If it helps I recall vividly it originally had Mafac centre pull brakes, Suntour Cyclone rear mech, Suntour Chainset, Suntour GT dropouts, GB extension, mudguard braze-ons and solid axle only wheels. I don’t expect its anything special and clearly one of their touring models rather than a racing geometry. Appreciate any help. http://i58.tinypic.com/bhf5sw.jpg
